If you enjoy learning about people and their societies, economies, cultures and the environment, and are keen to learn and develop a wide range a skills, then a graduate geography course could be for you.
Geography Master’s programmes are broken down into two core areas; human geography, for which you would be awarded an MA, and physical geography, for which you would be awarded an MSc.
The MA in human geography focuses on areas including; environment and development, environmental policies and politics, geopolitics, urbanisation and globalisation, whereas the MSc in physical geography focuses on research skills, geology, environmental earth sciences and geochemistry. Both programmes can be tailored specifically to your interests through the choice of optional modules.
Aim of graduate geography courses
The primary aim of the MA and MSc programmes is to provide an advanced foundation in geography, bringing students up to date with the latest developments in their chosen fields of study. Students enrolled on MA Geography programmes are expected to take most of their options in human geography and those enrolled on MSc Geography programmes are expected to take most of their options in physical geography.
Human Geography
A Master’s degree in human geography provides a programme of advanced study and training in the broad field of human geography and is designed specifically as a gateway to PhD research. The programme involves comprehensive social science training in research methodologies and aims to enhance investigative and transferable employment-related skills. Students additionally develop advanced knowledge and understanding of key debates and approaches in their specialist area of study through a selection of optional modules.
Physical Geography
A Master’s programme in physical geography provides advanced study and training in issues relating to regional and environmental policy, sustainability, policy research and intervention. These courses are designed to prepare students for careers related to regional and/or environmental policy in the public, private or voluntary sector, but will also provide a foundation for students wishing to pursue further postgraduate research.
Core programme content
Key concepts in human geography provide students with the skills to recognise, critique and apply different concepts and theories to their own research. Areas covered include; scale, place, theories of Space and Time, ethical and moral geographies and numerical geographies. Students will also look at principles of research design and quantitative data collection and analysis.
Physical geography has many more sub-disciplines than human geography. Core elements covered include environmental policy and sustainability, in which students receive training in environmentalism, environmental risk and management, sustainability and resilience, as well as environmental behaviour and state-sponsored environmental behavioural change. Another key concept covered in physical geography programmes is regional policy and governance. This element of the course provides students with exposure to both critical academic and applied perspectives relating to regional change, devolution, globalisation, economic and cultural development, innovation, social exclusion and participation.
Entry requirements
To study for a Master’s degree in geography, most universities will ask for a minimum of a 2:1 degree in a related subject or international equivalent, e.g. GPA of 3.25 from a US University. Prospective students who have not achieved a 2:1 in their first degree, but have professional or voluntary experience will also be considered.
