MA Geography, Society and Environment

The MA Geography, Society and Environment degree is designed for students who wish to specialize in human geography and related topics such as urban design, social policy and equity, sustainable cities, and sustainable development. This degree explores the ways in which people shape and are shaped by the places and environments in which they live.

Key Information

• UCAS code: 3K3W
• Level: Undergraduate
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: MA
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 3-4 years
• Location: Edinburgh
• Start date: September

Course Content

The course covers a broad range of fundamental subjects on human geography (social, economic, and urban), physical geography (earth systems, hydrology, and geomorphology), transferable and geography-specific skills, and practical fieldwork. Students will specialize in human geography in the later years of the degree, studying cities, place and place making, and urban development.

Year 1

• Mandatory September:
  • Geography Today
  • Dynamic Earth 1
  • Introduction to Human Geography
  • Shaping Tomorrow Together A
• Mandatory January:
  • Dynamic Earth 2
  • Scottish Geographies: Fieldwork Observation
  • Human Geography & The City
  • Shaping Tomorrow Together B

Year 2

• Mandatory September:
  • Catchment Hydrology
  • Surveying and GIS
  • City Life and Difference
• Optional September:
  • Introductory Biology 1
  • Introduction to Scottish Studies
  • Management in a Global Context
  • Mathematics for Scientists 1
  • The Economy
• Mandatory January:
  • Global Challenges 1
  • Geomorphology, Landscapes and Society
  • Geography Toolbox
• Optional January:
  • Introduction to World History and Culture
  • Critical Writing
  • Employability and Professional Skills
  • Film and Cultures
  • Contemporary Economic Policy and Institutions

Year 3

• Mandatory September:
  • Global Challenges 2
  • Theories and Methods in Geography 1
  • Place and Place-Making
• Optional September:
  • Marine and Coastal Geography
  • River Geomorphology: Form and Process
  • Transportation Systems Planning
• Mandatory January:
  • Theories and Methods in Geography 2
  • Comparative Urban Development
  • Nature-Based Solutions in the City
• Optional January:
  • Energy and Buildings
  • Environment and Behaviour
  • Environmental Technology and Management

Year 4

• Mandatory September:
  • Research Dissertation (Urban Studies)
  • Urbanisation in the Global South
• Optional September:
  • Marine and Coastal Geography
  • River Geomorphology: Form and Process
  • Comparative Social and Cultural Issues
  • Transportation Systems Planning
• Mandatory January:
  • Research Dissertation (Urban Studies)
  • Social Sustainability
• Optional January:
  • Design Project (Urban Studies)
  • Sustainable Development and the Intercultural Context

Fees and Funding

• Scotland: Paid by SAAS
• England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland: ｣9,790
• International: ｣21,192

Scholarships and Bursaries

• Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to ｣3,100 per year)

Entry Requirements

• Standard entry requirements:
  • Highers: AABB (over two sittings)
  • A-Levels: BBC
  • International Baccalaureate: 29 points
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
  • HNC: B in graded unit
• Minimum entry requirements:
  • Highers: BBBC (over two sittings)
  • A-Levels: BCC
  • International Baccalaureate: 29 points
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM
  • HNC: B in graded unit

English Language Requirements

• The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Employability

• 45% of graduates are working
• 40% are studying
• 10% are studying and working
• Average salary: ｣30,000

Potential Career Paths

• Conservation and environment professionals

This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of human geography and its applications in the real world, preparing them for a wide range of career paths in fields such as conservation, environment, and urban development.

Heriot-Watt University

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Overview:

Heriot-Watt University is a research-focused institution with campuses in Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney, Dubai, and Malaysia, as well as an online presence. It is known for its career-focused degrees and strong links with industry. Heriot-Watt is highly regarded for its research, with a significant portion ranked world-leading and internationally excellent.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Heriot-Watt offers a diverse and international student community, with one-third of its Edinburgh Campus students coming from outside the UK. The university provides a range of facilities across its campuses, including healthcare, libraries, food and drink, sports centers, and more. Students can participate in clubs and activities, and the university offers accommodation options near its campuses.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Career-focused degrees:

Heriot-Watt is ranked first in Scotland for graduate employability and its graduates are first in the UK for CEO or MD roles.

Global reach:

The university has campuses across the UK, Dubai, and Malaysia, providing students with a truly international experience.

Strong research:

Heriot-Watt is valued for its pioneering research, which is informed by the global needs of business and industry.

Diverse student community:

The university boasts a diverse international student community, fostering a multicultural learning environment.

Beautiful campuses:

Heriot-Watt's campuses are located in stunning settings, offering students a unique and inspiring learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

Heriot-Watt offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Engineering
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Physical Sciences
• Social Sciences and Business
• Art and Design
• Languages and Culture

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Other:

Heriot-Watt is committed to sustainability and is actively working towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The university also offers a personalized virtual experience through its online tour platform, allowing prospective students to explore its campuses virtually.