MSc Research Methods with Human Geography

If you’re considering a master’s at Manchester, there are a range of ways you can connect with us to find out more.

• Taught master's information sessions
• Taught master's guided campus visits
• Study fairs in the UK
• Education fairs overseas

For more information, see our page on meeting us .

Please submit the following documents with your completed application form:

• copies of English Language Certification, such as IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson test score report;
• copies of official degree certificates and transcripts of your previous study, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. If these documents are in languages other than English, please provide official translations;
• personal statement as part of your application form in which you should describe and evidence your academic suitability for the course; this should cover why you want to study this course and evidence of relevant course-related knowledge and course-related skills which will help you to succeed on the course;
• your CV.

Ensure that you enclose all the necessary documents to avoid any delays.

MSc Research Methods is a research-driven master's course tailored for those looking to pursue a PhD or a career in research within human geography and the wider social sciences.

With a strong emphasis on developing advanced research skills alongside specialist training in human geography, this course offers the ideal foundation for your academic and professional journey.

Whether you're aiming to apply for a prestigious ESRC scholarship through the North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) or a scholarship within the School of Environment, Education and Development, this course is specifically designed to meet the ESRC’s rigorous research training requirements.

It provides a clear pathway into both the +3 PhD route and the 1+3 model, which includes a master's and a three-year PhD.

You’ll gain expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods, research design, data analysis, and fieldwork techniques; essential tools for carrying out impactful, interdisciplinary research that can shape public policy, academic thinking, or real-world practice.

Studying in Manchester gives you a unique advantage. Known as the world’s first industrial city and now a thriving modern metropolis surrounded by three stunning National Parks, Manchester offers an unparalleled setting for geographical research and field-based learning.

It’s also home to one of the UK’s longest-established Geography departments, with over 125 years of teaching excellence.

You’ll join a vibrant academic community with a wide range of research interests and a strong international reputation.

Our expert staff will support you every step of the way, helping you develop the confidence and capabilities to take your research to the next level.

Whether you're driven by curiosity, committed to social and environmental change, or focused on academic progression, MSc Research Methods equips you with everything you need to make a lasting impact.

You will:

• develop as a well-rounded researcher who can access the full range of research in relation to human geography; 
• actively and practically engage with research methods used in the context of human geography; 
• attend introductory PhD research training lectures, seminars and tutorials and get a taste of life as a PhD student.

• Geography has been studied at Manchester for more than 125 years, and we're one of Europe's best-equipped universities for the subject.
• We’re home to world-class academics in Geography and other areas of the University contributing to the programme, including the Manchester Urban Institute , and the Manchester Environmental Research Institute .
• Join the Manchester University Geographical Society (MUGS) a society run by Geography students for Geography students.
• Benefit from worldwide fieldwork opportunities and strong industry links.

Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.

The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.

The role of SEED

• changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
• a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
• changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
• changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
• the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
• the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
• where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
• where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.

We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.

The duty of students

Preparation, attendance and conduct

Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.

Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.

Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.

Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or returned home due to poor conduct:

• a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
• the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Immigration, passport and visa requirements

It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure they have:

• a valid passport to enter the destination country (including sufficient months prior to expiry);
• a valid visa (where required) and comply with its requirements.

The School cannot guarantee that visas required for fieldwork or a placement will be granted by the relevant authority. Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.

Where a student is unable to attend fieldwork or a placement because they do not have the required visa or passport:

• a suitable alternative assessment will be offered to ensure that the programme ILOs are met and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
• the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

You will conduct a small-scale piece of empirical research of relevance and use this as the basis for your dissertation. The emphasis of the dissertation will be on the use of methodology in the context of:

• tracing the application of certain methods to the investigation of particular issues;
• discussing how that methodology functioned in practice;
• research reflexivity.

You will be expected to report on the findings of the study, although the scale of the work will necessitate modest aims and outcomes, given that you will require space to provide in-depth methodological critique and potentially also methods development as an outcome of their study.

You'll have the option to choose to undertake a literature-based dissertation, in which case there will be an expectation that a formal review methodology will be used to conduct the review.

The form the dissertation ultimately takes will reflect the particular study conducted, and its structure will be negotiated and agreed with your supervisor. All dissertations undertaken will be required to contribute to meeting the ESRC's research training criteria.

We are one of Europe's best-equipped universities for geography, with numerous laboratories. These include the main teaching laboratory, microscopy laboratory, and sediments and project laboratories.

You can also learn professional skills such as coding and programming specialist, industry-standard software such as image processing, GIS, GPS and cartographic representation.

The University's Main Library is home to the University Map Collection, which comprises about 100,000 map sheets of every part of the world.

For more information visit our  Facilities webpage .

MSc Research Methods is the perfect springboard for anyone considering a PhD or a research-focused career in human geography.

Whether you're driven by a passion for tackling environmental challenges, influencing policy, or exploring the social and spatial dynamics of the world around us, this course gives you the tools to dive deep into advanced research with confidence.

Geography graduates from Manchester are highly sought after, with many going on to shape environmental and social policy, contribute to cutting-edge research, and drive innovation across both public and private sectors.

Our alumni have built successful careers in consultancy, environmental and social research, NGOs, project and environmental management, agriculture, forestry, energy, finance, marketing, and water resource management.

They’ve made their mark in industries as diverse as oil and gas, climate science, and international development—bringing the insight and rigour of geographical research into every corner of the working world.

Graduates have gone on to work for leading organisations such as DEFRA, the Environment Agency, Natural England, the Organic Soil Association, the UK Atomic Energy Authority and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

With its strong research focus, expert-led teaching, and clear progression pathways, this course doesn't just prepare you for what's next - it sets you apart. Whether your ambition lies in academia, policy, or the private sector, MSc Research Methods provides the ideal foundation to make a meaningful impact.