BA Environmental Humanities
| UCAS code | QVH3 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | QVH4 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
| UCAS code | QVH5 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Typical offer | A-Level: ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBC |
Why study BA Environmental Humanities at Exeter?
- 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.
- Our BA in Environmental Humanities 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.
- 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.
- We will teach you how to 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.
- You will 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.
- Engage with local businesses, charities and societies and participate in practical field-based activities.
- Tailor your programme to your future career with a choice of environmentally focused modules in history, literary studies, politics, geography, law, business and environmental science.
Top 10 in the UK for English and History
Complete University Guide 2026: 7th for English, 9th for History
Top 100 in the world for English and History
QS World University Rankings 2025
Top 50 in the world in the QS World University Sustainability Rankings 2026
Opportunities for study abroad and employment experience in the UK or abroad
This programme explores some of the most pressing environmental questions of our time and enables ways in which you can facilitate change.
You can choose from a diverse range of modules taught by world-leading researchers, and build your experience and skills portfolio through work-based projects and internships. Our course enables you to develop key skills in communication and creative critical thinking that are invaluable to producing more environmentally responsible societies for the future.
Read more from Dr Natalie Pollard
Dr Natalie Pollard
Senior Lecturer
Entry requirements (typical offer)
| Qualification | Typical offer | Required subjects |
|---|---|---|
| A-Level | ABB | n/a |
| IB | 32/655 | n/a |
| BTEC | DDM | n/a |
| GCSE | C or 4 | English Language |
| Access to HE | 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. | N/A |
| T-Level | Distinction | N/A |
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| Other accepted qualifications | ||
| English language requirements |
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country. |
|
NB General Studies is not included in any offer.
Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply
Course content
Our BA Environmental Humanities 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.
We will teach you how and in what ways the Humanities brings critical insights to understanding and solving current and global problems of climate and environmental change.
Our BA Environmental Humanities is a creative, flexible, future-facing and innovative Humanities course that allows you to explore climate and environmental change as urgent local, global and planetary challenges. This course is unique in the following ways:
- Our interdisciplinary focus and module options allow you to follow interests in law, politics, geography and archaeology, for example, alongside literature and history.
- Our location at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall, in the South West of the UK, 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.
You may notice changes to some of our modules over the coming months. This is because we are making space for the following:
- Minors: Future Skills Pathways - Alongside your main degree you may be eligible (depending on your course) to choose modules from another subject to broaden your skills and interests.
- Skills to Thrive built into every degree - Essential skills for your future, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork and digital confidence.
- Increased innovation and wellbeing - More room for creative learning, real-world projects and a healthier study rhythm.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Preparing for Placements 1 | 0 | |
| Climate Emergency! Environmental Humanities Fieldschool | 15 | |
| Foundations of Environmental Humanities | 15 | |
| An Introduction to Histories of Science and Environment | 15 | |
| Generative AI and Sustainable Futures: Ethics, Society, and Scholarship | 15 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Understanding Work and Organisations | 15 | |
| Approaches to Geographical Knowledge | 15 | |
| Global Issues in Environmental Science | 15 | |
| The Geography of Cornwall | 15 | |
| Historical Sources and Skills: Microhistory and History from Below | 15 | |
| Public History | 15 | |
| New Approaches to History | 15 | |
| European History: Politics and Society | 15 | |
| Global History: Twentieth Century Transformations | 15 | |
| A Legal Foundation for Environmental Protection | 15 | |
| Power, Inequality and Global Justice | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
30 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Critical Elements of Environmental Humanities: Cultures of Earth and Water | 15 | |
| Environmental Humanities Field Methods | 15 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Business Beyond Profit | 15 | |
| Ecological Economics | 15 | |
| Circular Enterprise Economy | 15 | |
| Green Consultants | 15 | |
| Waste and Society | 15 | |
| Social and Cultural Geographies | 15 | |
| People and Nature | 15 | |
| Apocalyptic Narratives: Disaster Writing | 15 | |
| Ecology and Empire | 15 | |
| Art and Archaeology in Post-Colonial Nations | 15 | |
| Stolen Histories: Colonialism, Looting, and the Illicit Trade of Cultural Heritage | 15 | |
| The Occult in Victorian Britain | 15 | |
| Germany 1500-Present: Cultural and Political Histories | 15 | |
| Humanities in the Workplace (Penryn) | 15 | |
| Enlightenment and the Age of Reason: Philosophy, Politics, Society | 15 | |
| Revolution and Abolition: History and Legacies of the Atlantic Slave Trade | 15 | |
| Environmental Regulation and Redress | 15 | |
| Security Studies | 15 | |
| Introduction to Postcolonialism | 15 | |
| Political Geographies: Local to Global | 15 | |
| Politics of Gender, Sex and Sexuality | 15 | |
| Politics, Policy and Economics | 15 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
Typically, any placement year will take place in Year 3. If you are not taking a placement year please see the Final Year modules for year 3.
