Geographical Research
Entry requirements
Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK High 2:1 Honours Degree.
Most students will have a substantial background in geography or a related discipline, although other subjects may be relevant.
Months of entry
October
Course content
The course is intended for students who have a substantial background in geography or a related discipline with a good first degree. It aims to provide: (i) broad-based training in geographical research, its philosophical backgrounds and debates, and interpretation of geographical literature, (ii) comprehensive training in research methods in human geography and the social sciences as a whole, and (iii) the opportunity to develop large-scale research management skills by completing a research thesis under academic supervision and guidance.
The course aims to develop general transferable skills for research employment in a wide range of walks of life or as a bridge between first degree and PhD. The MPhil thesis element can be a freestanding project, but is usually used as a vehicle for developing plans and research design for subsequent doctoral research.
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.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the 11 months, students taking the MPhil in Geographical Research will be expected to have:
- Acquired a broad knowledge of qualitative research methods and general statistics
- Acquired the skills to use library and internet resources independently
- Acquired specialist knowledge of the relevant literature related to their thesis
- Acquired skills to independently structure their research design
- Given a presentation on their thesis to their peers and academic staff
- Written three essays and one thesis
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MPhil
- full time11 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Enquiries
- graduate.enquiries@geog.cam.ac.uk