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Course overview
Advance your understanding of human geography, research methodologies, and effective communication. Develop specialised expertise by delving deeply into specific areas of interest, gaining comprehensive knowledge, and honing your skills to become a recognised authority in your chosen field.
Explore cutting-edge debates in human geography and environmental science. Our taught Research in Human Geography MSc offers comprehensive research training in theoretical frameworks, advanced methodologies, and ethical considerations. You’ll gain hands-on experience with the latest tools and techniques, preparing you to tackle complex environmental challenges and contribute to meaningful solutions.
I decided to study at the University of Birmingham because of its academic reputation and research development.
Course Structure
The course will run over 12 months in full-time mode.
While the exact course content may vary, here is what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full-time Masters course.
In Semester 1, you will study:
- Qualitative Research Methods (20 credits)
- Theoretical Themes for Geographers (20 credits)
You will also take one of the following optional modules:
- Urban Environments in the Global South (20 credits)
- Geographies of Forced Displacement (20 credits)
- Governance of Environmental and Energy Transitions (20 credits)
Course highlights
Our MSc Research in Human Geography combines rigorous research skills with broad human geography focus and optional environmental management modules.
- Expertise in Human Geography: Leverage our vast academic research expertise and research-focused teaching
- Cutting-edge Debates: Engage with contemporary issues in human geography, environmental science, and related fields
- Comprehensive research training: Gain skills in theoretical, philosophical, and methodological issues relevant to human geography and social science research
- Optional Modules
Customise your learning with modules on environmental management, decision-making, and urban resilience
Our course draws on GEES’ expertise in Human Geography, providing extensive academic research knowledge, research-focused teaching, and essential transferable skills. You will engage with leading scholars, participate in innovative research projects, and develop a deep understanding of contemporary geographical issues. The curriculum is designed to equip you with critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, preparing you for a wide range of careers. Additionally, you will have opportunities for fieldwork, internships, and collaborative projects, ensuring you gain practical experience and a competitive edge in the job market.
Course delivery
Taught through research-focused teaching, the MSc offers human geography expertise with optional modules in environmental management and urban resilience.
- Modules: Explore qualitative and quantitative methods for human geographers
- Teaching: Research-focused, delivered by experts from the School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences
- Methods: Lectures, seminars, workshops, and guided reading
- Assessments: Essays, seminar/group presentations, and a research project (dissertation)
Module information
The course comprises 140 credits across various core modules, plus 100 credits for optional modules. Completion involves essays, seminars, and research projects.
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.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Qualitative Research Methods | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Quantitative Research Methods | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Research Project | 60 | |
| LM Theoretical Themes for Geographers | 20 | Semester 1 |
Choose 60 credits from the following optional modules
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Geographies of Forced Displacement | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Governance of Environmental and Energy Transitions | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM The City & Modernity | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Urban Environments in the Global South | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Urbanity and wellbeing | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Sustainable Cities | 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.
- 2:1 Honours Degree or equivalent
in Geography or a related discipline
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 Listening, 21 Speaking and 19 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 25 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
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.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 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
Stand out in a competitive job market with an MSc. Our research-focused Master’s degree equips you for a PhD in Human Geography or rigorous research in related fields.
- Practical Experience
Fieldwork, internships, and collaborative projects give our students a competitive edge in the job market
Our MSc graduates have excelled in academia, business, and policy roles. They’ve worked in areas including policy development, finance, consultancy, journalism, and market research. Some have pursued PhD research, including at prestigious institutions such as the University of Oxford.
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.