This course will provide you with the research skills to develop into a future researcher through an ESRC accredited programme of research training designed around the discipline of human geography. It aims to provide an advanced level of understanding of geography and will give you the tools to become an advanced independent researcher, able to develop, design and execute academic research projects.
Introduction
This programme will provide advanced training in geographical thought and analysis. Students will gain postgraduate level expertise on Human Geography research, with a depth and breadth that corresponds to master’s-level accreditation.
The course is roughly delivered in three sections. The first part of the course will deliver core research skills training required in order for ESRC Research Training Accreditation. This is delivered in combination with Planning staff in the Department, but also in combination with students studying in Sociology. It provides a bedrock of essential research skills which can also qualify students to complete a doctoral research project if they wish.
The second part of the course (60 credits) will provide specific training in Human Geography. You will learn about different aspects of the discipline that correspond to the specialist knowledge of staff, both in the Power, Space and Social Change cluster as well as also in related human geography subfields. You will also learn in more depth about the ways in which geographers apply theory to their work, and the way in which they can use an array of methods to engage with research participants, policy-makers and communities. In this part of the course students will also have the chance to take mini-modules in sociology, which overlap generatively with the geography course.
Finally, you will also undertake a 60 credit dissertation. This piece of independent research will allow you to apply the skills developed during the taught components of the research and to focus on a topic of interest to you.
What you'll learn
Learn the required skills to design effective research projects at a postgraduate level
Gain a range of appropriate techniques to conduct social science research at a postgraduate level
Develop a thorough understanding of relevant theories appropriate to their studies
Grow your analytical skills in order to allow advanced data analysis to take place
Develop and demonstrate your research skills through developing a research project
Meet the ESRCs Framework for Postgraduate Training and Development in Social Science Research.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council – the UK’s largest funder of economic, social, behavioural and human data science.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
In your first semester, you will be introduced to academic debate about knowledge producting and methods within social sciences, relationships between power, space and cultural change in relation to themes linked to crisis and change, and analysis of social survey data. You’ll explore the politics and practices of social research through understanding the roles, contexts and limitations of social science.
You’ll also be shown the statistical programming language R, get a good understanding of research methods, and learn to anonymise data.
Optional modules offer you the chance to learn the theory and practice of Critical Discourse Analysis and the analysis of visual data.
Please see below for semester one modules. Select the next tab to view semester two modules.
Compulsory modules
Qualitative Research Methods (ENVS441)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 1
This module is intended to explore qualitative research methods in a holistic manner; moving from research philosophy, through design to individual research methods and analysis. The module covers a range of qualitative research methods through a mixture of lectures and workshops. In undertaking this module students will consider how research design and individual research methods need careful selection to suit the specific research problems or questions under investigation.
Crisis and Change in Human Geography (ENVS434)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
The module examines the dynamics between space, power and culture through drawing upon topics denoting crisis and change in human geography. Drawing on academics’ specialist expertise, students learn about space and power through different themes including migration, land, labour, gender and sexuality. Themes can change according to ongoing crises, topical issues, and debates in the discipline – each taught session allows us to focus on one pertinent field of study in the discipline.
Understanding Society Using Quantitative Methods (SOCI503)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 1
This module looks into the rationale and practice of analysing numerical data, largely derived from survey research, and the use of such data to understand the social world. It covers a range of skills from basic univariate and multivariate analysis techniques, to a consideration of the potential insights offered by longitudinal datasets and their analysis.
PHILOSOPHY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE (SOCI505)
Credits: 20 /
Semester: semester 1
SOCI504 is a module that introduces students to academic debates about knowledge production and method within sociology and the social sciences. The module is structured to provide an insight into the historical debates about the relationship between method and knowledge and how they inform the development and transformation of the social sciences.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Your second semester will give you a stronger understanding of the links between theoretical issues you’ll learn in other modules and the work you will do on your dissertation project in semester three. You’ll also be introduced to the latest debates, current thinking, and research on Human Geography.
The flexible approach to optional modules mean you will get the opportunity to learn statistical techniques for handling spatial data, explore the health dimensions of our environmental relationship, or deepen your understanding of researching and data gathering.
Compulsory modules
Researching Crisis and Change in Human Geography (ENVS489)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will provide students with an understanding of how research is undertaken in qualitative Human Geography. Through weekly discussions, you will explore some of the ‘real world’ challenges of undertaking research, from gaining access to participants, through to the ethical challenges of doing your research. This will help you reflect on develop the research skills you will use during your dissertation. Assessment is in the form of two pieces of coursework: a policy brief designed to present complex ideas to a non-academic audience (an NGO, government official etc.), and a research proposal for the dissertation which will take place over the summer.
Theorising Human Geography (ENVS416)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This is the core theoretical course for all students on a Human Geography Masters introducing students to the latest debates in the discipline. It is taught through a series of staff-led seminars with pre-set readings and assessed through a 4000-word essay through which students identify the session closest to their individual research interests and agree a topic with that member of staff who provides formative guidance and feedback. This enables students to undertake an in-depth piece of work at master’s level on the topic that most interests them, and which they may go on to study in more detail later should they undertake doctoral studies. A formative essay plan submission helps support students in the development of their essay.
Crisis and Change in Human Geography (ENVS434)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: whole session
The module examines the dynamics between space, power and culture through drawing upon topics denoting crisis and change in human geography. Drawing on academics’ specialist expertise, students learn about space and power through different themes including migration, land, labour, gender and sexuality. Themes can change according to ongoing crises, topical issues, and debates in the discipline – each taught session allows us to focus on one pertinent field of study in the discipline.
