Program Overview

Environmental History (M.Phil. / P.Grad.Dip.)

The M.Phil. in Environmental History gives students a firm understanding of the interplay of, and feedbacks between, nature and culture over time, allowing them to develop much-needed historical perspectives on the evolution of current environmental challenges. During the course, students will explore methods and themes that are directly relevant to the professional workplace at a time when there is an increasing awareness of the need to include the competencies and insights of the humanities in understanding and addressing environmental issues, not least climate change. The course combines a strong methodological focus with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and innovative assessment design.

Overview

• The M.Phil. in Environmental History is led by and draws upon the resources of the Trinity Centre for Environmental Humanities, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the latest developments in the field.
• Apart from taking a core module "Methods and Debates in Environmental History", students choose special subject modules whose topics are informed by our teaching staff’s research interests.
• As part of the course, students also get an introduction to GIS.

Is This Course For Me?

This programme is aimed at students interested in how humans have interacted with and changed their environment in the past and how these interactions have shaped the multiple ecological crises we live in. It is open to candidates with an undergraduate degree in either the Humanities or the Natural Sciences.

Career Opportunities

The M.Phil. prepares graduates for a wide variety of careers, including in the museum and heritage sectors, libraries and archives, publishing, NGOs, public policy and administration, teaching, and media. It also provides invaluable research training for those planning to pursue a doctorate and/or career in research.

Course Structure

• Taken as a full-time course, the M.Phil. lasts for 12 months, starting in September.
• Teaching will be spread over two terms, beginning in September and concluding the following April.
• EU/ UK/EEA students can also take the course on a part-time basis over two years.
• An M.Phil degree within the School of Histories and Humanities consists of 90 ECTS.

Course Content

• The programme takes a structured approach to preparing students to design and pursue an individual research project, which forms the capstone of the course.
• Depending on the nature of their research, students can choose between two forms of assessment: a 15,000-word dissertation OR a combination of an extended research paper (10,000 - 12,000 words) and a digital output (e.g. database, map).

Course Details

• Awards: NFQ Level 9
• Number of Places: 15 Places
• Next Intake: September 2025
• Course Director: Dr Katja Bruisch
• Closing Date: 30th May 2025

Admission Requirements

• Relevant preparatory courses include NFQ Level 8-degree courses in the Humanities (History, Political Science, History of Ideas, Cultural Studies or similar) or the Natural Sciences (Environmental Sciences, Geography, Ecology, Biology or similar).
• Applicants should normally have at least an upper second-class (2.1) Honours Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (for example, GPA of 3.3) in a relevant discipline or specialisation.
• English Language Requirements: All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section of the university's website.

Testimonial

I enjoy the programme as it provides a profound understanding of historiography and methods of Environmental History and prepares students for conducting critical scientific research. The research seminars offer the opportunity for exchanges with international scholars. Moreover, the diverse academic and cultural backgrounds of my fellow students offer interesting perspectives.

Paulien Daelman

Graduate

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