Environmental problems of global reach - from climate change to loss of biodiversity; from animal welfare issues to the maintenance of ecological integrity - require us to think deeply about their causes and possible solutions.  The MA Values and Environment (MAVE) programme provides an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of how the values that have shaped our view of the world have emerged, what alternative approaches are being developed (or revived), and how these alternatives might be put to work in shaping our global future.  This is a philosophically oriented MA, but it is designed to be accessible - in both content and mode of delivery - and of use to people who wish to do the course for reasons ranging from personal interest to the development of careers related to environmental concerns.

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

2010 places may still be available please contact our course enquiries team regarding entry requirements as these may differ from 2011.

Entry requirements for postgraduate courses vary and you are advised to check below for any specific requirements or with Enquiry Management. Normally the following general entry requirements apply:

Postgraduate Diplomas, Certificates and Conversion Courses:
A recognised British first degree or its equivalent, or a BTEC Higher Diploma/Certificate.

Taught Masters Courses:
A recognised British honours degree to a good standard, or its equivalent. Applications from all candidates will be considered on their merits and in the light of the nature and scope of the programme or work proposed. Informal enquiries are welcomed and will normally be followed by an initial advisory interview.

The MA Values and Environment and the related Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate are potentially open to graduates of all disciplines (and exceptionally non-graduates with professional experience in environmental work, e.g.conservation or policy making). 

The general entry requirement is a recognised British honours degree to a good standard, or its international equivalent.

The professional experience route is dependent on the presentation of a degree equivalent sample of work. Standard Uclan APL and APEL arrangements apply, see our accreditation pages for further information.

All Applications will be considered on their merits and in the light of the nature and scope of the programme or work proposed.

Course Content

The MA provides students with a broad understanding of environmental philosophy.  The dissertation component allows students to explore a topic of their choice in greater depth (subject to the expertise available in the course team). The individual modules cover a range of areas and most address 'real world' issues through philosophical means.  For example, the 'Environmental Ethics' module asks questions about how we should value and behave in regard to non-human animals, other living things, ecosystems, and even urban environments.  'Aesthetics and Environment' addresses issues such as our felt response to natural and cultural landscapes and the status of such feelings in making policy decisions.  'The Philosophy of Conservation' asks challenging questions about core concepts such as biodiversity while also helping students to present a considered rationale for conservation decisions. 

Course at a Glance

Current module options include:

Environmental Ethics
Aesthetics and Environment
Phenomenology and Environment
Science and the Domination of Nature
Goethean Science: A Qualitative Approach to Nature
Deliberation and Public Consultation
Enhancing Nature
Introduction to Bioethics
Independent Research

Note: not all modules run each year.

The dissertation can be taken over the summer.

Assessment:

MAVE is assessed entirely by coursework.  Typically for each taught module students write a 4,000 word essay, though this can vary with the module.  The dissertation is 12,000-15,000 words.  Students in relevant occupations can use a work-based problem/ issue as the focus for their dissertation.

Learning Environment:

MAVE (and its related awards) is delivered by detailed distance learning notes and associated readings, all of which are supported by a web-based discussion forum.  Supervision for modules and the dissertation is provided by email and, when necessary, phone contact with the tutor.

Careers:

Previous students on this course have pursued careers in areas such as animal welfare, conservation, public consultation, and environmental policy while others have gone on to do further research at PhD level and, in some cases, take up academic posts.

Money Matters

Most graduates of this University are entitled to a 20% reduction on tuition fees for our postgraduate courses, if self-funding.

Details of current fees are available from Enquiry Management,
University of Central Lancashire,
Preston,
PR1 2HE,
United Kingdom,
01772 892400.

Gilbertson Excellence Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to UCLan undergraduates in their final year of study in 2009-10 who want to continue their studies at postgraduate level, either on a full time or part time taught programme eg MA or MSc, or on a research programme such as an MPhil in the 2010-11 academic year. These awards worth £3,390 towards tuition fees are available to Home/EU students achieving a first class honours degree at UCLan in 2009-10 and are subject to specific terms and conditions.

For details of current fees for UK, EU, and International students please contact the MAVE programme administrator at ISCRIProgrammes@uclan.ac.uk