Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance accepts candidates from a range of backgrounds: these include social sciences and humanities, as well as natural sciences. The focus on human geography and social science means that some aspects of the course will be more challenging for students from natural science backgrounds. The two key criteria are:

1. academic excellence, and
2. a demonstrated and critical interest in the interactions of society and nature, and ways that governance arrangements can mediate this relationship in the pursuit of environmental and social sustainability aims.

To register for a course at Oxford University, you will be required to prove your written and spoken English language abilities. If you do not already have these qualifications, please see the University of Oxford Graduate Studies Prospectus for information on the minimum English scores accepted by the University.

The course is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge over a wide range of topics related to nature, society, and environmental governance, but a fundamental component of the Oxford educational system is independent study - students are expected to engage in individual reading and study in order to broaden and deepen their knowledge of their chosen field. Lectures and seminars provide indicative rather than exhaustive accounts of existing academic knowledge, and much of the value of an Oxford degree lies in student initiative and effort in exploring theoretical concepts and ideas, as well as novel empirical work, in the literature. Staff are available to advise students on reading, literature, and topics for independent work.

There are a number of scholarships available at Oxford University, especially for overseas students. Details of these scholarships and how to apply can be found on the University of Oxford Graduate Studies Prospectus, under the section 'Finance'.

Further, please see our Fees and Funding information which provides details of many available schemes.

For information on studying at the School of Geography and the Environment's International Graduate School, including our admission criteria, please see the International Graduate School webpages.

For more information on the MSc in Nature, Society and Environmental Governance, please look through these course webpages.

As a research-driven Masters, a core aim of the course is to prepare students for entry into doctoral programmes and careers in academia. More generally however, the NSEG course is designed to equip students with the critical thinking skills, theoretical grounding, and practical insights to enter careers at the cutting edge of environmental governance and management in the policy, business and civil society sectors.