School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

ResM Human Geography

Duration

Full time: 1-1.5 years
Part time: 2-3 years
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location Plymouth
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Human Geographers are fascinated by society and environment and examine how places are understood, imagined, used, shared and contested by different peoples. Geographers study the world at a range of scales, from the local to the global, and have a keen appreciation of how places are connected. A research degree offers you the chance to be part of this rich discipline in its quest to understand people’s diverse relationships with the world.

Course details

  • Taught modules

  • The ResM can be studied either full or part time. You study the core modules and attend individual tutorials with your supervisor and regular research seminars. The programme leads to either a written thesis or one combining critical writing with creative/professional practice and can be studied either full time or part time. After completing your taught modules, you continue with independent research, guided by your Director of Studies.

  • Thesis and assessment

  • Throughout this time spent working towards your thesis, you are considered a full member of our research community and completely supported until you successfully complete your degree. You may attend additional training, workshops and research seminars. As a full-time ResM student, you submit your thesis after 12 months (part time after 24 months) or pay a nominal sum for up to six months’ additional writing up time (part time 12 months). Your viva voce (or oral examination) takes place following submission of your thesis.

Entry requirements
For entry to postgraduate level, you should normally possess:
  • a first or upper second (2:1) degree with honours or professional qualification, recognised as being equivalent to degree standard; or
  • an ordinary degree, foundation degree, higher national diploma, or university diploma, accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field.
If you are an overseas applicant you can check the comparability of your qualifications with Ecctis, which provides an advisory service.
English language requirement
If English is not your first language, you must have proficiency in written and spoken English (normally a minimum test score of 6.5 for IELTS, or equivalent). Given the nature of the programme, you’ll be expected to read and engage with complex theoretical texts and debates for which fluency in English is essential.
English language requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
Please visit tuition fees for postgraduate research for information about fees.
If you are a full time student, you will pay full time fees for three years. If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of this period, then you may pay for an optional one year writing up period.
If you are a part time student, you will pay part time fees for four years. If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of this period, then you may pay for an optional 'writing up' period of up to two years.
You are responsible for meeting all of the costs related to your own research project, beyond the resources available in the department.
Please visit our postgraduate research money matters page to find out more about issues related to fees, funding, loans and paying for your programme of study.

How to apply

Apply online

Submitting your application
Complete your application and upload supporting documents to the Doctoral College by completing our online application form.

Questions on the application process?
We're here to help. Please contact the Doctoral College team , we'll be happy to assist you.
You can view or download our admissions policy from the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
If you have a disability and would like further information on the support available, please visit Disability Services .
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office .
Find more information about Apply for a postgraduate research programme .

Centre for Research in Environment and Society (CeRES)

Our research activities encompass a broad range of work in physical and human geography. There is a substantial postgraduate community, and a lively and active research culture. All our research is underpinned by excellent facilities and support staff.
Research is organised around four themes which make up the Centre for Research in Environment and Society (CeRES).
The project brings together scientists and Maasai people to find ways to overcome soil erosion challenges

People

Coastal Processes Research Group Perranporth beach
Postgraduate research students listening to a talk