In the face of increasing uncertainty, political controversy and public distrust of scientific institutions, it is increasingly recognised that environmental risks cannot be solved by science alone, but depend on taking a social perspective grounded in an in-depth understanding of environment-society relations.
This pathway explores the major contemporary intersections between environment, risk and society across key areas, linking cutting edge academic theory to applied case studies of policy, decision-making and business. As well as providing training for those seeking to conduct postgraduate research at the environment-society interface, this pathway meets the need for skilled specialists in social, economic and political dimensions of environmental issues now demanded by employers in industry, government and non-governmental organisations.
Programme Content
This is a modular programme, comprising 180 credits, 120 from MSc dedicated taught modules and 60 obtained from a dissertation. In line with University of Birmingham regulations, 60 credits leads to a Certificate, 120 credits a Diploma and 180 credits the MSc.
Students can opt to take one of three pathways or choose from a range of modules. The following pathway diagrams are illustrative only.
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Term 1
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Induction
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Economy, Environment & Place (10)
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Theoretical Themes for Geographers (20)
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Foundations of Social Research (20)
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Basic Qualitative Research Methods
OR
Basic Quantitative Research
(1 x 10)
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Term 2
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Environmental Decision Making (20)
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Local Economic Development in Theory and Practice (20)
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Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (10)
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Advanced Quantitative Research (10)
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Term 2 + Summer
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Dissertation (60)
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Module Title
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Credits
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Semester
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Administered by
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Economy, Environment and Place
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10
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1
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GEES
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Foundations of Social Research
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20
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1
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Social Sciences
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Theoretical Themes for Geographers
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20
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1
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GEES
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One of the following two options:
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Basic Quantitative Research Methods
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110
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1
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Social Sciences
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Basic Qualitative Research Methods
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10
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1
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Social Sciences
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Two of the following three options:
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Environmental Decision Making
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20
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2
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GEES
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Doing Human Geography
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20
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2
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GEES
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Local Economic Development in Theory and Practice
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20
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2
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GEES
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Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
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10
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2
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Social Sciences
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Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
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10
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2
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Social Sciences
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Dissertation
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60
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Year long
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GEES
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