Course information

Course highlights

• There are a range of modules available covering research methods and design at the frontiers of human geography, the methodology of social science and topics of interest to MRes students interested in progressing to a PhD.
• This course provides a research basis for students who are interested in undertaking a PhD in Geography.
• Students can attend one of three human geography research clusters in the Department where they can participate in the research of other postgraduate students and staff and engage in debate about the recent journal papers in their field.

Teaching format

The MRes in Human Geography is a one-year taught postgraduate programme run by the Department of Geography and Sustainable Development. 

Students on the MRes should expect to explore key methodological and philosophical debates across the discipline through research areas in human geography that St Andrews is best known for, including population and health research, residential and international migration, labour and housing market studies, development geography, political geography, and social and cultural studies.

Teaching on the course is in small groups involving a mixture of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratories. Student-led learning is a fundamental part of the MRes. Students will take two types of modules, some focused entirely on human geography as a sub-discipline, and others focused on positioning human geography in the wider context of research issues and methods in social science.

Students take four modules in each semester before focusing on a 15,000-word dissertation over the summer. The MRes is entirely assessed through coursework, and assessments include projects which prepare students for undertaking a PhD in Human Geography. 

Further particulars regarding curriculum development.

Modules

Students on the MRes will take eight modules over two semesters.

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue.

Semester 1

• Being a Human Geographer 1 - Theory and Practice: illustrating the key relationships that exist between social theories that have been explored by human geographers and the methods they have used to make answers ‘knowable’ in relation to key questions about space, place and the environment.
• Conceptualising Geography: this special topic in Human Geography is an independent study module. After an introductory lecture, students discuss possible topics with a supervisor. The work for this module is then library-based and allows students to specialise in a research area that most interests them.
• Being a Social Scientist: a series of interactive seminars which explores the fundamental skills required by all social scientists.
• Quantitative Methods: a user-friendly introduction to the fundamental concepts of quantitative analysis, including research design, sampling strategies, uncertainty and missing data, and computerised data management.

Semester 2

• Being a Human Geographer 2 - Research Design: an independent study module linked to the research interests of the student.
• Advanced Research Methods: a project-based module which will allows students to specialise in a research area using a research method or technique that most interests them.
• Philosophy and Methodology of Social Science: a seminar based module which introduces students to the basic theoretical approaches in the social sciences.
• Qualitative Methods:  a theoretical and practical introduction to the collection, analysis and writing of qualitative social science research, including ethics, archives, participant observation and participatory approaches.

The modules listed ran in the academic year 2015-2016 and are indicative of this course. There is no guarantee that these modules will run for 2016 entry.

Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.

Modules are subject to change each year; please see the University’s position on curriculum development.

Dissertation

The final element of the MRes is a research dissertation designed to give you an opportunity to engage in innovative research practices that tackle key questions relevant to current debates in Human Geography. Student dissertations will be supervised by members of the teaching staff who will advise on the choice of subject and provide guidance throughout the research process. The completed dissertation of not more than 15,000 words will be submitted by in August.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MRes, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MRes.

The postgraduate community

Students on the course have the opportunity to participate in the wider postgraduate community in the Department and to learn from other Human Geography postgraduates (from the UK and all over the world) who are in the process of undertaking research degrees.

During the MRes, you will be expected to participate in the activities of at least one of the Department’s research clusters, where you will hear staff and postgraduates reporting on research as it evolves, as well as engaging in debate about the recent journal papers in their field.

Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.

Curriculum development

As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).

Tuition fees

The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).