Optional modules
HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL HUMANITIES (HLAC712)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
Global crises such as climate change, infectious diseases, plastics and other forms of pollution, and species extinction are signs of the unhealthy relationships between humans and their environments. These problems also raise serious questions about the possibilities for human and nonhuman health and wellbeing in an epoch that is increasingly known as the Anthropocene. This module explores the health dimensions of the human-environment relationship from the perspective of the environmental humanities. Drawing on interdisciplinary concepts, approaches, and methodologies, and taking an international view, the field of environmental humanities allows for multifaceted and critical exploration of the intersections between health and the environment.
ANTI-COLONIAL LEGACIES IN INTERNATIONAL POLITICS (POLI526)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module explores a series of dissident perspectives in international politics which evaluate how the study of international affairs exists as part of a continuum of empire. Examining the core features of different knowledge traditions emanating from postcolonial theory, decolonial methodologies and non-western thought, and critical positions in geography, history, sociology, and legal studies; this module situates the study of international politics with each of their epistemic stances, methodologies, and distinctive themes. We will evaluate what are often regarded to be the core concepts of International Relations theorisation (e.g., the treaty of Westphalia, liberalism, realism) and topical events like far- Right extremism, climate change, the Migrant Crisis, and the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, with the diverse socio-political and ethical commitments that exist within the interdisciplinary field of anti-colonialism. This includes ideas of decolonization, abolitionist thought, reparative justice, and world repair.
Global Geographies of Youth (ENVS339)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
We live in a youthful world: 41% of the world’s population are under 25. Young people’s experiences of growing up are deeply shaped by dynamics that span the globe and have particular local effects: economic restructuring, environmental change, political conflict, cultural currents. Yet young people are not just passive subjects, rather, their actions are on the frontline of how societies and places are remade for good or ill. This module explores young lives in a variety of global settings. It considers how geographers and others have theorised childhood and youth, and explores the real-world challenges young people face in particular contexts. In doing so, the module aims to enable students to engage with a range of conceptual debates in the social sciences, and to ‘think from’ youth in order to critically examine how power relations are being reproduced or contested around the world. The module will be taught primarily through lectures (broken up with in-class discussions), and one interactive workshop. Assessment will consist of two pieces of coursework: one academic essay, and one web article or podcast script written for a non-academic audience. The module builds on foundations from ‘Social and Cultural Geography’.
Poland: Political, Social and Cultural Geographies Since 1939 (ENVS313)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module introduces students to specific geographical developments in Poland since 1939. The course will be structured around the control and use of space in three key time periods: second world war, socialism, post-socialism. The second world war theme considers the impact of war on population and territory in Poland, and the subsequent contestations surrounding wartime memory within the country, focusing on museums and memorial sites as contested sites of memory. The second section of the course considers the spatial dimensions of everyday life under socialism, including: uses of public and private space, queuing and the shortage economy, imagined geographies of the west, and resistances. The final section investigates changes in Poland since 1989: to what extent the country has ‘returned to Europe’, the impact of shock therapy on social geographies, and how Poland is still working through socialist legacies. Special attention will also be given to Polish migration, before and after EU accession. Ultimately this module enables students to develop an in-depth empirical knowledge of a key site of change in contemporary Europe, while encouraging deep engagement with a range of historical, political, social, cultural and post-socialist geographical readings.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
Your final semester is all about planning, researching and writing your dissertation. You will use all of the skills and knowledge you gained in previous modules to develop a full-scale research project to demonstrate your research and analytical skills, ultimately creating a dissertation of up to 15,000 words.
Compulsory modules
MA Dissertation in Human Geography (ENVS493)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
This module is an extended research project undertaken during the final stages of the MA Researching Crisis and Change in Human Geography. It forms a student-led piece of work, with staff supervision by a delegated academic tutor.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Lectures, lab or computer-based practicals, workshops, tutorials, and seminars will take place on campus, so will give you plenty of opportunity to engage with the theory and reall-world implications of research into human geography, as well as your colleagues and lecturers.
You’ll push yourself and learn independently, through reading and learning qualitative research and methodologies, and access real world data via the UK Data Archive.
You can dig deeper online and take part in discussion forums with other students and researchers in the field.
How you're assessed
Through a series of oral presentations, essays, and reports you’ll be able to demonstrate your understanding of existing research in human geography, along with how you interpret existing data.
You will also complete some assessments that mimic real world work you may produce after your master’s – including a conversation journalism piece, essays in the form of reports or academic papers, and policy briefs.
There are also exams in some modules, which may have longform essay questions or “short answer” questions which require you to show your understanding of, and ability to apply, descriptive and inferential statistics to a real-world dataset.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Your experience
At the Department of Geography and Planning, you will learn from world-leading researchers who bring the latest theoretical and practical knowledge from a range of specialisms.
By the end of your master’s, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills to become an agent for change on the global stage.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
What students say...
The collaborative nature of the degree in terms of dialogues between students and staff. There are really good approaches that make space for interesting ideas and engagements, which can be both thought provoking and fun. I have also particularly enjoyed the field classes during undergraduate study which have been a personal highlight during my time at university.
Following this postgraduate programme, you will be able to understand the whole process of undertaking research, through from project design, data collection & analysis and interpretation of results. As a result, you will be well placed to apply for entry into a research-led career pathway.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
This MA is designed to allow you to meet the criteria for ESRC accreditation for research training, and students would therefore be able to apply for UK Research Council funding for PhD research.
Graduates from this programme possess a range of skills which are applicable to wider research activity beyond academia, including working for social and market research companies or for research arms of government agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£12,500
Part-time place, per year
£6,250
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£24,100
Part-time place, per year
£12,050
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a relevant humanities subject.
Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MA, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17, and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 95
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 60
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit overall and no band below B2 Pass
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
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