Course summary

The MPhil in Geography is a 12-month full-time programme of research that introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. The course aims to develop general transferable skills and act as a bridge between first degree and PhD. Through the supervision process and the writing of an MPhil thesis students develop their skills in assessing contrasting theories, explanations and policies; collecting, critically judging, evaluating and interpreting varied forms of evidence; preparing maps and diagrams; employing various methods of collecting and analysing spatial and environmental information; combining and interpreting different types of evidence to tackle specific problems; and recognising the ethical and moral dimensions of study. Its main aims are: to give students with relevant experience at a first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision; to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests; permit close analysis of existing original research data. Learning Outcomes By the end of the programme, students will have: a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research; demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field; shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies; demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.