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Department of Geography

The MA in Geography (Research Methods)

The MA in Geography (Research Methods) which admits any student with a Bachelors degree or higher in an arts or social science subject, of the required standard, to train in preparation for studying for the PhD. This course is partly taught and partly research-based and, if University conditions are met, leads to graduation with an MA degree. It is an approved course of the UK's Economic and Social Research Council. Full-time students must study for one year.

It is increasingly recognised, especially in the social sciences, that specialist training is required prior to undertaking research. The Master of Arts in Research Methods seeks to deliver this by developing the knowledge, skills and understanding required of a professional researcher in human geography in the social sciences.

The course consists  of a 12 month programme and is approved by the ESRC. Successful students will be qualified to apply for an ESRC studentship to fund their doctoral research under the +3 programme. One role of this Masters, therefore, is to provide a relevant foundation for PhD study, with many opportunitites to develop doctoral project proposals built in. However, the course also offers a sound grounding in research methodology forming the basis for a range of other careers in academic and non-academic research.The course aims to give a broad training in social science research methodology, as well as more specific training in the approaches and techniques used in human geography. There is a balance between theory and practical application. The course includes skills training and reflection on personal experience, and those students who are going on to PhD work are encouraged to relate what they learn to their future research.

Teaching is in small groups and emphasises student engagement and discussion. The taught programme is undertaken in the autumn and spring terms and all modules include formative and summative assessment. From Easter onwards, students work on their Masters dissertation with the support of an allocated supervisor.

The MA in Research Methods for Geography is made up of 6 core modules, including a 15,000 word dissertation on any relevant topic agreed between the student and supervisor. There is a choice of modules on quantitative techniques and students take either one or two modules depening on their interest.

Details of Modules Taught

For further details on module teaching and assessment please visit the Modules for MA in Geography (Research Methods) page.

For enquiries about the academic aspects of this course please contact the Course Director, Professor Mike Crang.