The course consists of five modules spread over three semesters, including an extensive research project in geography, environmental science or sustainability (see "Projects" tab above). You can either graduate with a MSc in Geographical and Environmental Research or a MA in Geographical and Environmental Research, depending on the nature of your research project.
Project areas range from palaeoceanography, Quaternary environments, glaciology, polar science, energy, soil system science, water chemistry and ecology, to animal and rural geographies, cultural and economic geographies, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), art-science crossover projects, creative geographies, and sustainability.
A distinct feature of our programme is the opportunity for UK students to complete a placement with a UK-based collaborator or at one of several European and North American partner institutions, all of which have established research links with Keele staff. International students undertake their research and placement at Keele University under the supervision of international experts in their chosen research area.
The emphasis on the substantial ‘hands on’ research training with the provision of an international placement option makes this programme unique within the Higher Education Sector in the UK and will enhance your employability. We believe that this will help to develop future employees with an international outlook.
The MSc/MA Geographical and Environmental Research programme at Keele offers the added value of My Keele Journey, which develops students' intellectual, personal and professional capabilities (Keele Graduate Attributes) through both subject-specific and generic workshops and activities.
The MRes Critical Human Geographies is a full-time taught Masters programme. It forms part of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) South West Doctoral Training Centre – a hub of world-class social science research – and so provides in-depth research training in the social sciences in general and human geography in particular. With a focus on preparing you for a career in social science research, whether at doctoral level at university, or in the public and private sectors, the MRes programme provides core modules in social and geographical theories and methodologies, along with three research-led modules through which you can experience the variety of cutting-edge scholarship undertaken in the department:
The programme structure and content of the MRes in Critical Human Geographies reflects our commitment to integrating MRes students into the wider research culture of the department, whilst the title of the degree reflects the commitment that human geography staff at the University of Exeter have to pursuing critical intellectual agendas within the discipline.
The MRes Critical Human Geographies programme comprises 180 credits which is made up compulsory research training modules (which includes a compulsory 60 credit research dissertation). The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
The following is an indicative list of the likely compulsory modules;
The MRes Critical Human Geographies is essentially designed to develop in you a broad based and relevant knowledge of research approaches and methods in human geography and the social sciences, and to provide you with a range of transferable skills appropriate to Masters level research within the discipline. The programme aims to prepare you for careers as a professional researcher in either academic or non-academic environment. The core training in social scientific philosophy, epistemology, methodology and analysis are set within a contemporary human geography context, allowing you to apply the wider concepts and skills introduced in the broader social scientific setting to specific topics of geographical inquiry.
This programme provides an understanding of the key themes of contemporary geographical thought and allows you to develop an appreciation of the methodological implications of such theoretical developments.
Human geography and urban studies are dynamic and pertinent areas of the social sciences, drawing together concerns with space, economy, society and the environment. In addition to the understanding key geographical themes and methodology insight, you will be able to develop a substantive field of research interest.
This programme will be of interest if you have studied geography or a related social science subject at undergraduate level and are now looking for a more focused introduction to human geographical research. It is designed as preparation for study at PhD level, as well as further training in a broad range of substantive geographical and environmental themes. It draws on the breadth of theoretical understanding, research expertise and practical experience in the Department as well as the strength of LSE’s offering across the social sciences, allowing for learning in specialised courses elsewhere in LSE.
Many graduates from this programme go on to do PhD degrees, while others enter a wide variety of employment including consultancy, the public sector and education.
Further information on graduate destinations for this programme
Migration in today's globalised world stands at the heart of key national and international debates; including migrants' and asylum seekers' rights and citizenship; state security and border management; and the globalisation of skilled labour markets. This interdisciplinary MSc offers the best of migration teaching from across UCL.
The programme combines theoretical and policy debates about migration. Students are equipped with the advanced skills, methods, concepts and theories essential for the study of global migration and gain the opportunity to apply them in both general and more specialised contexts relating to the processes, policies and politics of migration.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits), a compulsory methods module (15 credits), five elective modules (75 credits) and the research dissertation (60 credits).
Core modules
Elective modules
Students choose from a range of modules offered across UCL which specialise in migration. The list may include the following:
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10-12,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, presentations, discussions, independent reading, practicals and workshops. The majority of modules are assessed through coursework although a small number are assessed by examination.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Global Migration MSc
Graduates of this programme will be well equipped to work with migrants and asylum seekers in different parts of the world, and gain posts in UN, EU, national policy think tanks, government research and policy departments, NGOs, community-based and grassroots organisations. The programme provides an excellent foundation for students wishing to pursue doctorates in the interdisciplinary field of migration studies.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
UCL has internationally recognised expertise in the field of migration. It has two established research units, the Migration Research Unit and the Centre for Research on Economic Analysis of Migration. Cutting-edge research on migration also takes place across UCL in many different disciplines including law, public policy, anthropology, development planning, area studies, humanities and health. The involvement of such a wide range of disciplines in teaching on the MSc in Global Migration is unique.
Students benefit from the consolidation of migration expertise across UCL which is complemented by a departmental migration seminar series, and a vibrant and expanding body of PhD students in this field.
Migration research at UCL has a strong international dimension, benefiting from networks across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Geography
81% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
This Masters in Human Geography: Spaces, Politics & Ecologies considers how geography has been used to actively engage with the world beyond the academy, focusing on social justice and social change, environment and development, and cultural and historical geographies.
Modes of delivery of the MRes in Human Geography: Spaces, Politics & Ecologies include lectures, seminars and tutorials and allow students the opportunity to take part in workshops, project and team work.
