BA (Hons)
Environment & Social Change
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Why study BA Environment & Social Change at Goldsmiths
This programme will teach you a critical understanding of contemporary environmental issues, and empower you to develop key interdisciplinary skills for social and environmental research, creativity, communication, and activism.
- Become an agent of social change and progress towards a career as an expert in environment and sustainability, cultural transformation, and social justice.
- From climate change and biodiversity loss to racism, inequalities, and migration; it is more important than ever that we respond to the challenges of the twentieth century and drive social change locally and worldwide.
- On this unique BA programme, you engage with cutting-edge, interdisciplinary approaches to address the urgency of contemporary ecological crises in creative and thoughtful ways.
- You will develop your theoretical knowledge whilst learning practical skills to investigate the relationships between humanity and the environment. Drawing insights from across the social sciences, you will be encouraged to explore the social, cultural and political dimensions that shape contemporary environmental issues.
- We encourage bold, innovative and creative engagement with questions, theories and ideas, as well as the development of relevant skills and methodological tools that empower you to become both rigorous researchers and agents of social change.
- This programme draws on Goldsmiths’ strengths and leadership on environmental issues, including its leading role in the development of a comprehensive climate education and its Green New Deal.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Martin Savransky.
UCAS code
L217
Entry requirements
A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
IB: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Length
3 years full-time
Fees
Home - full-time: £9250
International - full-time: £TBC
Department
What you'll study
In your first year, you will take the following compulsory modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Environmental Ideas and Social Change | 30 credits |
| Methods of Worldmaking 1 | 30 credits |
| Anthropology Today | 15 Credits |
| Colonialism, Power, Resistance | 30 credits |
| Identity, Agency & Environment 1 | 15 credits |
Note about optional modules (if available): The above is indicative of the typical modules offered, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. The module content and availability is subject to change.
Teaching style
This programme is taught through scheduled learning – for example, through a mixture of lectures, seminars and workshops.
You'll also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study. This includes carrying out required and additional reading, preparing topics for discussion, and producing essays or project work.
How you'll be assessed
You’ll be assessed by a variety of methods, depending on your module choices. These may include coursework, examinations, group work and projects.
All assessed work is accompanied by some form of feedback to ensure that your work is on the right track. It may come in a variety of forms, ranging from written comments on a marked essay to oral and written feedback on developing projects and practice as you attend workshops.
Entry requirements
We accept the following qualifications:
A-level: BBB
BTEC: DDM
International Baccalaureate: 33 points overall with Three HL subjects at 655
Access: Pass with 45 Level 3 credits including 30 Distinctions and a number of merits/passes in subject-specific modules
Scottish qualifications: BBBBC (Higher) or BBC (Advanced Higher)
European Baccalaureate: 75%
Irish Leaving Certificate: H2 H2 H2 H2
Alternative qualifications and experience
See our full list of undergraduate entry qualifications.
We welcome students with a range of educational experiences. If you believe you may not meet the standard qualification requirements we would still encourage you to apply because we consider all aspects of your application when making a decision.
We’ll pay particularly careful attention to your personal statement, which is your opportunity to demonstrate your interest in the subject you’ve applied for. Your referees are also welcome to include any relevant contextual comments around your academic achievements. We’ll look at all these things when making a decision on your application, as well as your qualifications and grades, and may still be able to offer you a place.
International qualifications
We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.0 with a 6.0 in writing and no element lower than 5.5 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.
Skills and Careers
This cutting-edge, interdisciplinary programme, responds to the high demand for ‘green jobs’ and ‘green skills,’ which has been increasing and will continue to do so as countries seek to meet their climate change targets and drive sustainability transitions. On completion of the programme, you may go on to pursue a variety of careers, including:
- Sustainability consultant
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental education officer
- International aid/development worker
- Policy/research assistant
- Civil service fast streamer
- Government social research officer
- Local government officer
- Policy officer
- Diplomatic service officer
- Social impact coordinator
As an interdisciplinary programme with a strong focus on social change, there will be opportunities for you to engage in experiential work-based learning, develop your employability skills, and apply your learning to real world problems.
You will also have access to the Goldsmiths' Careers Services, who offer tailored support to your individual needs. They can help you identify your career interests.
Find out more about we help you prepare for your future beyond Goldsmiths.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the UG fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £9250
- International - full-time: £TBC
If your fees are not listed here, please check our undergraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time if you require a Student Visa, however this is currently being reviewed and will be confirmed in the new year. Please read our visa guidance in the interim for more information. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
