MSc Geographical and Environmental Research

OVERVIEW

Our MSc/MA in Geographical and Environmental Research is a research-focused masters programme designed to develop generic and subject specific research skills over a broad range of disciplines within Geography, the Environment and Sustainability, providing a strong educational background for a career in research and development, or the public or private sector. You will gain a MSc or a MA degree depending on whether your research project is based within the Natural or Social Sciences.

The programme is designed to develop generic research skills such as a critical evaluation, research design, scientific writing, data management, literature reviews, reflective practice and science communication, alongside subject-specific research skills such as fieldwork, laboratory skills, data collection, data analysis and interpretation.

TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

You will be taught by experienced, well-qualified and enthusiastic staff. All of our staff are research-active within the discipline, accomplished at working on funded research - both nationally and internationally. The programme team are enthusiastic to share their teaching, research and professional experience to help you achieve success in your studies.

You will complete formal assessment on all modules. Assessments for core programme modules are coursework-based and includes assessments such as oral and poster presentations, reports, reviews, a blog, reflective writing, project proposals, a research project portfolio and a dissertation. Optional modules may include a range of assessment types (including essays, reports, consultancy or technical reports, exams, poster presentation, etc) depending on the module.

The main assessment is the research project/dissertation, a 20,000-25,000 word Masters dissertation that is undertaken in conjunction with an academic supervisor at Keele or with one of our international partner institutions or external collaborators.

CAREERS

Our programme includes a Career development workshop and the emphasis on the substantial ‘hands on’ research training (with the provision of an international placement option) makes this programme unusual within the Higher Education Sector in the UK and will enhance your employability. We believe that our programme structure will help to develop future employees with strong and transferable research skills that are valued both within industry, organisations and academia. Students are encouraged to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals, enhancing employability.