The MSc programme incorporates the School’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-recognised research training masters qualification Research in Human Geography, which fulfils the requirements of year one in the ESRC's ‘1+3’ training model for postgraduates. This pathway is in the ninth year of operation and is one of the UK’s longest-running research training masters programmes in Human Geography. Former students taking this Masters have developed successful academic, business and policy-based careers.
The ‘Economy and Enterprise’ and ‘Environment Risk and Society’ pathways represent exciting developments in an established Masters programme. The new pathways draw upon the research strengths of the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at Birmingham and reflect a long-tradition in this School of providing world-class training in economic geography through the Masters in World Space Economy. The World Space Economy Masters has now been incorporated into this Masters programme.
The innovative Enterprise, Environment and Place MSc programme combines interdisciplinary expertise from Geography, Political Science and International Studies, Social Policy and the Institute for German Studies, and is truly multidisciplinary. Students interact with other MSc students from across the social sciences, and therefore gain a unique breadth of academic research, teaching and key transferable skills.
In addition to exposing students to cutting edge debates in Economic Geography, Environmental Science, Human Geography more generally and related fields, the programme provides research training in theoretical, philosophical, and methodological debates relevant to Human Geography and social science research.
These include debates concerning: social theory and epistemology, qualitative and quantitative techniques and their application in Human Geography and research design, ethics and presentation.
Modules are taught using a diverse blend of teaching styles and assessment formats. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops and guided reading. Assessment formats include essays, presentations, a research proposal and a 12,000 word dissertation.
Under the guidelines laid down by the ESRC, research training is a necessary requirement for those intending to apply for funding to undertake PhD level research. Our MSc equips students with advanced theoretical and methodological skills that enables students to complete a PhD within the timeframe specified by the research councils.
The skills gained in this degree are also transferable to many applied and professional occupations and many of our postgraduates have gone on to successful careers in economic development and consultancy, finance, journalism, market research and accountancy for a range of public, private and voluntary organisations. Given the increasing competition for graduate jobs, many students are now deciding to read for an MSc to enhance their CVs.
Former students taking this Masters have developed successful academic, business and policy-based careers.