Environmental challenges, such as climate change, deforestation and biodiversity loss, are the defining crises of this time. The University of Essex is committed to helping students build the vital skills and knowledge they need to think critically about environmental issues and to respond to them sensitively. Essex is interested in studying how diverse cultures and societies interact with the environment locally and globally. From the use of technology, to consumer habits and political conflicts, they examine the influence human activities have on the environment past, present and future.

Throughout the course they cover topics including but not limited to: sustainability, cultural diversity and human rights, environmental policy and activism, psychogeography, nature writing and the arts. Understanding impacts on the environment requires a diverse skill set. Based in Essex's Interdisciplinary Studies Centre, students will be taught by experts from a range of disciplines across the humanities, social sciences and science and health, giving them a true interdisciplinary approach to the issue. They’re ranked top 5 in the UK for social science research. Essex's staff are among world leaders in their field, and their common interest in the environment is key to their research. Essex's current research interests include: environmental policy; nature writing and ecocriticism; biodiversity; sustainable development; environmental philosophy; nature writing; environmental aesthetics; sustainability and community engagement; environmental law and activism; ecoliteracy; green exercise; and green criminology. Students will be ready to tackle climate change and environmental issues. Essex expects their graduates will be qualified to work in a number of fields and roles, including at NGOs, local and national governments, community-lead roles, the charitable sector, research facilities, at environment agencies, in human rights roles and in education.