Programme can be tailored to your interests. The MA focuses on human geography, including: environment and development; environmental policies and politics; geopolitics; urbanisation; globalisation. The MSc focuses on physical geography, particularly modules available on the Environmental Monitoring, Modelling & Management programme.
KEY BENEFITS
- A wide range of geographical topics are covered.
- Teaching is led by the research interests of staff and is cutting-edge.
- The programme can be tailored to the interests of individual students.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
National and international consultancies and NGOs; governments; charities; research organisations; business, journalism and teaching.
Programme leader/s
Professor Tim Butler (MA); Dr James Millington (MSc, from 2013/14)
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, two years PT, September to September.
Location
Strand Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Social Science and Public Policy
Department of Geography
Closing date
None.
Intake
10 FT/PT.
Fees
PT Home: £3950 (2013)
PT Overseas: £8125 (2013)
FT Home: £7900 (2013)
FT Overseas: £16250 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Centre for Arts & Sciences Admissions (CASA)
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7848 1977 / 7203
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7848 7200
Email
Website
PURPOSE
The primary aim of the MA/MSc programme is to provide an advanced foundation in geography, bringing students up to date with the latest developments in their chosen fields of study. The distinction between the MA and the MSc arises from the modules taken, with the MA awarded for degrees that focus more on human geography and the MSc awarded for degrees that focus more on physical geography. Students enrolled for the MA Geography programme are expected to take most of their options in human geography and those enrolled for the MSc Geography programme are expected to take most of their options in physical geography.
DESCRIPTION
This programme provides a broad grounding in geography. In addition to a compulsory dissertation, students can choose from a wide range of thematic items. The distinction between the MA and the MSc arises from the modules taken. The MA is awarded for degrees that focus on human geography, including fields such as environment and development, environmental policies and politics, geopolitics, urbanisation and globalisation. The MSc focuses on physical geography modules, particularly those available on the Environmental, Monitoring, Modelling and Management programme.
EXTRA PROGRAMME INFORMATION
Students following the MA are expected to take the compulsory research methods module (Practising Social Research 1) plus options from other MA human geography Programmes offered in Geography. Students following the MSc are expected to take the compulsory research methods module (Methods in Environmental Research) plus options from other MSc physical geography programmes offered in Geography.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
Core modules (60 credits):EITHER 7SSG5004 Dissertation in MA Geography
OR 7SSG5000 Dissertation in MSc Geography (both modules 60 credits) (must Take and Pass)
Compulsory modules (20 credits):
EITHER 7SSG5002 Practising Social Research for MA Geography students OR 7SSG5110 Methods for Environmental Research for MSc Geography students (both modules 20 credits)
Indicative non-core content
Optional modules in Geography (100−110 credits):- Any Level 7 (Masters) modules offered in the Geography Department. Please click here for a full list of the modules offered in the 2013/14 academic year.
Other Optional Modules Available to Students on this Programme:- Up to 20 credits of Level 7 modules from any KCL Departments or Institutes outside of Geography.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Specialist taught modules assessed mainly by written coursework, oral presentations, lab work and practical sessions. The three-month written dissertation is compulsory and is based upon work conducted overseas or in the UK.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7SSG5002
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
This module enables students to derive a greater understanding of the relationship between methodology and method and the related notions of epistemology and ontology. The module is a mix of lectures and tutorials and enables students to develop skills in the appropriate use and application of quantitative and qualitative methods, which will have been worked through in tutorial sessions. The module lays the conceptual groundwork for the design of the dissertation and enables students to appreciate the connections between epistemology and the students particular programme of study.
Module code: 7SSG5110
Credit level: 7
Credit value: 20
Semester:
Semester 1 (autumn)
This module aims to provide a background in issues and methods involved in doing environmental research, including research methods and design. To achieve this, the module consists of a series of lectures, seminars, and practicals giving an overview of methods in designing, analyzing, presenting and evaluating environmental research. A subcomponent of this module will be an additional unassessed but required set of practicals and seminars giving a overview of laboratory and field equipment available in the KCL Department of Geography. On completion of this module, the student will be able to define the features of environmental problems and will be able to assess environmental investigations in terms of their design strategies for collection of data, data analysis, and results presentation. When taken with 7SSG5111 the students will be fully equipped to carry out their own independent research into environmental problems using these methodologies.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Minimum standard is a 2:1 degree or international equivalent, e.g. GPA of 3.3 from a US University. Candidates who do not achieve a 2:1 but have professional or voluntary experience will also be considered. Mature candidates will be considered favourably.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
We run a rolling admissions system. We aim to process all complete applications within four weeks; during February and March and over holiday periods, applications may take longer to process. There is no set deadline.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Please provide a personal statement that shows how your own interests are linked to the programme. In this statement please describe your academic background, your reasons for applying for this programme and what you hope to gain from it, including any relevant experience, strengths, ambitions or research interests.
FUNDING
Varied including Research Councils, University of London Scholarships, departmental bursaries and career development loans. For overseas students Chevening Scholarships are available from the British Council.
For further information on funding, including conditions of eligibility, please consult the Postgraduate Funding Page on the master's section of the Geography Department's website -
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/sspp/departments/geography/study/masters/funding.aspx
Related programme student profile
Environmental Monitoring, Modelling & Management MSc
I wanted to study in London because of its vibrant atmosphere, numerous attractions and multitude of work opportunities. What made King’s stand out was that everyone - from the staff in my department and the International Student Support team, to the Admissions team and Accommodation Services - made me feel special from the outset.
My course is very stimulating and presents incredible opportunities. Within a year, I have been able to pursue my interests in conservation and climate change, and completed internships at institutions such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the BBC World Service Trust. I am currently working on a dissertation project offered by my department in partnership with the University of Cambridge, the United Nations Environmental Programme and the World Conservation Monitoring Centre.
Alongside my studies, I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as a Student Ambassador and editor of the monthly newsletter. I have also written for the Students’ Union publication ROAR, and participated in events organised by the French Society and the Wildlife Conservation Society.
I am based at the Strand Campus. The facilities available here coupled with the fact that it is very close to the Maughan library, all contribute towards making this campus a dynamic learning hub. Its central location ensures that there is no dearth of things one can do around campus: having a pint in the Waterfront bar, taking in the wonderful view of London from Waterloo Bridge, talking a stroll around Trafalgar Square or even shopping in Covent Garden!
King’s offers a very well-structured accommodation system. Living in a graduate residence with a very international feel allowed me to make friends from all over the world. I also saved a lot on commuting expenses as my residence was minutes away from my campus. Plus, being able to see the London Eye and the Big Ben from my room was simply out of this world!
Living in London can be very expensive, but a number of schemes exist to help students. The student Oyster photocard can save you money on tube or bus travel within London; a 16-25 railcard provides discount on train fares; and an NUS Extra card gives you discounts at a number of stores. Student deals are rife in London, and making the most of discounts means that you will not have to part with more money than is necessary.