MSc Environmental Geography by Research

This course is suitable for students who wish to continue their studies beyond undergraduate level.

The course is ideal if you:

• may want to continue to doctoral level;
• wish to enhance your qualifications for career reasons;
• would like to undertake a research-based, rather than taught Masters;
• recognise the need for research training in your chosen career;
• wish to learn in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Students from across our MSc by Research subject areas share a programme of study that explores the challenges common to all researchers. After these taught modules, students will then undertake an individual research project that will take the form of a dissertation or other research output agreed with their supervisor (e.g. two journal articles).

Once the taught component is finished, Full-Time students will have 8 months to complete their research, while Part-Time students will have 20 months to complete. Upon successful completion of the Research Project, students will be awarded an MSc by Research in Environmental Geography.

• Climate.
• Geomorphology – coastal, glacial, fluvial.
• Environmental management.
• Countryside conservation and management.
• Biogeography.
• Landscape ecology.

The team has very strong links with other staff in the School specialising in ecology as well as links with key organisations across the region (English Nature, Trust for Conservation Volunteers, etc.). Members of the team have been involved in practical aspects of biodiversity management and education, including development of the university’s own innovative biodiversity initiative linked to the UNESCO Canterbury World Heritage Site.

• Dr Rebecca Kent.
• Dr Naomi Rintoul.
• Professor Peter Vujakovic.
• Dr Katie Wooldridge.
• Dr Chris Young.

Assessment will take many forms including traditional essays, team assignments, reflective logs, oral presentations, etc. All assessments will be completed before the end of the first term. You must pass all modules (40 credits) to progress to the research stage of the course. If any module is failed you’ll have one opportunity to resubmit prior to continuing with the research component of the module.

The largest part of the assessment will be based on your research output(s). Working with your Supervisor, you will have to decide what format the research output(s) will take. It may be a dissertation of approximately 16,000-20,000 word equivalent or a couple of research reports or research papers each of approximately 8,000 words in length. It may be possible that the research output could take some different form, e.g. an invention or patent, but a written component would still be required. The research output(s) will be assessed by an external examiner and you must pass this component of the module to receive the award of MSc.

Fees

2019/20 tuition fees for this course

Alumni of Canterbury Christ Church University are eligible for a 20% discount on this course, subject to terms and conditions.

Tuition fees for all courses which last more than one academic year are payable on an annual basis, except where stated.

There will be an annual inflationary increase in tuition fees for this course where the course lasts more than one academic year. For further information read the 2019/20 Tuition fee statements and continuing fee information.

Government loans of up to £10,609 are available for some postgraduate Master’s courses for students starting their course from 1 August 2018. Loans are subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.

The rules around course eligibility mean that in some cases it may depend on how you are studying (full-time or part-time) as to whether you can apply for a postgraduate loan. To check whether your course is eligible, you can  email the Student Fees Team or call 01227 923 948.

Read more about  postgraduate masters student loans.

Students may self-fund their course or a sponsor may fund or part-fund. Bursaries, scholarships and fee discounts may also be available.

Further information

• See information about financial support available for postgraduate studies
• If you would like information about paying your fees, please contact finance@canterbury.ac.uk
• For specific fee queries, please contact fees@canterbury.ac.uk

Additional course costs

Although we aim to minimise any additional costs to students over and above the course tuition fee, there will be some additional costs which students are expected to meet.

Costs applicable to all students

General principle policy

The University’s general principles policy for additional course fees are set out here

Before you begin your application you will need to consult with the relevant academic to help determine a viable research project. Once you have contacted a supervisor, you will need to complete the following application information form.

Once completed, please start your full application online. You will be required to upload your  application information form during the online application.

For further information, please read our guidance on how to apply online.