Environment and Social Justice MA

Throughout our Environment and Social Justice MA you will have an active role in your learning, pursuing the issues that interest you through guided and independent learning. We encourage you to a take solutions-focused approach, applying the theories and methods you learn to develop potential outcomes that work towards a more just, sustainable world. Debate and discussion is also central to the course, with sessions often centred around exploring complex issues together as a group.

The modules you will study use multidisciplinary approaches from across the social sciences and humanities to deepen your understanding of complex environmental issues. You will also develop your knowledge and skills in research and communication, as you progress towards your final Capstone Project. This will tackle a real environmental challenge, offering both academic insight and practical solutions through engaging directly with stakeholders.

The values of York St John University closely align with environment and social justice, with an established Institute for Social Justice, sector leading environmental sustainability and biodiversity, and an inclusive and socially transformative ethos.

You will be taught by a team of internationally recognised researchers who have experience of a variety of research approaches and methods, working in local, national and international contexts. Guest speakers from relevant external organisations also provide varied perspectives from relevant fields. If you want to take your studies further after graduating from the course, potential research degree supervisors are available within the staff team.

How you will study

You can study this postgraduate course full time or part time. This allows you to fit your studies around other commitments.

If you choose to study full time the course will take 1 year to complete. You will study:

• 2 compulsory modules in term 1
• 1 optional module in term 2
• 1 optional module in term 3
• 1 compulsory Capstone Project across terms 2 and 3

If you choose to study part time the course will take 2 years to complete and the modules will be split across both years.

It is not guaranteed that all modules will run every year. Optional modules will run depending on staff availability and student interest.

You can find out which modules are available in each term in the Course Specifications.

Modules

Teaching and learning

Throughout the course you will be expected to take an active role in your learning, critically engaging with taught content and developing your own specialist knowledge. You will be encouraged to share your insights and experiences through in-class dialogue, contributing to a collaborative learning environment.

The 30 credit modules will incorporate lectures, seminars and workshops, with a mix of staff-led and student-led activities. You will be expected to engage in independent study alongside these, to further your understanding and tailor your learning to the issues that particularly interest you.

You will also receive individual tutorial support, helping you identify your individual study needs and supporting your personal academic development. Throughout the 60 credit Capstone Project you will also have one-to-one support from a supervisor with expertise in your chosen area.

Our teaching draws on both our research and professional experience. This means your learning is informed by the most current thinking in the subject area. You can find out more about our research and backgrounds by visiting our staff pages.

Assessment

You will encounter a variety of assessment types that support the development of a range of skills. Examples of assessment types include:

• Case study reports
• Research proposals
• Essays
• Policy briefings

Formative activities (that give you feedback on the development of your ideas, plans or work) during taught modules and tutorials will support you as you work towards the final assessments.

Qualifications

You must also be able to demonstrate how your undergraduate degree or work experience will enable you to contribute to, and benefit from, this course.

If we have further questions about your application, you may be invited to a short interview.

International students

If you are an international student you will need to show that your qualifications match our entry requirements.

If English is not your first language you will need to show that you have English Language competence at IELTS level 6.0 (with no skill below 5.5) or equivalent.

Information about international qualifications and entry requirements can be found on our international pages.

International entry requirements

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL)

If you do not have traditional qualifications, you might be able to provide evidence of professional experience in the subject as an alternative way to meet the entry requirements. This is called Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). Appropriate references and records of employment would need to be presented to support your case for admission. 

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. You can read them on our Admissions page.

UK 2025 - 2026 entry

• £8,600 for full time study
• £4,300 per year for part time study

Postgraduate loans are available to help you pay for your master's course. Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

Funding opportunities

International 2025 - 2026 entry

• £11,800 for 1 year of full time study
• £5,900 per year for part time study

Due to immigration laws, if you are an international student on a student visa, you must study full time. For more information about visa requirements and short-term study visas, please visit the International Visa and Immigration pages.

Find out more about funding your postgraduate studies.

International fees and funding

Tuition fees

Alumni Scholarships

If you are alumni of York St John University we have scholarships available to help you continue your studies.

Scholarships for alumni

Additional costs and financial support

Course-related costs

While studying for your degree, there may be additional costs related to your course. This may include purchasing personal equipment and stationery, books and optional field trips.

Accommodation and living costs

View our accommodation pages for detailed information on accommodation and living costs.

Where could Environment and Social Justice MA take you?

This postgraduate degree will give you skills and knowledge that are valuable across a wide range of roles and sectors nationally and internationally. This could include:

• Government policy
• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)
• Sustainability
• Environmental communication
• International development
• Environmental management
• Nature conservation
• Local government and planning

Stand out from the crowd with postgraduate study.

Far fewer people have postgraduate degrees than undergraduate qualifications. This gives you something extra to set yourself apart in a competitive graduate job market. Those with a postgraduate qualification will earn an average of £6,500 a year more than those with only an undergraduate degree. (Department For Education Graduate Labour Market Report 2022).

Our careers service, LaunchPad, provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:

• Employer events
• LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
• Workshops on application writing and interview skills
• Work experience and volunteering opportunities
• Personalised career advice

This support does not end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain the experience and confidence you need to succeed.