Description
Programme Specification for the 2019/0 academic year
MRes Critical Human Geographies
1. Programme Details
| Programme name | MRes Critical Human Geographies | Programme code | PTR1GOAGOA02 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study mode(s) | Full Time Part Time |
Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Campus(es) | Streatham (Exeter) |
NQF Level of the Final Award | 7 (Masters) |
2. Description of the Programme
The MRes Critical Human Geographies is accredited by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), and provides in-depth research training in the social sciences in general and human geography in particular. With a focus on preparing you for a career in social science research, whether at doctoral level at university, or in the public and private sectors, the MRes offers a range of modules in contemporary social and geographical theories and methodologies, as well as three research led modules showcasing the kinds of work explored in the department. These three research led modules reflect current Human Geography research groupings at Exeter, including Geographies of Creativity and Knowledge, Natures, Materialities and Biopolitics, and Spatial Responsibilities.
The title of the degree reflects the commitment that human geography staff at Exeter have to pursuing critical intellectual agendas within the discipline. The structure and content of the programme also reflects our commitment to integrating MRes students into the lively research culture of the department.
3. Educational Aims of the Programme
The MRes Critical Human Geographies is essentially designed to encourage your development of a broad-based and relevant knowledge of research approaches and methods in human geography and the social sciences and to provide you with a range of transferable skills appropriate to Masters level research within the discipline. The programme aims to equip you for careers as professional researchers in either academic or non-academic environments. The programme delivers compulsory training in social scientific philosophy, epistemology, methodology and analysis within a contemporary human geography context, allowing you to draw upon a range of social scientific concepts and skills in your engagement with specific topics of geographical inquiry.
4. Programme Structure
The full-time programme is approved by the ESRC as part of their 1+3 scheme for funding postgraduate research. It may also be taken part-time over 2 years (though the part-time model is not recognised by ESRC for eligibility for 3+1 Postgraduate Awards).
5. Programme Modules
The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.
http://geography.exeter.ac.uk/currentstudents/postgraduate/modules/streathamcampus/.
In exceptional circumstances you may be permitted to replace SOCM002A Philosophy of the Social Sciences normally with another level 7 module as long as any necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, where the timetable allows and you have not already taken the module in question or an equivalent module; this is subject to approval by the Programme Director.
Stage 1
180 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory Modules
| Code | Module | Credits | Non-condonable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOM105A | Research Methods and Design in Human Geography | 15 | Yes |
| GEOM106A | Contemporary Debates in Human Geography | 15 | No |
| GEOM107 | Dissertation | 60 | Yes |
| GEOM130 | Geographies of Culture, Creativity and Practice | 15 | No |
| GEOM131 | Geographies of Life | 15 | No |
| GEOM132 | Space, Politics and Power | 15 | No |
| POLM063 | Qualitative Methods in Social Research | 15 | No |
| POLM809 | Applied Quantitative Data Analysis | 15 | No |
| SOCM002A | Philosophy of the Social Sciences 1 | 15 | No |
6. Programme Outcomes Linked to Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
Intended Learning Outcomes
A: Specialised Subject Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
1. Read critically and contribute to the literature relating to research in human geography. | 1. Seminar discussion and reading group forums dedicated to contemporary human geography research practices, ethics and debates 2. Attendance at the Human geography research seminar series 3. Module specific fieldtrips 4. Formalising research interests through literature reviews 5. Tutorial discussion 6. Self-directed reading and learning | Assessment methods vary depending on module specifications. However, current modes of assessment include: 1. Essay assignments 2. Specialist method assessments in both qualitative and quantitative techniques 3. Seminar presentations |
Intended Learning Outcomes
B: Academic Discipline Core Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
9. Identify, formulate and evaluate research questions and research problems within human geography. | 1. Developing and formalising research interests and projects 2. Seminar discussion groups centred on situating potential research projects within contemporary landscape of geographical research | 1. Research project proposals 2. Individual presentations on methods and design of research project 3. Research dissertation 4. Coursework essays 5. Presentations |
Intended Learning Outcomes
C: Personal/Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge
| Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) On successfully completing this programme you will be able to: | Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) will be... | |
|---|---|---|
| ...accommodated and facilitated by the following learning and teaching activities (in/out of class): | ...and evidenced by the following assessment methods: | |
14. Organise and present data and arguments in visual and oral form, with due recognition of the requirements of different audiences. | 1. Class work based on engagement with the human geography research seminar series will develop skills in research presentation and dissemination | 1. Reflective essays on research presentations 2. Research dissertation 3. Coursework essays on research design and data analysis 4. Practical use of data gathering and data analysis methods |
7. Programme Regulations
Programme-specific Award Rules
You will be permitted to exit with a PGCert on successful completion of GEOM105A and 45 other credits, and a PGDip on successful completion of GEOM105A and 105 other credits.
