Environmental Humanities (PhD) at University of Bristol

Programme overview

The University of Bristol has one of the world’s greatest concentrations of Environmental Humanities scholars, with expertise in fields including the energy humanities, oceanic studies, polar histories, animal studies, and creative writing. It has run an MA in Environmental Humanities since 2023, and from 2027 it will extend its offering to a PhD in Environmental Humanities – the only such programme in the UK, and one of only two globally. Students will benefit from participation within the Centre of Environmental Humanities (CEH) , a research collective of over 100 members, as well as the Cabot Institute for the Environment , a university-wide organisation to which arts and humanities scholars make a significant contribution.

Faculty: Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences | Department: School of Humanities | Duration: Up to four years full-time, up to eight years part-time | Study mode: full-time, part-time | Intake: September 2027, January 2028, September 2028, January 2029 | Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Graduates wishing to stay within the university sector would be eligible for posts across various academic departments requiring expertise in Environmental Humanities – in particular, lectureships or postdoctoral positions in departments of History and English Literature. The research skills and expertise in environmental questions gained during degree are also likely to make graduates well-qualified for roles in policy and government and in organisations in the public and private sector concerned with environmental ethics and sustainability.

Career pathways

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis, provided they hold a good undergraduate degree. Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study. English language: profile level E.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,343 a year (2027/28). full-time per year; 2027 entry, subject to annual review. Source

International applicants: GBP 22,500 a year (2027/28). full-time per year; 2027 entry, subject to annual review. Source

Intake: September 2027, January 2028, September 2028, January 2029

Duration: Up to four years full-time, up to eight years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/start-application/

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