With Study Abroad
120 credits of compulsory study abroad modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Study Abroad | 120 | |
With Employment Experience
120 credit compulsory placement module
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory | ||
| Work Placement Year | 120 | |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
30 credits of compulsory Dissertation, 90 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Dissertation | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Social and Technological Innovation | 15 | |
| Business and Climate Change | 15 | |
| Future 17: Sustainable Development Goals Challenge | 15 | |
| Climate Change and Society | 15 | |
| Human-Animal Interactions | 15 | |
| Marine and Coastal Social-Ecological systems | 15 | |
| Environmental Humanities: Futures | 15 | |
| Irish Stories: History and Culture from 1800 to Now | 15 | |
| Writing Nature | 15 | |
| Caribbean Histories: Colonialism, Resistance and Environmental Crisis | 15 | |
| Boffins: Scientists, War, Politics and Culture in the Twentieth Century | 15 | |
| Gender, Power and Identity in Early Modern Britain | 15 | |
| Pacific Histories: Environment, People, and Politics | 15 | |
| The Power of Place: Home, Locality, and Region in Modern History | 15 | |
| Early Modern Britain: Power, Authority and Social Unrest | 15 | |
| Myth in the Modern World: From the Classics to Conspiracies | 15 | |
| Law and Policy for Sustainable Organisations | 15 | |
| Entangled Life: Radical Democracy in Theory | 15 | |
| The Resource Paradox: Blessing or Curse? | 15 | |
| Negotiating Postcoloniality: History and Politics of Independent India | 15 | |
| The Politics of Climate Change | 15 | |
| The Politics of Knowledge and Ignorance | 15 | |
| Displacement and Migration in the Middle East | 15 | |
| Party Politics, Voters and Elections in Britain | 15 | |
Course variants
BA Environmental Humanities with Study Abroad
UCAS code: QVH3
Our four-year ‘with Study Abroad’ degree, offers you the possibility of spending your third year abroad, studying with one of our many partner universities.
Why Study Abroad?
Living and studying in a different country is an exciting experience that broadens your academic and cultural horizons, as well as giving you the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Students who have studied abroad demonstrate initiative, independence, motivation and, depending on where they stay, may also have gained a working knowledge of another language – all key qualities that employers are looking for in today’s competitive employment environment.
Where can I Study Abroad?
We have partnership arrangements with many prestigious institutions across the globe. Exactly where you can apply to study will depend on the subjects you are studying at Exeter. For a full list please visit the Study Abroad website.
Does it count towards my degree?
Credit for academic work during your year abroad is arranged by agreement between the University of Exeter and the host institution. These marks are then translated back into your degree at Exeter. If you are Studying Abroad for a semester or full year, your time abroad will count toward your final degree. Please refer to your Study Abroad co-ordinator for further details.
How does it affect my tuition fee and funding?
For the year that you spend studying abroad you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter, but nothing to your host university – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your Study Abroad year.
BA Environmental Humanities with Employment Experience
UCAS code: QVH5
Our four-year ‘with Employment Experience’ degree offers you the option of spending your third year carrying out a graduate-level work placement or placements, within the UK or abroad, as part of your degree.
Why choose to include Employment Experience?
Undertaking graduate-level work during your degree unlocks 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 will dramatically boost your confidence, enhance your CV and develop graduate-level skills and competencies that employers are looking for.
Where will I do my work placement?
The sector and country you choose to work in is very much your choice, as you will be responsible for finding and organising your placement.
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 to make sure you have a valuable experience.
How does it affect my tuition fees and funding?
For your ‘Year In Industry’ you will pay a significantly reduced tuition fee to Exeter – for more information visit our fees pages. If you were previously eligible, you will continue to receive a maintenance loan whilst on your year of work placement/s.
Is the placement paid?
You will be paid in accordance with the rules of the country you work in and there may be visa restrictions or requirements which you need to consider when applying.
Find out more
Fees
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
UK students: £9,790 per year
International students: £24,950 per year
Please note, some optional/alternative field courses may incur additional costs. You may also need to provide your own specialist personal equipment appropriate to the field course destination. You may incur additional costs depending on the specific demands of the research project chosen.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
Learning and teaching
How will I learn?
As well as lectures, seminars and tutorials led by internationally respected academics at the forefront of research in this field, you will engage in field-courses, workshops and challenge-focused activities. You will participate in group tasks, discussion groups and independent study. You will become active learners using a variety of materials for your modules, including documentary material, film, photography and visual sources, historic documents, journalistic and creative writing and digital sources. We encourage presentation work and written coursework, because it involves you actively in the teaching and learning process and develops important transferable skills such as good verbal and visual communication, as well as effective interaction with other people. You will grow your skills as writers and communicators in preparation for seminars, presentations, fieldwork and workshops. You will also develop a range of transferable professional skills, such as time management and team working, plus valuable critical and analytical skills.
Modules
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, politics and International relations.
Teaching hours
You’ll have on average 1-3 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.
Personal tutor
You'll 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 the student History Societies on both campuses.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Minors: Future Skills Pathways
You can study a Future Skills Pathway alongside your main degree by choosing up to 30 credits of modules from a different subject area in your second and final years.
Your future
Employer-valued skills this course develops
This is a varied and interdisciplinary programme that allows you to gain a range of highly transferable skills such as project management, strategy, planning and problem solving within the context of both the humanities and environmental themes.
Career paths
You will be equipped with skills that are attractive to employers across a wide range of careers within the public, private and NGO sectors such as:
- Sustainability / Environmental Manager
- Environmental Planner
- Environmental Specialist / Consultant
- Programme Manager
- Project Manager
You can also pursue further study or research with postgraduate courses.
Employer visits
We have a dedicated, award-winning Careers Service, with offices at our Exeter and Penryn campuses, ensuring you have access to careers advisors, mentors and the tools you need to succeed in finding employment in your chosen field on graduation. We offer the Exeter Award and the Exeter Leaders Award which include employability-related workshops, skills events, volunteering and employment which will contribute to your career decision-making skills and success in the employment market. Our graduates compete very successfully in the employment market, with many employers targeting the University when recruiting new graduates. For further information please visit our Careers Service.
