Ranking
17th
in the UK for Geography
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
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Course overview
Approximately 60% of the global population live in cities and towns, and this number is rising. Cities face major issues like public health, fairness, sustainability, violence and displacement. MA Cities, Sustainability, and Wellbeing addresses these challenges and prepares you to make a difference.
Whether you are interested in making our cities more sustainable and healthier, in environmental change, or in how cities respond to conflict and violence, this degree is for you. Through collaborative and interdisciplinary research and engagement, you will develop research skills and expertise across a diversity of urban, sustainability, and wellbeing challenges.
Course structure
This course will run over 12 months in a full-time-mode. Study a range of compulsory and optional modules completed with an independent research dissertation. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each term.
You will study a variety of topics ranging from Geographies of Youth Agency and Urban Wellbeing to Urban Environments in the Global South. You will start to explore qualitative research methods and be introduced to your research project dissertation.
Course highlights
This new postgraduate pathway represents the breadth of disciplinary expertise in Human Geography around wellbeing and sustainable futures. This course prepares you to become global citizens, tackling global societal and environmental challenges. Develop specific expertise to connect global challenges to the uniqueness of local urban contexts across the global North and South. You’ll study in an inclusive international setting, gaining research and transferable skills with expert training and teaching.
- Outstanding employment opportunities
- Develop transferable skills
- Specialist human geography research-intensive teaching
Course delivery
Benefit from research-intensive advanced Human Geography teaching combining concepts, methods, and practice sessions, evaluated via a variety of assessments.
- Taught modules - delivered through a mix of traditional lectures and practice-oriented activities
- Seminars - take part in discussion-led seminars alongside your peers and experts in the field
- Research-intensive teaching - Gain research and transferable skills with specialist human geography teaching
Module information
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Study a blend of compulsory and optional modules completed with a 60-credit dissertation. The content covers topics at different scales in both the Global North and Global South, addressing global dynamics and local issues.
Full time
The following core modules must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Research Project | 60 | |
| Sustainable Cities | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Urbanity and wellbeing | 20 | Semester 2 |
Choose one of the following core modules:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Qualitative Research Methods | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Geographies of Youth Agency and Urban Wellbeing | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Quantitative Research Methods | 20 | Semester 2 |
You must choose 60 credits from the following list. You are encouraged to balance the number of modules between semesters, factoring in that dissertation work will take up considerable time in Semester 2.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Geographies of Youth Agency and Urban Wellbeing | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Introduction to Spatial Planning | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Qualitative Research Methods | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Theoretical Themes for Geographers | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Urban Environments in the Global South | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Politics of Environment | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Quantitative Research Methods | 20 | Semester 2 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- A 2:1 Honours degree
or equivalent in Geography or a related discipline.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Birmingham Masters Scholarships
We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Kickstart your career as a sustainability practitioner, equipped to address pressing global issues. Develop valuable skills that will catch the eye of future employers and pave the way for further academic study. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a PhD in Human Geography or diving into research, policy, or governance roles, your career trajectory will soar as you build meaningful connections with key stakeholders.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.