Course summary

This MPhil offers a 10-month programme of advanced study and research into the natural and anthropogenic causes of past, present and future climate variability. The course is intended for students with a strong first degree in in Physical Geography, Earth Science or related fields. The curriculum will: enable students to acquire a critical and well-informed understanding of the accepted and contested academic understanding of climate change through Earth's history; provide a comprehensive background of climate variability on different time scales, in order to reconcile climate model simulations from a quantitative perspective; give students the opportunity to acquire advanced subject expertise, and transferable skills, relevant to their research interests and career goals; equip students for dealing with complex social, political and scientific issues, in the presence of incomplete data, and communicate their positions to specialist and non-specialist audiences; provide the prerequisite exposure and familiarity with the many physical tools and techniques used in climate science and palaeoclimatology to prepare students for either pursuit of a Doctoral degree or professional position. Learning Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding Students will acquire: a comprehensive understanding of Earth’s climate history and variability; a proficiency in applying the many analytical and numerical tools used to acquire climatic and paleoclimatic data, as well as the skills to make objective interpretation of results and communicate findings in a scholarly manner; the practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to advance knowledge in this field; the ability to critically evaluate current research and methodologies and, where appropriate, propose new hypotheses to build upon previous knowledge. Skills and other attributes Students will obtain: the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions cogently to specialist and non-specialist audiences; proficiency in a range of analytical and numerical tools, IT resources, experience in survey methods, statistical methods, and a range of climate, paleoclimatic and environmental concepts. Continuing Admission to the PhD following the MPhil is not automatic and if you wish to be considered for the PhD in Geography you must: apply for and meet the criteria for admission to the PhD via the normal University admissions process obtain a good pass level in the MPhil and in your dissertation demonstrate your suitability to undertake a PhD, and submit a suitable research proposal have the pre-agreement of an available and suitable supervisor to supervise your PhD research proposal