Geography MA by Research

Durham University

The MA (by Research) admits any student with a Bachelor's degree or higher in an arts or social science subject, of the required standard, to study in social science-facing aspects of Geography. This is a research degree, leading to presentation of a thesis and, if University conditions are met, graduation with an M.A. degree. Full-time students must study for a minimum of one and maximum of two years to obtain this degree. This, along with the Master of Science (by research), provides experience of advanced research but without the commitment to a minimum of three years study required at the outset of a PhD. As it is an 'arts' degree, it is suitable for students with a social science or an arts background, including human geography. All students have at least two supervisors, who will guide students through to completion of a substantial piece of work which must be original, significant and contain publishable material. Along the way training in generic and subject-specific skills will be provided by the Department, Faculty and University, together with careful monitoring and assessment of progress. Career includes: Postgraduate study at Durham presents an opportunity to develop a range of higher level research skills that can be transferred to the wider graduate job market. The specific learning and skills opportunities presented by Geography at Masters level are relevant to careers in a diverse range of areas including property and surveying, environmental consultancy and management, conservation, town planning, geopolitical risk, market research, development work, health, public policy, social research, logistics, youth and community work, education, energy, utilities and tourism. It is important to note that accredited professional study will be required for some of the aforementioned career areas. Other Masters students' progress into careers with no direct relevance to human or physical geography including banking, law, PR, consultancy, insurance, IT, retail, advertising, publishing, journalism and media.