School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

ResM Physical 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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This programme will give you the opportunity to conduct pure or applied research alongside staff at the forefront of their academic disciplines across physical geography, including disciplines such as hydrology, glaciology, geomorphology (fluvial, glacial, desert), and Quaternary environmental change. You will be supported within an active interdisciplinary research environment, working on a project in collaboration with your supervisor, leading to a formal postgraduate qualification.

The ResM incorporates both taught elements and an extended research project culminating in the submission of a thesis. This allows you to engage with a research area of particular interest to you while learning more about physical geography and related disciplines within the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences.

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.

Fees, costs and funding
Please visit tuition fees for postgraduate research for information about fees. The ResM Physical Geography is in Band 2 for fees purposes.
If you are a full time student, you will pay full time fees for one year. If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of this period, then you will have to pay for an optional six month 'writing up' period to complete your thesis (that is, half of the 'writing up' fee indicated on this page).
If you are a part time student, you will pay part time fees for two years. If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of this period, then you will have to pay for an optional one year 'writing up' period to complete your thesis.
You are responsible for meeting all of the costs related to your own research project, beyond the resources available in the department.
This programme is eligible for a postgraduate loan .

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