Environment & Development (MSc)

Felicity Tolley

I graduated from University of Bristol in 2013 with a BSc in Environmental Geoscience, where I also worked as a researcher within the Ocean Acidification group in the Palaeontology department. My undergraduate degree provided me with an extensive understanding of the physical processes and changes that can occur in the environment, while also giving me the opportunity to travel to some stunning geological locations. As I approached graduation I realised that the Environment and Development programme would be an ideal way to set my scientific knowledge into a more social and political context. I was especially glad to be offered a place at Edinburgh as it allowed me to return to my home town.

I hope that this postgraduate degree will expand my knowledge of development practices while introducing me to new topics and providing me with the skills to pursue a career in the development sector. I am especially interested in the ways in which climate change may impact the development of the energy industry. I am also very interested in the gendered aspects of development, at both local and global scale. I am a member of the Hollaback! Edinburgh committee, where I work to raise awareness of the dangers of street harassment, another global issue.