MA by Research in Geography

Program Overview

The MA by Research in Human Geography at the University of Lincoln investigates the dynamic relationship between people and their environments. Students conduct independent research projects supervised by expert academics, developing essential skills for careers in academia, research, planning, and development. The program focuses on socio-spatial inequalities, environmental issues, climate policy, health and wellbeing, and geospatial big data.

Program Outline

Through independent research, supervisory meetings, and departmental seminars, conferences, and research workshops, this research programme provides the opportunity to conduct an in-depth research project in an area of human geography, and aims to build key skills for positions in academia, research, spatial/social planning, and development consultancy and management. The Department of Geography offers the opportunity to work at Master's level alongside academics whose research has been internationally recognised. Students can benefit from a supportive academic community, where ideas and experiences are shared with the aim of advancing knowledge. Lincoln's human geographers are working on projects exploring socio-spatial inequalities; environmental history and historical geography; climate policy and politics; environmental management; governance and behaviour; health and wellbeing; colonialism and (de-)coloniality; and geospatial big data.

Assessment:

The MA by Research involves the writing of a Master's thesis under the supervision of a member of academic staff on a topic to be agreed with the course supervisor. The MA by Research is usually awarded based on the quality of the students' thesis alone. An oral examination (viva voce) may be needed in some circumstances.

Teaching:

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, the majority of time is spent on independent study and research. In addition, students are expected to attend School, Department, and research group seminars and conferences, and engage in training opportunities in support of their studies provided by the Department, School, and the wider University. Students will regularly meet with their academic supervisors, however, the frequency of this will vary depending on study mode, individual requirements, subject area, staff availability, and project progress.

Careers:

A research programme provides the opportunity to become a true expert in your chosen field, while developing a range of valuable transferable skills than can support your career progression. A research-based degree is also the most direct pathway to an academic career. Research degrees are a great chance to expand your network and meet diverse people with similar interests, knowledge, and passion. The University’s Doctoral School provides a focal point for Lincoln’s community of researchers, where ideas and experiences can be developed and shared across disciplines. It also offers support and training to help equip you for both academic and non-academic careers.

Other:

The key to success on a postgraduate research programme is to find a research topic that you are passionate about and identify a supervisory team that has expertise in this area. The first thing that all prospective students should do is directly contact a member of staff from one of these areas that you feel is best aligned with your chosen research area to discuss the application process further. Potential areas of work are aligned with the Department's current research strengths and specialisms and include (but are not limited to):

• Socio-spatial inequalities
• Sustainable rural, agricultural and urban communities
• Geographies of health and wellbeing
• Climate policy, politics and governance across geographical scales
• Environmental management/governance and behaviour
• Environmental history and historical geography
• Coloniality and decoloniality
• Perceptions of ‘place’
• Geospatial big data
• Development studies