This is an innovative interdisciplinary course aimed at those who want to engage critically, practically and creatively with global and local environmental problems. Human-induced environmental change has reached a level at which there is talk in both the physical and social sciences about a new geological epoch - referred to as the 'Anthropocene'. While the scale of these changes may seem daunting, the growing recognition of the urgency and the magnitude of environmental challenges also provides opportunities for new kinds of understanding and engagement. In the face of mounting alarm around such issues as food security, climate change, emergent risks and energy futures, novel critical perspectives and forms of commitment are needed - and increasingly valued - in the academic, NGO, business and government sectors.

This course brings together insights from sociology and geography, bringing together cutting-edge social, cultural and environmental theories and approaches. The programme gives new meanings to the notion of 'sustainability' in a fast-changing world, and recognises that finding new ways to lever societal transformation also requires an understanding the dynamics of environmental and earth processes.

The lecturers teaching this course have strong advisory and advocacy links with a range of scientific, policy, industrial and civic communities. This provides opportunities for research placements and practical engagement experience. The combination of critical theory, experimental natural science, and access to empirical real-world contexts creates a unique course for anyone seeking to add value to their academic and/or applied career trajectory. You can choose between an MA or MSc pathway through the course, allowing you to build your own postgraduate degree from a selection of social and natural science modules offered by the Sociology Department and Lancaster Environment Centre

Core modules

• Environment and Culture
• Researching Environment and Culture
• Dissertation Project
• Research methods

Optional modules

• Climate Change and Society
• Disaster Management
• Ecology, Conservation and Culture
• Environmental Justice
• Policy, Publics and Expertise
• Food Security, Agriculture and Climate Change
• Geoinformatics
• Geological Hazards
• Habitat Management
• Perspectives on Environment and Development
• Science and Technology Studies
• Social and Cultural Theory
• Sustainable Water Management: Concepts, Governance and Practice
• Wildlife Monitoring Techniques