Develop practical solutions to global environmental challenges, working collaboratively with others towards eco-social justice.

The global climate change and biodiversity crises are closely bound up with issues of social, environmental and ecological justice. Through this MA you will investigate these issues in depth, using perspectives from across various humanities and social science disciplines. Your Capstone Project will tackle a real problem of your choosing, engaging with stakeholders to produce work that has the potential for real impact.

Course overview

Throughout our Environment and Social Justice MA you will have an active role in your learning, pursuing the issues that interest you through guided and independent learning. We encourage you to a take solutions-focused approach, applying the theories and methods you learn to develop potential outcomes that work towards a more just, sustainable world. Debate and discussion is also central to the course, with sessions often centred around exploring complex issues together as a group.

The modules you will study use multidisciplinary approaches from across the social sciences and humanities to deepen your understanding of complex environmental issues. You will also develop your knowledge and skills in research and communication, as you progress towards your final Capstone Project. This will tackle a real environmental challenge, offering both academic insight and practical solutions through engaging directly with stakeholders.

The values of York St John University closely align with environment and social justice, with an established Institute for Social Justice, sector leading environmental sustainability and biodiversity, and an inclusive and socially transformative ethos.

You will be taught by a team of internationally recognised researchers who have experience of a variety of research approaches and methods, working in local, national and international contexts. Guest speakers from relevant external organisations also provide varied perspectives from relevant fields. If you want to take your studies further after graduating from the course, potential research degree supervisors are available within the staff team.