Physical Geography

Program Overview

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The MPhil and PhD programs in Physical Geography at the University of Worcester provide research-focused postgraduate degrees. Students develop research skills, conduct original research, and contribute to the field. The program offers a supportive environment with experienced faculty, advanced software access, and fieldwork opportunities, preparing graduates for careers in academia, government, and environmental consultancy.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Masters of Philosophy (MPhil):

• Research-focused postgraduate degree.
• Enables specialization in Physical Geography with a focus on specific research topics.
• Requires a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree or equivalent qualification.
• Requires submission of a detailed research outline.
• Completion timeframe: Typically 2 years full-time.

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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD):

• Highest level of research degree offered by the University of Worcester in Physical Geography.
• Focuses on conducting original research and making significant contributions to the field.
• Requires a Postgraduate Masters Degree or equivalent qualification in Physical Geography or a similar field.
• Option to transfer from the MPhil degree into the PhD program.
• Completion timeframe: Typically 3-4 years full-time, with 5-6 years for part-time students.

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Objectives:

• The program aims to:
• Develop research skills, critical thinking, and analysis in students.
• Foster independent research capabilities and methodologies.
• Allow exploration of individual research projects within the Physical Geography field.
• Achieve publication of research findings within peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations.

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Program Description:

• Builds upon students' existing knowledge, understanding, and expertise in Physical Geography through research focused on their chosen topic.

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Outline:

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Structure

• First year focuses on developing research proposals and completing required modules within the Researcher Development Programme (RDP).
• Subsequent years involve data collection, analysis, research project completion, writing of a thesis, and preparing for a viva examination.
• Annual Progress Reviews track student progress throughout the program.

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Content

• First Year:
• Students create detailed research proposals with their supervisory team support.
• Three RDP modules focusing on developing research skills, approaches, and planning.

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Second Year

• Focuses on data collection and project work.
• Opportunity to present research at conferences and publish findings with support from the Research Student Support Scheme.
• Transfer from MPhil to PhD typically occurs towards the end of this year during the Annual Progress Review.

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Third and Fourth Year:

• Thesis writing and preparation for the viva exam.
• Viva exam involves oral defense of thesis and is completed after submission.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Research proposal submitted in the first year
• Completion of three RDP modules with coursework and assignments
• Annual Progress Reviews
• Thesis
• Oral examination (viva voce)

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Assessment Criteria:

• Rigidity of research design and methodology
• Quality of analysis and interpretation of results
• Effective written communication within the thesis
• Delivery of oral presentation during the viva exam

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Independent research guided by supervisors
• RDP modules offering lectures, tutorials, workshops, group work, and individual assignments
• Supervision team offering regular meetings, support, advice
• Potential opportunities to work alongside experienced researchers
• Utilize field-based resources offered by the University

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Faculty:

• Experienced academics with research expertise within Physical Geography including:
• River Science
• Glacial Geomorphology
• Environmental Geology
• GIS and Remote Sensing

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Unique Approaches:

• Fieldwork opportunities with specialist equipment and hydrological monitoring
• Advanced software access
• Visualization Suite and GIS equipment
• StreamPro Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler
• Teledyne Flow Tracker and Electromagnetic current meters
• ISCO automated liquid samplers

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Careers:

• Potential careers include academic research and teaching positions.
• Government roles and environmental consultancy jobs also available.
• Postgraduate training helps develop transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, data analysis, project management
• These skills enhance employability within diverse sectors such as hydrology, earth observation, flood management
• The program also builds upon existing and developing professional networks for career support.

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Other:

• Full and part-time study options available
• University offers extensive resources, facilities, and state-of-the-art library access to support research endeavors.