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MPhil in Geographical Research

Course structure

1. Two Geography Options

Each MPhil GR student follows two 'geography options' which would normally relate to their research plans. The options are chosen in consultation with the supervisor and Director of the MPhil in Geographical Research; and it is helpful if some discussion can take place before admission. Each option is assessed through a submitted essay of 4,000 words.

Because we encourage a student-driven approach to the M Phil GR, which can be used to develop a focus on plans for the eventual PhD, there is flexibility about the way in which the geography options can be constructed, usually within the four broad streams listed below. It is possible (within streams 1. and 2.) to choose courses within other MPhils in the Department, which normally take the form of lectures and seminars (see relevant sections of the Departmental web site). Other options can be tailored to take account of the needs, prior knowledge and experience of individual students. For these, teaching is undertaken by arrangement in small reading groups or in one-to-one discussions. A third possibility is to choose options from other MPhils in the University, which must be done by prior agreement with the Director of the MPhil concerned, the student's supervisor and the Geography Director of Graduate Studies. Finally, it is possible to mix and match these approaches, provided that the options are carefully considered and approved.

The streams within which these options are normally chosen are:

  1. Conservation, Environment and Development. Theories and concepts in the context of research themes in the field of political ecology and rural resource management. One module is available on 'Conservation problems and practice' which is taught during the first half of the first term.
  2. Environmental Science: 3 options are available, which are taught over terms 1 and 2. Environmental Modelling; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Reconstruction. The three topics include lectures covering topics such as: GIS and remote sensing; airborne remote sensing; cartography and design; climate and ocean dynamics; stratigraphy and geochronology; aspects of biological systems, human evolution and development.
  3. Economy, society and policy analysis. New economic geographies and social impacts of economic change, primarily using the UK, US and EU as sources of statistical and other information. Understanding of relevant theories, with a strong policy component, and discussion of qualitative and quantitative approaches to data collection.
  4. Culture, history, space and place. Theories and epistemologies in the context of research themes including: welfare; medicine and demography; fertility, mortality and morbidity; disease and deviance; colonial discourse.

2. Social Science Methods Modules

These modules are taught jointly with other social science departments in Cambridge and have their own administrator and director. Some modules have choices within them to cater for different levels of prior training.

  1. IT skills, database management, statistical and qualitative analysis software.
  2. Survey Methods
  3. Statistical Methods
  4. Qualitative and Ethnographic Methods

Whilst training in each of these areas is compulsory, it is recognised that students come with a variety of backgrounds which can often include substantial prior training in some of these areas. Substitution of other recognized modules in the same areas as those listed above is, therefore, possible and encouraged. This has to be arranged and approved at the start of the teaching in October at the latest.

3. Research Design, Ethics, etc

Formal assessment is within the thesis where the skills taught are expected to be fully evidenced. Training sessions are provided on the main elements of:

  1. Research Design and Management
  2. Bibliographic and cartographic skills
  3. Ethics, codes of practice