Geography MGeogSci

Program Overview

The Geography MGeogSci is a comprehensive four-year program that provides an in-depth understanding of the Earth's systems and equips students with advanced research skills. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical experiences, the program prepares students for careers in research, sustainability, environmental consultancy, GIS analysis, and various other sectors. Students conduct independent research projects, attend field classes, and gain insights from industry professionals during their tenure.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Geography MGeogSci is a four-year program with an integrated master's degree. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of natural processes and equip them with advanced research skills. The program builds upon the structure of the BSc Geography program, offering students the opportunity to delve deeper into their chosen area of study through an in-depth research project.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Provide students with a thorough understanding of the Earth's systems and their interactions.
• Develop students' analytical skills to address contemporary global issues such as climate change, environmental pollution, and rising sea levels.
• Equip students with practical skills in geospatial techniques, including computer programming, satellite observations, and geographic information systems (GIS).
• Foster students' research abilities through an advanced research project conducted within an active research group.
• Prepare students for careers in research, sustainability, meteorology, environmental consultancy, GIS analysis, business, policy, and government.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Living with Environmental Change (20 credits)
• Why Geography Matters (20 credits)
• Geographical Skills, Methods and Techniques (40 credits)
• Earth, Wind, Ice and Fire (20 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Housing and Home (10 credits)
• Cities and Inequality (10 credits)
• Exploring Human Geographies (20 credits)
• Climate Change and Sustainability (20 credits)
• The Making of Urban Places (20 credits)
• Ecology and Conservation (20 credits)
• LGBTQ Studies (10 credits)
• Climate Action (10 credits)

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Geographical Information Systems and Earth Observation (10 credits)
• Analysing Geographical and Environmental Data (10 credits)
• Physical Geography and Environmental Science Fieldclass (10 credits)
• Research Design for Geography and Environmental Science (10 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Sustainable Development and Global Justice (20 credits)
• Understanding the Climate System (20 credits)
• Culture, Space and Difference (20 credits)
• Understanding Dynamic Landscapes (20 credits)
• Territory, Power and Policy (20 credits)
• Who Gets What?
Social Justice and the Environment (20 credits)
• Unlocking Past Environmental Changes (20 credits)
• Glacial Processes and Hazards (20 credits)
• Urban Culture and Conflict: The Making of Modern Cities (20 credits)
• Conservation Principles and Realities (20 credits)
• Population and Community Ecology (20 credits)
• Ecosystems and Sustainability in a Changing World (20 credits)

Year 3:

• Core Modules:
• Dissertation for Geography and Environmental Science (40 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Advanced Geospatial Analysis (20 credits)
• Lake District Fieldclass (20 credits)
• Employing Geography Skills in Sustainability and Social Justice (20 credits)
• The Planets (20 credits)
• Democracy and Citizenship: Dilemmas and Tensions (20 credits)
• Geoscientific Data Analysis using MATLAB (20 credits)
• Applied Volcanology (20 credits)
• Challenging Development (20 credits)
• Contemporary Geographical Research (L3) (20 credits)
• Coastal Systems: Processes and Management (20 credits)

Year 4:

• Core Modules:
• Research Design in Physical Geography and Environmental Science (15 credits)
• Research Project (75 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Current Issues in Geography and Environmental Science (15 credits)
• Theory and Debates in Food Security and Food Justice (15 credits)
• The Science of Environmental Change (15 credits)
• Contemporary Geographical Research (L4) (15 credits)
• Environment, Society and Development: Key Issues, Debates and Concepts (15 credits)
• Managing Climate Change (15 credits)
• Applications of Machine Learning in Earth Sciences (15 credits)

Assessment:

Students are assessed through a combination of coursework and exams. The specific assessment methods and criteria vary depending on the module. Coursework may include essays, reports, policy briefs, stakeholder analysis, and science communication activities such as podcasts, blogs, and vlogs.

Teaching:

The program combines theoretical concepts with practical, hands-on experiences. Fieldwork is a central component of the program, providing students with opportunities to design, conduct, and present their own research projects. The department also maintains close connections with policymakers and practitioners from various sectors, inviting them to share their experiences and insights in seminars.

Careers:

Graduates from the Geography MGeogSci program are well-prepared for a range of careers in research, sustainability, meteorology, environmental consultancy, GIS analysis, conservation, and land management. The program also provides a strong foundation for careers in other sectors, including tech and coding, consultancy and business, financial services, policy, and government.

Other:

• The department covers the costs of all core residential field classes, including travel, accommodation, and food.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in an optional placement year, which can enhance their learning, develop their skills, and build their professional network.
• The School of Geography and Planning is housed in an award-winning, purpose-built building on the edge of Weston Park.
• The department offers a range of scholarships to support students' independent fieldwork.