MSc Global Politics of Environment and Resources

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the global politics of environment and resources. You will learn about the complex relationships between human societies and the natural world, including the impact of political, economic, and social factors on environmental sustainability. You will also gain skills in critical thinking, research, and analysis that are essential for addressing the challenges posed by global environmental change. Our teaching is informed by cutting-edge research in the field, and you will have access to a range of resources and expertise at Birkbeck's Centre for Environmental Policy and Management.

Additional Information

This course is ideal for students who are interested in pursuing careers in fields such as environmental policy, sustainability management, and conservation. It is also suitable for those who want to further their understanding of the complex global political dynamics that shape our relationship with the environment.

Join Birkbeck University of London and become part of a vibrant academic community that is dedicated to addressing the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Birkbeck University of London is a world-leading institution for environmental research and teaching. Our expert faculty have a wide range of experience in the field, and our location in central London provides access to a diverse range of environmental organizations and networks. You will benefit from our strong connections with industry and policy-making circles, which provide valuable opportunities for networking and career advancement.

On this MSc Global Politics of Environment and Resources, you will become knowledgeable about the trajectories of current environmental and demographic change and explore the tensions and contradictions they generate from a critical geopolitical perspective.

Drawing from Birkbeck’s expertise across politics, geography, history, and law this course offers you an ambitious curriculum addressing conceptual issues of:

climate change

uneven resource access

food sovereignty and security

demographic change.

We provide you with a concrete examination of key areas in contemporary environmental policy and law and you will be taught by research-active academics keen to share their insight and knowledge of topics including political ecology, political economy, critical geography, political theory, and international environmental policy and governance.

You will undertake specific case studies of geopolitical, population, and environmental occurrences and debates in particular countries or regions. You will also gain a working knowledge of the main theoretical debates regarding the relationship between resource use, food, politics, and society.

This course equips you with skills of analysis and critique that can be transferred to further study in the social sciences and humanities and/or to practice or research work in the relevant fields.

You will find graduates of this course progressing in the following kinds of career paths:

jobs in central and local government, trades unions, political parties, NGOs, and international organizations

research positions in universities and other public and private research bodies

political journalism

political or civic activism

political consultancy

teaching in higher, further, and secondary education.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service - Birkbeck Futures - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education, and future ambitions.

A second-class honors degree (2:2) or above in a related area, or relevant experience combined with an adequate academic background (subject to interview).

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.