Teaching & modules
Teaching methods - what to expect
We will teach you through a combination of lectures and seminars, typically 20 hours per module. We also expect you to undertake 130 hours of independent study for each module.
|
Module |
Lectures, seminars and feedback |
Self-study |
|
Per 15-credit taught module |
16-30 hours. |
120-134 hours (some modules may involve lab work or e-learning which would require less self guided learning). |
|
Dissertation module |
Usually 5 contact hours of one-to-one or group consultation with supervisors. |
595 hours of self-study and project work. |
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include essays and other written assignments, oral presentations, lab work and occasionally by examination, depending on the modules selected. All students also undertake a research-based dissertation.
Assessment
- Course Work
- Written Examinations
- Practical Examinations
- Essays
- Written assignment
- Oral Presentations
- Lab Work
Modules
Programme Structure
Programmes are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits as outlined below.
Required Modules
You are required to take the following modules:
- Dissertation Project (60 credits)
- Environmental Justice and Governance (15 credits)
- Fundamentals of Environment, Politics and Development (15 credits)
- Practising Social Research (15 credits)
Optional Modules
In addition, students are required to take 75 credits of optional modules, of which at least 30 credits must be from the prescribed list of options specific to this programme.
Prescribed List of options Specific to this programme, which may typically include:
- Climate: Science and Society (15 credits)
- Environment, Livelihoods and Development in the 'South' (15 credits)
- Environmental Science and Policymaking (15 credits)
- Risk Management and Governance (15 credits)
- Risk Perception, Communication and Behaviour Change (15 credits)
- Security and the Global Natural Environment (15 credits)
- Understanding Human Mobility (15 credits)
- Vulnerability, Development and Disasters (15 credits)
- Water Sustainability, Society and Governance (15 credits)
Other Optional Modules
Other Optional Modules, which may typically include:
Any Level 7 (Masters) modules offered in the Department of War Studies, subject to availability.
Up to 20 credits of Level 7 (Master’s) modules from any King’s Departments or Institutes outside of Geography, subject to approvals.
Any Level 7 (Masters) modules offered in the Department of Geography that are not subject to exclusion criteria (e.g. prerequisite modules or restricted to the specific Masters’ programme). For students with a physical geography or STEM background, or who wish to specialise in aspects of environmental science or interdisciplinary work, we also recommend the following choices:
- Earth Observation and Remote Sensing for Sustainability (15 credits)
- Fundamentals of Climate Change (15 credits)
- GIS and Spatial Data Science (15 credits)
- Modelling Environmental Change (15 credits)
- Risk Analysis: Science and Applications (15 credits)
Part-time Students
Part-time students are advised to take 75-90 credits of taught modules in their first year, including Fundamentals of Environment, Politics and Development and Environmental Justice and Governance, thereby allowing enough time to focus on the dissertation in their second year. Students are normally advised to take Practising Social Research in their second year, but that can be taken in the first year, should students have strong reasons to do so and have the agreement of their Programme Director.
Part-Time International Students and paid or unpaid work
Please note that for international students, UK Government guidelines are currently more restrictive for those holding part-time visas than full-time visas. If you hold a student visa for a part-time programme, you will not have the right to undertake any work, paid or unpaid, in the UK. Therefore, the Internship (Environment and Society) module is only available to full-time overseas students but not part-time overseas students, as the UK Government considers it unpaid work. The Internship module is also available to full- or part-time home students.
Application closing date guidance
Key Information
Course type:
Master's
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time / Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2026