At this point in human history, many academics, activists, leaders and thinkers are calling for urgent reconsideration of the cultural narratives and spiritual values that support our very existence on the planet.
In an attempt to divert the current trajectory of ‘progress’ and ‘development’ towards a more sustainable and equitable future, this requires objective and critical thinking about our relationship and connection to the natural world, to the people and communities around us and to the very beliefs and values that drive our individual and collective actions.
This programme in Ecology and Spirituality explores the relationship between spirituality, religion, philosophy on the one hand, and ecology on the other. We can ask whether spirituality and religion may be causes of current ecological crises, or offer solutions to the systemic ecological crises in which we find ourselves.
We inquire into the spiritual uses of ecology — and ask whether it has a spiritual dimension. As a programme of postgraduate study, depending on the modules you choose, this course offers a personal and experiential journey — an opportunity for you to deeply explore your own inner landscape and how it relates to your actions in the outer world.
You will combine critical thinking and academic rigour with an exploration of your own values, beliefs and personal narratives and how these fit and find resonance and authenticity with your life and work.
This is a chance to look at your own relationship with our planet — and in doing so explore personal and collective solutions to living in a more sustainable, resilient, connected harmonious and beautiful world.
One unique feature of this programme is that it extends the concept of the environment to a wider cosmic environment, offering the chance to take modules which engage us with the sky, planets and stars.
Course details
- Distance Learning
- Part-time
- English
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
As a student on the Ecology and Spirituality (MA) you will:
- Study for an accredited and internationally recognised Master’s degree.
- Be part of one of the UK’s most prestigious universities.
- Have the chance to work from home with no requirement to visit the UK.
- Have access to thousands of online academic papers and books.
- Be part of an international community of like-minded students.
- Study with expert tutors who all have, or are working for, PhDs in the subject area.
- Engage with debates concerning the nature and cultural role of ecology and spirituality.
- Choose from a range of optional modules: Environmental Philosophy, Religion and the Environment, Sacred Geography, Skyscapes, Cosmology and Archaeology, Astral Religion, Heavenly Discourses, Sky and Psyche, and Cosmology, Magic and Divination.
- Engage with concepts such as sacred space.
- Acquire contemporary data which will contribute to scholarly understanding of our place on our planet.
- Have a chance to pursue your own independent research under expert supervision.
Compulsory
(30 credits)
Optional
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
Disclaimer
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We listen to student feedback and insights from industry and from professionals to ensure that course content is high-quality and up-to-date, and that it offers the best possible preparation for your future career or study goals.
For this reason, there might be modifications to the content of your course over time, to keep up to date with changes in the subject area or in the sector. If a module is no longer running, we’ll make sure to keep you informed, and work with you to choose a different suitable module.
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for assessments and feedback (NSS 2023) meaning the comments you get back from your work will help you learn. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as Top 10 in the UK for Lecturers and Teaching Quality. Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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Initial inquiries should be directed to the Programme Director, Dr Nicholas Campion (n.campion@uwtsd.ac.uk). Please let us know your background, including any academic qualifications.
The normal entry qualification is a good first degree (2:1 or equivalent in UK grading) in an appropriate arts/humanities/social sciences area including History, Cultural Studies, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Anthropology, Theology and/or Religious Studies.
However, as the inquiry into Ecology and Spirituality is by necessity interdisciplinary, we welcome applicants from other backgrounds, especially the sciences, provided you can demonstrate the necessary writing skills. In this instance, a broad familiarity with philosophy and/or critical theory, though not essential, would be advantageous. You should contact the Programme Director who may ask to see a sample of your written work.
Applicants with a 2:2 degree (UK grading) will normally be considered for entry to a Postgraduate Diploma and will be considered for progression to the MA after successful completion of the six taught modules. However, any relevant professional qualifications or experience will be taken into account, so do contact the Programme Director.
As part of an inclusive approach to learning we encourage applications from non-traditional entry points or from those without recognised educational backgrounds but who have equivalent and appropriate professional qualifications or significant relevant professional experience. In such cases, the Programme Director may ask for a telephone / Skype conversation or request a sample of writing to satisfy themselves that each student is able to fulfil their potential on the course.
Students with degrees from Universities outside the UK, which do not use the UK’s grading system, should contact the Programme Director.
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The main mode of assessment in Part I is via essays (two per module). The assessment for the Part II module is via a 15,000-word dissertation.
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Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at UWTSD. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
- Travel to and from campus
- Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
- Purchase of books or texts
- Gowns for graduation ceremonies
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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TBC