MA Practicing Human Geography

The MA in Practicing Human Geography provides advanced training in research practices and cutting-edge theories and methodologies that will equip students for careers in government agencies, public bodies, research institutes, private consultancies, or further doctoral-level research. Students will train alongside other social science postgraduates at Aberystwyth University in qualitative and quantitative methods, take range of specialist modules in Geography, and participate in residential and day workshops on theory and method in human geography. Students can expect to be part of an energetic postgraduate community and participate in the Department’s active and inclusive research culture.

Overview

Why study MA Practising Human Geography at Aberystwyth University?

Study at a research-led institution and in a multi-national community

The Department of Geography and Earth Science is top in Wales, with 78% of its research classified as either ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ - REF 2014

Aberystwyth DGES is in the top ten of UK Geography departments with regards to research power, which provides a measure of the quality of research, as well as of the number of staff undertaking research within the department

Our Human Geography receives funding from the Economic and Social Science and Arts and Humanities Research Councils, as well as the Leverhulme Trust and the European Research Council

This course functions as an ESRC-recognised pathway within the Wales Doctoral Training Partnership giving eligibility for ESRC PhD funding

Opportunity to attend two major research groups (the Cultural and Historical Geography Research Group and the New Political Geographies Research Group) which are comprised of experts who regularly contribute to international debates

This course provides innovative and unique cross-institution training with a Theory School and Methods School delivered jointly with the Geography departments at Cardiff and Swansea University

Opportunity to network and increase your professional exposure through the department’s regular guest seminars and the residential theory school (held in conjunction with Cardiff and Swansea Universities).

How will I be assessed?

Depending on the modules chosen, assessment is via a combination of essays, reports, presentations, research proposals, reflective journals, research critiques, literature reviews, policy recommendations, and seminar discussion. The optional Postgraduate Work Experience module is assessed by a reflective essay, a project report and a journal.

Successful submission of the master’s dissertation at the end of the academic year leads to the award of an MA.