Classification
Full details of assessment regulations for all taught programmes can be found in the TQA Manual, specifically in the Credit and Qualifications Framework, and the Assessment, Progression and Awarding: Taught Programmes Handbook. Additional information, including Generic Marking Criteria, can be found in the Learning and Teaching Support Handbook.
8. College Support for Students and Students' Learning
All students in Geography are allocated Personal Tutors who monitor and advise you on your academic progress and performance throughout your degree programme. Each Personal Tutor keeps a record of your performance which culminates in a detailed record of achievement which is used, in addition to formal assessments, to help inform personal references requested by prospective employers. Personal Tutors provide pastoral oversight for non-academic problems (advising you as necessary on the availability of appropriate specialist and professional assistance), and encourage and facilitate Personal Development Planning through use of ePDP.
You attend University and School Induction courses on arrival, and are given access to the Discipline Handbooks, providing information on programmes, the structure of the Geography Discipline, general information, contact numbers, etc. This information is updated through the Discipline’s website and ELE, which also provides a point of access to all learning and teaching materials. Student learning is supported by the Discipline’s ‘Advanced Computing Laboratory’, which provides dedicated support for GIS and other Discipline computing needs. This resource is in addition to a variety of university-level facilities, including the University Library and IT Services.
You can apply to the Myrtle Murray Travel Award for financial support of fieldwork. All teaching staff maintain an ‘open door’ policy to facilitate student access. Staff email addresses are also made available to you to further facilitate staff-student contact. There is also student representation at all levels in the Discipline and programme development takes place with explicit consultation, notably through the Student-Staff Liaison Committee and formal representation of students on the Discipline Education Committee and at the termly Discipline meeting.
9. University Support for Students and Students' Learning
Please refer to the University Academic Policy and Standards guidelines regarding support for students and students' learning.
10. Admissions Criteria
Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the Undergraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Postgraduate applicants must satisfy the Postgraduate Admissions Policy of the University of Exeter.
Specific requirements required to enrol on this programme are available at the respective Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study Site webpages.
11. Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards
Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.
The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice. See the University's TQA Manual for details.
(http://as.exeter.ac.uk/support/admin/staff/qualityassuranceandmonitoring/tqamanual/fullcontents/)
12. Indicators of Quality and Standards
The programme is not subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).
13. Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards
The University and its constituent Colleges review the quality and standard of teaching and learning in all taught programmes against a range of criteria through the procedures outlined in the Teaching Quality Assurance (TQA) Manual Quality Review Framework.
14. Awarding Institution
University of Exeter
15. Lead College / Teaching Institution
College of Life and Environmental Sciences (CLES)
16. Partner College / Institution
Partner College(s)
Not applicable to this programme
Partner Institution
Not applicable to this programme.
17. Programme Accredited / Validated by
0
18. Final Award
MRes Critical Human Geographies
19. UCAS Code
N/A
20. NQF Level of Final Award
7 (Masters)
21. Credit
| CATS credits | ECTS credits |
|---|
22. QAA Subject Benchmarking Group
[Honours] Geography
23. Dates
| Origin Date | 01/08/2009 |
Date of last revision | 14/05/2019 |
|---|