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MPhil in Geographical Research

The Thesis

The thesis is viewed as a major aspect of the course, occupying about 60% of the student's time (and counting as 60% of assessment). It is also a primary aspect of evaluation for those students who intend subsequently to progress to a PhD. It is expected to demonstrate a substantial level of knowledge and understanding of the intellectual and methodological debates relevant to the specific topic undertaken, demonstrate an effective research design, demonstrate the choice and ability to use appropriate research methods, and demonstrate the student's acquisition of skills of presentation and argument. Assessment is based on a 20,000-word thesis, which may include an oral examination. The thesis will not normally contain substantial fieldwork, but some piloting or pre-piloting is expected.

The thesis is intended to be a major piece of work. Whilst, quite properly, there is no single format for the thesis, each is expected to include:

  1. a clear statement of objectives and aims;
  2. a background literature review leading to hypotheses or concepts to be examined;
  3. a major research proposal which frames the research hypothesis or problems to be investigated, including access to information and problems overcome;
  4. the research methods used, justifying why they are chosen and their advantage over alternatives;
  5. the conclusions drawn, their significance, and the outcomes of any piloting that has been undertaken;
  6. the audience for the research and plans for dissemination and publication.

The total of 20,000 words is made up chiefly of sections (2) (3) and (4) with section (5) being of varying size depending on the extent of piloting possible.