You will also take two courses in qualitative and quantitative methods in the social sciences and undertake an independent piece of research on a topic chosen by you.
Career opportunities include positions in non-governmental organisations (eg, Oxfam, Barnardos, SEPA, Scottish Natural Heritage), teaching, and PhD study.
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Global Migration at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The MSc by Research Global Migration enables students to pursue a one year individual programme of research. The Global Migration programme would normally terminate after a year. However, under appropriate circumstances, this first year of research can also be used in a progression to Year 2 of a PhD degree.
You will be fully integrated into one of our established research groups and participate in research activities such as seminars, workshops, laboratories, and field work.
Swansea is a research-led University and the Department makes a significant contribution, meaning that as a postgraduate Geography student you will benefit from the knowledge and skills of internationally renowned academics.
In the latest Research Assessment Exercise, 95% of Geography research at Swansea was judged to be of international quality, and 60% was regarded as World-leading or internationally excellent.
As a student of the Global Migration programme you will have access to:
Computer laboratory with 24 computers providing general IT software and programmes dedicated to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing Computer laboratory with 10 high-performance Linux workstations delivering software tools for advanced GIS and remote sensing applications
Specialist laboratory suites for stable isotope ratio analysis; tree ring analysis; extraction and identification of organic compounds; pollen extraction and analysis; rainfall simulation; tephra analysis; soil and sediment characterisation
In addition, the computing facilities include 15 dual-processor workstations for Earth Observation, a 20-node multiprocessor Beowulf cluster, and the Department’s IBM ‘Blue Ice’ Supercomputer, used mainly for climate and glaciological modelling.
All academic staff in Geography are active researchers and the department has a thriving research culture and a strong postgraduate community.
The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 show that Geography at Swansea University is ranked joint 9th in the UK for research impact and 11th in the UK for research environment.
Research groups include:
Environmental Dynamics
Glaciology
Global Environmental Modelling and Earth Observation
Migration, Boundaries and Identity
Social Theory and Urban Space
The MSc Research in Human Geography is a research training Masters degree that provides the skills necessary to undertake a PhD in Human Geography, or for those who want to acquire rigorous research skills more generally.
The recognition of the programme by the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) means that applicants are eligible to apply for 1+3 funding for Masters and PhD or, on successful completion, can apply to ESRC for +3 funding for a PhD.
The programme combines interdisciplinary expertise from Geography, Political Science and International Studies, and is truly multidisciplinary. Students will interact with other MSc students from across the social sciences and thereby gain a unique breadth of academic research, teaching and key transferable skills.
In addition to exposing individuals to cutting-edge debates in human geography, environmental science and related fields, the programme provides research training in theoretical, philosophical and methodological issues relevant to human geography and social science research. These include debates concerning social theory and epistemology, qualitative and quantitative techniques and their application to human geography, and research design, ethics and presentation.
In essence, the MSc provides rigorous research skills with a broad human geography focus, but can also be combined with a number of optional modules concerned with environmental management and decision-making and urban resilience.
The Aims of the Programme are as follows:
Modules are taught using a diverse blend of teaching styles and assessment formats. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops and guided reading.
Former students taking this Masters degree programme have developed successful academic, business and policy-based careers (for example, in policy development, international finance and accountancy, economic development and consultancy, journalism and market research for a range of public, private and voluntary organisations). Other graduates of the course have continued to PhD research in the School and elsewhere, such as Oxford. Given the increasing competition for graduate jobs, many students are now deciding to read for an MSc to enhance their CVs.
The MRes in Human Geography/Sustainable Development is a one-year, full-time taught postgraduate programme run by the School of Geography and Sustainable Development.
The programme is aimed at those looking to progress to PhD research in Sustainable Development or Human Geography. The fixed programme offers a broad grounding in research design, theoretical approaches, and quantitative and qualitative research methods. Students also receive bespoke training in professional skills and research design specifically tailored to their own research interests.
During the taught portion of the programme, students take six compulsory modules, four of which are taught via lectures, tutorials, seminar presentations, and practical exercises, and two via one-to-one tutorials. Modules are assessed through written examinations and coursework including class tests, presentations and essays.
Over the course of the programme, but with particular focus during the summer month, students will research and write a 15,000-word dissertation.
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2017–2018 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2018 entry.
The MRes Research in Human Geography is a research training Masters degree that provides the skills necessary to undertake a PhD in Human Geography, or for those who want to acquire rigorous research skills more generally.
The recognition of the programme by the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) means that applicants are eligible to apply for 1+3 funding for Masters and PhD or, on successful completion, can apply to ESRC for +3 funding for a PhD (see below).
The programme combines interdisciplinary expertise from Geography, Political Science and International Studies, and is truly multidisciplinary. Students will interact with other students from across the social sciences and thereby gain a unique breadth of academic research, teaching and key transferable skills.
The programme provides research training in theoretical, philosophical and methodological issues relevant to human geography and social science research. These include debates concerning social theory and epistemology, qualitative and quantitative techniques and their application to human geography, and research design, ethics and presentation.
The aims of the programme are:
Modules are taught using a diverse blend of teaching styles and assessment formats. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, and group discussions.
Former students have developed successful academic, business and policy-based careers (for example, in policy development, international finance and accountancy, economic development and consultancy, journalism and market research for a range of public, private and voluntary organisations). Other graduates have continued to PhD research in the School and elsewhere, such as Oxford.
New part-time MSc Humanitarianism, Conflict and Development at the University of Bath
New master’s courses in International Development launched at the University of Bath
