Geography: Policy and Practice (MSc)
1 year (Full-time) / n/a (Part-time) / n/a (Distance / E-Learning)
Course Aims
The course aims to develop an integrated and critically aware understanding of geography, policy and practice and offer the knowledge and expertise for the pursuit or development of a career in business, local government, academia, or broader civil society.
Special Features
- Offers a unique opportunity to study human geography at postgraduate level in a context intimately connected to current policy developments and debates.
- Capitalises on the distinctive capacities of the School as a leading centre of expertise in research and teaching in both human geography and spatial policy.
- Modules are complemented by internal and external seminars hosted by the School's Research Groups, Centres and the Innovation and Engagement Unit.
Course Description
The MSc Geography: Policy and Practice is informed by contemporary critical theory, and focuses on a range of scales from the domestic and local, the urban and the regional, the national to the global. It offers:
- The advanced study of geography as an academic discipline and the changing external context in which it engages;
- A critical understanding of geography and its relationship with policy, particularly in the fields of: Economy; Environment and Sustainability; Housing; Planning, Development, and Regeneration; Society; and Transport;
- Development of the ability to apply knowledge and understanding of geography to complex issues, both systematically and creatively, to improve the functioning of policy and practices within society;
Enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development so students can strengthen their ability to work with self-direction and originality and to contribute to geography, policy, and society at large.
Course Structure
The course is divided into two parts:
- Part 1 comprises a teaching programme of core and option modules over two semesters.
- Part 2 comprises an individual dissertation in a geographically-related subject of their own choice. This may focus on more 'theoretical' or more 'practical policy' related issues according to preference. Non-UK students may wish to submit proposals relating to their interests and experience in their country of origin. The dissertation will be developed in consultation with members of staff.
Available Modules
The following list relates to the modules for the academic year 2012/13. Please note that these may be subject to change.
Core Modules:
The teaching programme is focused around three core modules:
- Space, Policy and Practice: Geography, the State and Civil Society
- Contemporary Debates in Human Geography: The State of the Art
- Geographical Research in Practice
Optional Modules:
The core modules are complemented by a range of optional modules that offer the opportunity to apply these geographical insights in a range of speciality areas.
- Environmental Behaviours: Citizens, Consumers and Communities
- Environmental Policy and Climate Change
- Environmental Management
- Local Food and Sustainable Development
- Perspectives on Regeneration
- Planning and Real Estate
- Regeneration: Governance, Policy and Management
- Regeneration, Housing and Sustainable Communities
- Sustainable Transport
- Urban and Regional Regeneration in Practice
For further details and up-to-date information on the course and modules, please see the course listing on the School's website.
Careers Prospects
The course offers the knowledge and expertise for the pursuit or development of a career in business, local government, academia, or broader civil society.
Our Alumni collectively represent the variety of potential careers and jobs that our current (and future) students may embark on.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally hold a first or second class Honours degree in an appropriate subject. This MSc is suitable for graduates in geography, planning, science and social science.
A minimum standard in English language of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent will be required for students whose first language is not English. Pre-course English Language tuition is available.
Funding
Cardiff School of Planning and Geography is able to offer a reduction in tuition fees of £500 to all Cardiff University alumni.
For other funding opportunities available through the School, please visit their Tuition Fees and Funding webpage.
The fees below are those before bursaries have been deducted.
Tuition Fees:
-
UK & EU Full Time for 2013/14
£5,945.00
-
International Full Time for 2013/14
£13,700.00
Next intake: September each year
School Contact
Name: Dr Steven Burgess
Telephone: +44 (0)29 208 70281
Fax: +44 (0)29 208 74845
Email: BurgessS@cardiff.ac.uk
