Programme Specification for the 2023/4 academic year
BA (Hons) Environmental Humanities with Employment Experience
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | BA (Hons) Environmental Humanities with Employment Experience | Programme code | UFA4EGLEGLCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time |
Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Campus(es) | Cornwall Campus |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 6 (Honours) |
2. Description of the Programme
Environmental Humanities is a global interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary field of study, enabling you to discover new and fresh ways of thinking and acting upon urgent environmental, ecological and societal problems. During your degree you will explore the key contribution of humanities methods (in history, literature, anthropology, archaeology, cultural geography for example) to scientific and political understandings of local and global crises and challenges. You will consider the problems and limitations of dealing with these challenges from a single disciplinary perspective and the rich potential of working together and collaboratively across disciplines. You will pursue humanities-led questions on a range of connected issues from climate change, environmental and social injustice, oceanic and aerial pollution, and global resource depletion, and will engage in critical enquiry of the narratives and representations, infrastructures and inequalities that continue to reproduce environmental and societal problems.
Join the BA Environmental Humanities with Employment Experience programme at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus in Penryn and learn how and in what ways the Humanities brings critical insights to understanding and solving current and global problems of climate and environmental change. You will benefit from world-class research-led teaching and will join a close-knit community of scholars and students committed to making a difference through actively engaging in the climate and environmental crisis.
The BA in Environmental Humanities with Employment Experience offers you a creative, flexible, future-facing and innovative Humanities programme that allows you to explore climate and environmental change as urgent local, global and planetary challenges. This programme is unique in the following ways:
- Our interdisciplinary focus and optionality allow you to follow interests in law, politics, geography and archaeology, for example, alongside literature and history.
- Our location in Cornwall, at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus, places you among students and staff with expertise in environment and sustainability, giving you opportunities to engage with cutting edge research, teaching and student activism across disciplines.
- Our commitment to embedding employability within teaching programmes and providing opportunities for you to engage with creative industries and organisations through work placements. We will support you in developing and attaining your future career goals.
- Our focus on some of the most urgent global challenges of the twenty-first century and giving you the opportunity to contribute to current global debates and challenge-led solutions.
- Our practical, interdisciplinary field-course teaching designed to take you outside the lecture and seminar room where you can apply your knowledge and skills to real world problems.
The BA in Environmental Humanities with Employment Experience offers a wide-ranging programme of study from different disciplinary perspectives but keeps the critical contribution of the Humanities at its intellectual and methodological core. Lecturers and tutors will help you to gain a range of highly transferable skills whether your interests lie in project management, creative thinking and practice, critical enquiry and strategy, communication and behavioural change, planning and problem solving, heritage, museums and archives within the context of climate and environmental challenges.
Additionally, by choosing to undertake graduate-level work during your degree you will unlock a world of experience that allows you to develop essential employability and interpersonal skills that relate to your degree and future career. A work placement (or placements) will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
The sector you choose to work within is very much your choice as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement(s). We will provide plenty of guidance and support during your first and second years which will prepare you to research and apply for placements. Ultimately, the university will give final approval to your placement(s) to make sure you have a valuable experience.
Advice and guidance on your programme can be sought from your personal tutor and programme director. All staff offer regular office hours that you can drop into without a prior appointment for this purpose.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
Academic scope
Our BA Environmental Humanities with Employment Experience has been designed for those who have a deep interest in the environment but do not wish to pursue a science-based degree. On this exciting and innovative programme, you will focus on pressing current and global challenges from an arts and humanities perspective. You will have the opportunity to contribute to new thinking on the future of humanity and the planet in this time of accelerating climate and environmental change.
Your first year will introduce you to environmental humanities exploring relationships between humans and the non-human world. You will address issues associated with language and narrative, inequality, ethics and justice, crisis and risk, sustainability and resilience, experience and imagination. During your second year, you will explore the contribution of humanities subjects in responding to real-world challenges such as biodiversity loss, energy system change, agriculture and food production, mining and extractivism. You will have opportunities to apply your academic thinking to work in the field. In your final year, you will undertake a dissertation that offers the opportunity to undertake an extended research essay on a topic of your choice.
Learning and teaching methods
As well as lectures, seminars and tutorials led by internationally respected academics at the forefront of research, you will engage in field-courses, workshops and challenge-focused activities. You will participate in group tasks, discussion groups and independent study. You will engage as active learners in module material including documentary material, film, photography and visual sources, historic documents, journalistic and creative writing and digital sources. You will grow your skills as writers and communicators in preparation for seminars, presentations, fieldwork and workshops. We encourage presentation work and written coursework, because it creates a participatory teaching and learning environment and develops important transferable skills such as good verbal and visual communication, as well as effective interaction with other people. You will also develop a range of professional skills, such as time management and team working, plus valuable critical and analytical skills.
