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Durham University

Durham , England ,United Kingdom

MA in Geography (Research Methods)

The MA in Geography (Research Methods) provides a thorough grounding in the practical and theoretical techniques used in both social sciences and the study of human geography.

Recognised by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the course combines skills training with opportunities to reflect on relevant personal experience, which you will then be encouraged to draw on in further study. Learning takes place in small groups in a supportive environment and focuses on discussion and debate around current issues in the field. 

Core modules, developed and delivered by specialist academics in line with the ESRC's requirements, range from philosophy and theory in contemporary human geography to interdisciplinary perspectives and practices across social research. You also choose from a selection of optional modules in topics such as advanced ethnographic research, multilevel modelling and computational social sciences as well as completing a dissertation in an area of interest.

Facilities in the Department have benefitted from around £2m of investment in recent years. They include well-equipped laboratories, a workshop, an extensive field equipment store and a cartographic unit, all managed by a team of skilled technical staff.

The course is one of a suite of methods-based postgraduate degrees delivered by departments from across the University. It enables you to immerse yourself in a vibrant and enthusiastic postgraduate community which provides a social, as well as academic, experience.  We operate a ‘buddy system’ which brings together new postgraduate researchers with more experienced researchers who will be able to give you advice, information and support. 

Outside of scheduled learning time there are further opportunities to attend departmental events and talks and take part in the annual research conference.

Intakes

  • Jan
  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Application Process

More information Required
10 Days
Possible Interview Call from Institution
10 Days
Provisional/Unconditional Offer
20 Days
Visa Process
30 Days

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Studying in a department with a global reputation for the quality of research, our postgraduates are well placed to continue research at a higher level or progress into a rewarding professional career.

Taught courses are designed to develop the transferable skills that are highly sought after by employers such as the ability to analyse and communicate information and make decisions, and our postgraduates are much valued in areas such as government, non-governmental organisations and the charity sector.

Other roles in which postgraduates make a real difference to people and communities include 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, tourism, banking, law, PR, IT, publishing, journalism and the media.

PSW Opportunity

  • 2 Years PSW is applicable after completing a minimum duration of 9 months course (like- Undergraduate, Postgraduate Level)
  • 3 Years PSW is applicable after completing PhD level courses.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Admissions Process

  • Subject requirements, level, and grade
  • A minimum 2:1 Honours degree from a UK institution (or the overseas equivalent) in any subject, or equivalent.

References play an important part in the admissions process.

Recognised three or four year undergraduate degree (Honors or Regular pass)

  • The IELTS requirement for Durham University depends on the program you're applying to: 
  • MBA program
  • The IELTS requirement for the Durham MBA program is 7.0 overall, with no element below 6.5. 
  • International Foundation Year
  • The IELTS requirement for the International Foundation Year at Durham University is 5.5 overall, with 5.5 in reading and writing, and a minimum of 5.0 in all other skills. 
  • Other programs
  • If English is not your first language, you may need an IELTS score of 7.0 or above (with no element below 6.5) to apply to other programs at Durham University. 
  • The IELTS or Pearson Test of English (PTE) test must be no more than two years old at the start of the program. 
  • Durham University also offers an International Study Centre that provides English language preparation for students to prepare for their degree at Durham City Campus. 

  • Course Code: L8K507
  • Course Type: Full Time
  • Course Level: Masters/PG Degree
  • Duration: 01 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee: 24750 GBP
    Average Cost of Living: 13632 GBP /year
    Application Fee: N/A
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