MSc Human Geography: Society and Space
Overview
Human geography is a dynamic discipline with profound influence on current debates in the social sciences and humanities. Human geographers focus on the relationships between space and society, particularly the interconnection between environment, place and identity; knowledge; globalisation processes; social justice; and a variety of other vital themes relevant to the contemporary world.
This programme provides you with a rigorous grounding in social theory and mainstream debates and techniques in human geography. It also offers a thorough training in qualitative and quantitative methods. Options allow for the development of specialisms in historical-cultural themes, postcolonial and decolonial geographies, spatial modelling, and debates surrounding environmental conflict and science and technology.
You will join a School ranked first in the UK for 'Geography and environmental studies' research (THE analysis of REF 2021). The programme is closely linked to the University's Cabot Institute, which brings together multidisciplinary research into all aspects of global environmental change.
Programme structure
The programme has two mandatory units: 'Theorizing Society and Space' and 'Qualitative Research Methods'. These introduce key ideas and techniques which thread through the optional units, and help prepare for the dissertation in the summer. This leaves four optional units (three for ESRC-funded students) and there is a wide range of choice, providing the opportunity to shape this master's to suit your research interests.
If you are an ESRC-funded student, there is one further mandatory unit so as to demonstrate your research training, which is chosen from either 'Urban Analytics and City Science' or 'Practical Statistics'.
There are some stipulations regarding the order of options students may take in each year.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc in Human Geography: Society and Space.
Entry requirements
An upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Philosophy, International Relations, Politics, Cultural Studies or any degree within the Social Sciences. Applicants with a lower class of degree with relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level B.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- UK: full-time
- £11,400 per year
- UK: part-time (two years)
- £5,700 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £25,900 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding for 2023/24
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Law has an allocation of 1+3 and +3 ESRC scholarships.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
This programme equips you for a career in high-level public research, business or the creative industries, and provides an outstanding academic training for prospective PhD students and for those seeking a master's-level qualification.
Graduates from this programme have progressed to a variety of future careers, including journalism and writing, urban and town planning, housing justice, food poverty initiatives, creating start-up businesses, the third sector and research. Around 40% of our graduates go on to pursue further research training, for example through a PhD.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk