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.
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.
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.
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.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
Students must select 15 credits of optional modules, other ENVS or Social Sciences module may be taken with agreement from the Programme Director.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCHING CRISIS AND CHANGE IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (ENVS489) | 15 |
| THEORISING HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (ENVS416) | 15 |
| CRISIS AND CHANGE IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (ENVS434) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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 | Credits |
|---|---|
| MA DISSERTATION IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY (ENVS493) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
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.
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.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
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.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
The degree gas collaborative dialogues between students and staff. The approach makes space for interesting ideas and engagement, which can be both thought-provoking and fun.
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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.
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).
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £12,500
Part-time place, per year - £6,250
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.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
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 paying for your studies.
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.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting this master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
If you’re a British Muslim, active within a Muslim community and dedicated to bringing positive change to society, you could apply to potentially have the full cost of your master’s tuition fees covered by an Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | 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. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 | 125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 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 |
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.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.
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Last updated 28 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions