Course description
Focusing upon the themes of space, power and policy, the MRes offers a postgraduate training in research concepts and methods. The programme is designed both for students who are considering pursuing doctoral research in human geography and the social sciences, and for those looking to develop a career in research in public, private and voluntary sectors.
The MRes is an integral part of the Department’s Human Geography Research Group (HGRG) and students are considered part of the Group’s wider research community. Established in 2002-3, the Masters has run successfully for five years with 30 students having graduated (as of January 2008). Twelve students have gone on to take PhDs while others have progressed to a variety of careers in public, private and voluntary sectors (see below).
The programme is divided into the following modules:
- Conceptualising Human Geography: Space, Policy and Power (40 credits)
- Researching Human Geography: Design, Methods and Ethics (40 credits)
- Qualitative Methods (20 credits)
- Quantitative Methods (20 credits)
- IT Skills and Resource Discovery training (exemption if proven competence)
- 15,000 word dissertation (based on guided independent research)(60 credits)
Alternatively, students can choose a different pathway involving the following compulsory modules:
- Conceptualising Human Geography: Space, Policy and Power (40 credits)
- Researching Human Geography: Design, Methods and Ethics (40 credits)
- IT Skills and Resource Discovery training (exemption if proven competence)
- 15,000 word dissertation (based on guided independent research)(60 credits)
Plus one of the following:
- Qualitative Methods (20 credits)
- Quantitative Methods (20 credits)
Plus a further 20 credits from the Social Science Faculty suite of courses (subject to availability and timetable restrictions and agreement with the Course Convenor).
The course is taught primarily through small group teaching, involving lectures, but mainly through workshops, seminars and reading-based discussion groups. Students are encouraged to take an active part in these sessions and also to give short presentations on their proposed research topics during the year.
Examples of past graduates and their destinations post-MRes
Anthony, Donald (2003) – PhD (Tanzania)
Bauer, Andrew (2004) – Community Land Adviser, Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Beel, David (2006) – PhD (Glasgow)
Carrey, Chris (2002-2003) – police force
Davidson, Neil (2007) - PhD (Dundee)
Duffy, Lorna (2006) – Communities Scotland
Jamieson, Robin (2007) - PhD (Durham)
Kinsella, Rachel (2006) – Researcher, Institute for Social Research
Lafferty, Allan (2003) – PhD (Glasgow)
Lewis, Annie (2004) – Policy Worker, Oxfam
Little, Ruth (2005) - PhD (Coventry)
McGeachan, Cheryl (2006) - PhD (Glasgow)
Muirhead, Stuart (2006) - PhD (Dundee)
Page, Stephanie (2004) – Researcher, BBC
Patchett, Merle (2005) - PhD (Glasgow)
Perriam, Gerraldine (2005) – PhD (Glasgow)
Varna, Georgiana (2007) – PhD (Glasgow, Urban Studies)
Watt, Thea (2004) – Administrator, Royal Scottish College of Music and Drama
Past MRes Dissertation Topics
(These are substantial pieces of guided but independent research) Anderson, B. Academic and Policy Definitions of the Urban and Rural
Anthony, D. Community Participation and Environmental Planning in Loch Lomond
Bauer, A. The Impact of the Cairngorms National Park on the Farming Community
Beel, D. Capital Consuming Culture? Alternative Retail Space in the ‘new’ Liverpool
Buescher, C. German National Identity and the World Cup
Briggs, K. The Geography of the Sex Trade in the Post-Industrial City
Carrey, C. Geographical Representations of Asylum Seekers
Davidson, N. Anti-Social Behaviour and Retailing in a Residential Neighbourhood
Duffy, L. Factors Behind the Resurgence of Social Entrepreneurs
Harris, I. Geographies of Rugby Union in Scotland
Hawker, L. Geographies of Bisexuality
Jamieson, R. Consent and Struggle in the Service Workplace
Kelly, A. Psychoanalysis and the Geography of Metrosexuality
Kinsella, R. Disabled Men’s Experiences of Relationships, Fatherhood and Masculinity
Lafferty, A. The City as Sacred Text
Lewis, A. Acre: a Forgotten Land
Little, R. Direct Marketing Strategies of Agricultural Producers
McGeachan, C. Geographies of R.D. Laing
Miller, R. Mobility and the City: the Case of the Bicycle Courier
Muir, K. Learning Disabilities, Sport and the Geography of Social Exclusion
Muir, M. Geographies of Biodiversity in the Sumaco Region of Ecuador
Muirhead, S. The Enclosure Spaces of Edinburgh Zoo
O’Brien, J. Visibility and Spaces of the Gaelic Landscape
Page, S. Mental Health and Geographies of the Body
Patchett, M. Historical Geographies of Taxidermy
Perriam, G. Looking Glass Country: the Geo-Literary Terrain of Dorothy L. Sayers’ The Nine Tailors
Sericano, C. Militant Particularism and Anti-Rail Protests in Genoa
Varna, G. Glasgow Harbour: a Sustainable Urban Regeneration Project
Watt, Thea Work, Gender and Call Centres
Wilbur, Andrew Navigating the Blogosphere
