University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The MRes in Geography combines taught research training with a major independent research project. You will take core modules that cover research design, quantitative and qualitative methods, and specialist spatial analysis (including GIS and remote sensing). Options allow you to deepen subject knowledge in areas such as climate and environmental change, urban and regional development, political and economic geography, and social and cultural geography. The programme culminates in a substantial research dissertation supervised by academic staff, in which you design and execute an original study, analyse data, and present findings in the form of a written thesis and, where appropriate, associated outputs such as maps, datasets or policy briefs.

Typical module themes include:

• Research Design and Philosophy of Science in Geography
• Advanced Quantitative Methods and Spatial Statistics
• Advanced Qualitative Methods and Ethnography
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing
• Field methods and data collection techniques
• Specialist topic seminars relating to human or physical geography

Teaching is delivered through a mix of seminars, practical workshops, lab sessions and one-to-one supervision. Assessment is by coursework, methods portfolios, oral presentations and the final research dissertation. The programme emphasises transferable skills in project management, research ethics, scientific communication and data handling.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate honours degree in geography or a closely related discipline. Typical academic entry is a UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or an international equivalent. Applicants with a lower second-class degree plus relevant research experience, professional experience or a strong postgraduate qualification may also be considered.

In addition to academic qualifications, applicants should demonstrate an aptitude for independent research and, where relevant, prior experience with research methods or fieldwork. International applicants whose first language is not English will need to meet the School's English language requirements; evidence of an accepted English language qualification and level will be required as part of the application.

Applicants are encouraged to contact potential supervisors in the School to discuss research ideas before applying and to include a clear research proposal or statement of purpose with their application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MRes in Geography are well placed to progress to PhD study and careers that require strong research and analytical skills. Common career paths include doctoral research and academic careers, positions in environmental and planning consultancies, roles in government and policy organisations, work with non-governmental organisations and international development agencies, and specialist technical posts such as GIS analyst or environmental data scientist.

The programme also provides skills transferable to a wide range of sectors: advanced data analysis, project design and management, scientific and policy communication, and critical appraisal of evidence. Graduates often move into roles where they lead applied research projects, contribute to evidence-based policy, or support organisations with spatial and environmental decision-making.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham hosts an internationally active school of geography with a strong culture of supervision and interdisciplinary collaboration. The School offers access to specialised computing and GIS facilities, laboratory spaces, and institutional support for fieldwork and data collection. Students benefit from close working relationships with academic staff whose research covers a broad range of human and physical geography topics, and from opportunities to engage with external partners in government, industry and the third sector.

The MRes is designed to be a rigorous preparation for further research or high-level professional practice, with structured training in contemporary methods and support for developing research outputs. The University's broader research environment and networks provide additional opportunities for collaboration, placement and progression to doctoral funding and positions.