Anthropology, Environment and Development MSc

Anthropology, Environment and Development MSc

The MSc in Anthropology, Environment and Development integrates natural and social science approaches to address issues of sustainability and resilience in the Anthropocene. It serves as a foundation for higher level research and professional work, offering a rare opportunity to learn in an interdisciplinary setting with staff who collaborate with outside organisations while also pursuing independent research. Drawing on staff expertise in human ecology, social anthropology, medical anthropology and demography, the MSc equips graduates with an interdisciplinary perspective on topics relating to global environmental change, sustainable resource use, and development, in both rural and urban contexts. Through a supervised field project and dissertation, students gain demonstrable skills in research design, and qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.

Graduates of this programme have gone on to a wide range of relevant careers in research, teaching, consultancy, policy and advocacy work in universities, governmental bodies, national and international NGOs and international research organisations. A number of our graduates have chosen to pursue PhD studies with AED MSc staff as well.

The MSc integrates natural and social science approaches to answer real-world research problems, culminating in a fieldwork project that develops students’ skills in research design, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and academic writing. The interdisciplinary perspective and research experience are an ideal foundation for future work with governmental or non-governmental organisations, or as a step towards PhD research. Other skills acquired include presentation and IT, project management, team building and leadership, fundraising and critical analysis and evaluation. Many students carry out their work in conjunction with an NGO, with some going on to work for their host organisation.