You will be introduced to the broad foundations of environmental thought as well as the methods and practices available to environmental humanities students by engaging with climate and environmental challenges that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. You will engage with students from across the environmental sciences, geology, geography, archaeology, technology, business studies, law, politics and international relations.
Learning environment
You will have on average 2-3 teaching hours per module and will need to allow for up to nine additional hours of private study. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time. As well as attending lectures and writing essays and assignments, you’ll be expected to make presentations in seminars or tutorials. We encourage your presentation work, because it involves you actively in the teaching and learning process and develops important life skills, such as good verbal and visual communication and effective interaction with other people.
You will have a personal tutor as well as tutors in individual subjects and they will work with you to monitor your progress, as well as offering pastoral support and other help. You will have a chance to make your mark on the programmes through regular student evaluations and participation in the Student-Staff Liaison Committees and student societies.
4. Programme Structure
The BA (Hons) Environmental Humanities with Employment Experience is a 4-year full-time programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 6 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 4 stages. Each stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.
The programme is divided into units of study called modules which are assigned a number of 'credits'. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.
Interim Awards
With the requisite number of credits a student may qualify for a Certificate of Higher Education or a Diploma of Higher Education.
If you do not complete the work placement(s), or pass the associated assessment, on your return to the University of Exeter you will be enrolled onto the BA Environmental Humanities programme without the Employment Experience addendum.
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the Faculty website: https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/humanities/studying/undergraduates/modules/
You may take optional modules as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
You may take elective modules up to 30 credits outside of the programme in any stage of the programme as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and if you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module.
Stage 1
Stage 1: 60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIC1010 | Foundations of Environmental Humanities | 15 | No |
| HIC1305 | World History: Science, Environment and Sustainability | 15 | No |
| HIC1602 | Crafts of Research and Writing | 15 | No |
| HUM1005 | Climate Emergency - An Introduction to Environmental Humanities | 15 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGLP S1 BA EnvHum opt 2023-4 | |||
| POC1026 | Power, Inequality and Global Justice | 15 | No |
| LAW1016C | A Legal Foundation for Environmental Protection | 15 | No |
| GEO1408B | Global Issues in Environmental Science | 15 | No |
| GEO1413 | The Geography of Cornwall | 15 | No |
| GEO1401B | Approaches to Geographical Knowledge | 15 | No |
| POC1023 | Participating in Politics | 15 | No |
| BEP1100 | Understanding Work and Organisations | 15 | No |
| HIC1604 | New Approaches to History | 15 | No |
| HIC1306 | World History: Globalisation | 15 | No |
Stage 2
Stage 2: 30 credits of compulsory modules, 90 credits of optional modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIC2030 | Environmental Humanities Field Methods: Research and Practice | 30 | No |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGLP SF BA EnvHum opt 2023-4 | |||
| HUC3016 | Irish Stories: History, Politics, Literature and Heritage | 30 | No |
| HIC3311 | Indigenous History, Colonialism and Identity in Western Canada | 30 | No |
| HIC3310 | Regionalism, Localism, and Ideas of Home in Modern European History | 30 | No |
| POC3117 | The Politics of Climate Change | 15 | No |
| POC3095 | Environmental Knowledge Controversies | 15 | No |
| POC3103 | The Resource Paradox: Blessing or Curse? | 15 | No |
| LAW3016C | Legal Response to Environmental Destruction | 15 | No |
| CSC4011M | Living with Environmental Change | 15 | No |
| GEO3437B | Climate Change and Society | 15 | No |
| GEO3467 | Human-Animal Interactions | 15 | No |
| GEO3458 | Marine and Coastal Sustainability | 15 | No |
| HIC3316 | The Environment and Everyday Life in Modern Britain | 30 | No |
| HIC3513 | Landscape, History and Heritage in Britain Since the Sixteenth Century | 30 | No |
| HIC3007 | Some Corner of a Foreign Field? Contemporary Militarised Landscapes, 1899 to the Present Day | 30 | No |
| HUC3048 | Writing Nature | 30 | No |
| HIC3006 | Indigenous Heritage and Belief | 30 | No |
Stage 3
Stage 3: 120 credits of compulsory work placement(s) (at least 28 weeks)
You will normally need to have gained an overall average mark for the year of 50% or above in Stage 1 in order to participate in ‘Employment Experience.’ Students taking this module work in the UK for the whole academic year (a minimum of 28 weeks).
As a prerequisite, you are required to have studied the workshop element of HUC2001 Humanities in the Workplace and to have participated in the pre-departure briefing sessions for Humanities Employment Experience UK.
