Overview
Join our Human Geography Research MA and receive advanced training in research skills, methods, and theories.
Master the techniques to conduct independent research in Human Geography and the social sciences.
Equip yourself for further doctoral research training or a career in research and analysis.
Collaborate with top researchers in the field, who will share their knowledge and passion for cutting-edge issues.
Develop your own research interests and skills, leading to a research dissertation at the end of the degree.
Our research-focused programme’s strengths form the basis of our teaching. These strengths include:
- Geopolitics and Political Geography
- Social and Cultural Geography
- Economic Geographies
- Urban and International Development
This programme can also form the training component of a 4.5 funding application to the ESRC NINE Doctoral Training Partnership.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
Equip yourself with the knowledge and research skills needed to develop as a researcher.
Throughout the degree you’ll develop:
- the ability to define research problems and design appropriate methods for their investigation
- individual research interests through choosing your own projects
- your research profile
- research skills in data collection and analysis
- an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of different data types and research methods
- bibliographic and computing research skills, including the use of specialist software
- a professional approach to ethical issues surrounding research in Human Geography
- the communication skills to share research with both specialist and non-specialist audiences
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Human Geography Research modules
How you’ll learn
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Report
- Research proposal
- Written exercise
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Members of our vibrant research community deliver teaching and assessment. Lecturers and tutors are from Geography, and from across its research groups:
- Geographies of Social Change
- Economic Geographies
- Power, Space, Politics
- the Children and Youth Research Group
- the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies (CURDS)
We’ll also encourage you to take part in seminars, discussions, and events organised by research groups.
Your future
This programme is designed to support not only your academic growth, but also your professional development. Many of our recent graduates have gone on to pursue further academic study, whilst others have started their careers in a range of fields including:
- urban planning
- consultancy
- policy
- non-governmental organisations
- teaching and more.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 125 for Social Sciences – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
- Top 40 for Geography – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
As a Geography student at Newcastle, you’ll be based in the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology.
You’ll have broad access to modern classrooms, study spaces, and a range of facilities that are part of the Henry Daysh Building.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in a relevant arts, humanities or social science subject, such as:
- geography
- planning
- urban studies
- environmental studies
- sociology
- politics
- business studies
We will also consider your application if you have lower or non-standard qualifications and relevant industry experience.
If you live in the UK you may be invited to an interview.
