Skip to main content

Geography MA or MSc by research

PGR-RA-174

Expertise of research area
Geography; human geography; physical geography; river basin ; Social Justice


<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

The Masters by Research is a 12 month research project (24 months part-time). It is distinct from our taught Masters programmes and involves planning, implementing and writing up a research project.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<h3 style="margin-bottom: 11px;">Overview</h3> <p>Are you a recent graduate who is passionate about Geography? Do you want to take an in-depth approach to exploring your field of interest?</p> <p>Do you work in a sector such as education, local government, or environmental consultancy, and want to enhance your skills useful for your job?</p> <p>Studying for an MA or MSc by Research can be an excellent opportunity to develop your intellectual skills and your academic interest in a particular field. You can study for a Masters by research on either a 12-month (full-time) or 24-month (part-time) research project.</p> <p>The Masters by Research is distinct from our taught Masters programmes and involves planning, implementing and writing up a research project. You&rsquo;ll be supervised by two members of academic staff and will be encouraged to submit your work for publication at the end of the course.</p> <h3>Undertaking Geography research</h3> <p>We have projects you can apply for but you are also welcome to propose your own research project. Within physical geography it is usual to apply for a particular topic, while in human geography it is more usual to propose your own topic. However, we welcome topic proposals on both sides of the discipline.</p> <p>We will consider any topic, provided our staff can supervise it. Staff will be happy to discuss your project ideas with you and to discuss existing projects to which you can apply. By undertaking an original piece of research you will develop a mixture of high-level subject-specific and generic skills, including:</p> <ul> <li>Project management: the ability to organise, plan and carry through to completion a complicated project</li> <li>Technical expertise: project dependent but may also include good laboratory and fieldwork practice and advanced health and safety skills</li> <li>High-level oral communication skills: especially on projects involving external partners and sponsors with whom you will liaise</li> <li>Strong written communication skills: in writing up your research project, you will become proficient at explaining complex ideas</li> <li>Data analysis skills: data handling, collation, and, where appropriate, statistical and graphical analysis</li> <li>Self-motivation: although you will be closely supervised, you will have to be strongly self-motivated to succeed</li> </ul> <p>As a Masters by Research student, you will have regular meetings with your supervisors and will receive training in research skills on the University of Leeds&#39; research student training programme. You will join a large and dynamic community of research students in one of the UK&#39;s highest-rated Geography departments.</p>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<p>The application process is similar to applying for a PhD. Find out&nbsp;<a href="https://environment.leeds.ac.uk/geography-research-degrees/doc/apply-1">how to apply</a>.</p> <p>Applications are welcome at any time of year unless you are applying for a funded project or scholarship/bursary with a deadline attached.</p> <p>For&nbsp;application enquiries, please contact Graduate School admissions on email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk">env-pgr@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For further information, please contact Professor Roel Brienen<br /> e:<a href="mailto:R.Brienen@leeds.ac.uk">R.Brienen@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>


<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Linked project opportunities</h2>