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUC3000 | Employment Experience | 120 | Yes |
Stage 4
Stage 4: 30 credits of compulsory Dissertation, 90 credits of optional modules
a Wholly taught online (mixed cohort with Streatham)
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIC3003 | Dissertation in Environmental Humanities | 30 | Yes |
Optional Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGLP SF BA EnvHum opt 2023-4 | |||
| HUC3016 | Irish Stories: History, Politics, Literature and Heritage | 30 | No |
| HIC3311 | Indigenous History, Colonialism and Identity in Western Canada | 30 | No |
| HIC3310 | Regionalism, Localism, and Ideas of Home in Modern European History | 30 | No |
| POC3117 | The Politics of Climate Change | 15 | No |
| POC3095 | Environmental Knowledge Controversies | 15 | No |
| POC3103 | The Resource Paradox: Blessing or Curse? | 15 | No |
| LAW3016C | Legal Response to Environmental Destruction | 15 | No |
| CSC4011M | Living with Environmental Change | 15 | No |
| GEO3437B | Climate Change and Society | 15 | No |
| GEO3467 | Human-Animal Interactions | 15 | No |
| GEO3458 | Marine and Coastal Sustainability | 15 | No |
| HIC3316 | The Environment and Everyday Life in Modern Britain | 30 | No |
| HIC3513 | Landscape, History and Heritage in Britain Since the Sixteenth Century | 30 | No |
| HIC3007 | Some Corner of a Foreign Field? Contemporary Militarised Landscapes, 1899 to the Present Day | 30 | No |
| HUC3048 | Writing Nature | 30 | No |
| HIC3006 | Indigenous Heritage and Belief | 30 | No |
| BEP3011 | Business and Climate Change [See note a above] | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Identify Environmental Humanities as a broad interdisciplinary field. | ILOs 1-6 will be developed through lectures, seminars, workshops, student study groups and field work. The degree of knowledge and competency in handling the themes and issues of environmental humanities study will increase over the course of the programme, culminating in the third year Dissertation module. Optional modules at second and third year most closely relate to staff research specialisms. Teaching methods vary according to each module. Some modules will be team-taught, others will be taught by individual staff. Your learning is further developed through engagement with assessments, following guidance from tutors and lecturers and through feedback on work submitted. ILOs 1 – 7 are introduced in the Foundations of Environmental Humanities module and tested using collaborative and creative techniques on the fieldcourse module: Climate Emergency! Introduction to Environmental Humanities | The assessment of these skills is through a combination of presentations and participation in seminars, participation diaries, log-books, web-based assessments, creative portfolios, policy writing, essays, reports, research projects, and the final year dissertation. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
8. Apply critical skills in the close, detailed analysis of textual and visual material. | ILOs 8-14 will be developed throughout the programme in all modules, in lectures, reading groups, workshops, fieldwork and seminars. They are further developed in independent study, written work, and oral work (both in presentation, seminar discussion and field work activities), and reinforced through the range of core and optional modules across all stages. Collaborative and creative work is specifically introduced in HUM1005 Climate Emergency! at level 1, and the level 2 residential fieldcourse. | The assessment of these skills is maintained throughout the second year programme, through a combination of presentations and participation in seminars, log-books, creative portfolio work, policy writing, web-based assessments, essays, field work, field diaries and projects, as also group work. |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
15. Apply advanced literacy and communication skills in appropriate contexts including the ability to present sustained and persuasive written and oral arguments. | ILOs 15-26 will help foster personal and key transferable skills delivered through all modules, and developed in lectures, workshops, study groups, tutorials, work experience and other learning activities throughout the programme. | The assessment of these skills is maintained throughout the three year programme, through a combination of presentations and participation in seminars, log-books, creative portfolio work, policy writing, web-based assessments, essays, field work and projects, group work and final year dissertation. |
7. Programme Regulations
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
You will have an academic personal tutor for your entire programme of study who is available at advertised ‘office and feedback hours’. There are induction sessions to orientate you at the start of your programme. A personal tutoring system will operate with regular communication throughout the programme. Academic support will be also be provided by module leaders. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.
Other useful information and student resources can be accessed via the Exeter Learning Environment (ELE): http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/login/index.php which has specific information on library skills, essay writing and research skills.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
Not applicable to this programme.
18. Final Award
BA (Hons) Environmental Humanities with Employment Experience
19. UCAS Code
QVH4
20. NQF Level of Final Award
6 (Honours)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | 480 |
ECTS credits | 240 |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
Level 1
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 04/02/2022 |
Date of last revision | 18/09/2023 |
|---|
