Study options
- Starting in
- September 2025
- Location
- Mile End
- Fees
- Home: £12,250
Overseas: £25,500
EU/EEA/Swiss students
What you'll study
This programme provides an advanced understanding of geographical theory, methods and substantive issues for the discipline.
You will gain advanced-level research skills including project design, planning and management, as well as analytical and interpretive skills, preparing you to progress successfully into PhD study. You can choose two elective modules relevant to your research interests from a range of modules in human geography, as well as modules from other QMUL Schools.
You will have the opportunity to attend regular research seminars and research framework sessions with renowned academic researchers.
Structure
- Two compulsory taught modules
- Two elective taught modules
- Compulsory 15,000-word dissertation
Compulsory/Core modules
The purpose of the module is to provide master's level research training in human geography and related social science disciplines. The module therefore covers core understandings of key concepts and approaches to human geography and social sciences research; subject specific research and transferable skills; and qualitative and quantitative, subject specific methodological and presentation techniques. This module will equip students with the skills necessary to independently design and implement an extended piece of primary dissertation research.
The dissertation should include: a) a set of research aims clearly relating the dissertation and its aims to the relevant field of enquiry, b) a review and synthesis of previous studies and of the relevant theoretical, epistemological and methodological literature relating to the dissertation's field of enquiry and an examination of the place of such studies within the field of human geography; c) an examination of the study's research question(s) by means of analysis of new empirical material and/or original analysis of existing non-academic sources; and d) a full and critical discussion of methodology, research design and implementation.
This module teaches you to use advanced quantitative skills appropriate for postgraduate research. Further, you will be able to analyse, interpret, critique and replicate published research using quantitative research methods and will acquire sufficient technical competence using SPSS to perform a range of quantitative techniques in your own research.
Elective modules
This module explores theoretical, empirical and policy dimensions of patterns and processes of migration and mobilities in a global context and consciously across the global North/global South 'divide' from a scalar, relational and networked perspective. Although the focus will be on the nature and dynamics of contemporary movement of people, the module will also incorporate an analysis of the movement of information, goods and capital as framed within the 'new mobilities paradigm'. Theoretically, the module analyses the key framings of contemporary migration in relation to transnationalism, diaspora and post-national citizenship. In turn, it will interrogate the nature and links between transnationalism, multiculturalism and/or integration; the migration-development nexus; the politics of irregularity and 'illegality'; the relationships between the emergence of global cities and a migrant division of labour; the nature of global gendered mobilities and power and mobility as well as the interrelations between conflict, violence and mobility.
-theorising global development provides the theoretical framework underpinning the modules for MSc Development and International Business and MA Global Development programmes. The module will: i) introduce to a range of mainstream, alternative and decolonial theoretical approaches to `D/development¿; ii) challenge the common positioning of the Global South as a place where theories flow to rather than from, and as a collection of places in need of external (Northern) development interventions; iii) expose the spatial limits of mainstream / 'universal' theories of development in geography developed through narrow engagements with formal spaces of advanced capitalist economies in the Global North; iv) recognize the vital and dynamic ways in which the development trajectories of people and places in global South and global North are mutually constituted. Students will develop their conceptual understanding through key themes such as critical global development, the intersections of environment and development, transformations in the economy and work and post development.
The module explores the economic-development geographies of people's everyday struggles to make a living in the contemporary global economy. Drawing on research within and across the Global North and Global South, this module engages with an exciting 'labour geographies' research agenda, concerned with how workers are capable of fashioning the geography of capitalism to suit their own needs and self-production; and to identify geographical possibilities and labour market strategies through which 'workers may challenge, outmaneuver and perhaps even beat capital' in different locations. The module seeks to expose the spatial limits of mainstream 'universal' theories in geography which presume that 'the economy' and 'labour' can be theorised solely from the perspective of the formal spaces of advanced capitalist economies in the global North.
This module offers the opportunity to develop advanced knowledge of an area of research through self-directed reading. In order to take this module, students must identify an area of interest that can be supervised by a member of the teaching team. The module is assessed by a 4000-5000 word paper that demonstrates advanced engagement with their chosen field of study. If supervision of the topic is agreed, students complete self-directed reading at an advanced level and discuss their readings and develop their paper at fortnightly supervision meetings. The structure of the report may vary according to the nature of the topic, and this is reflected in the word count range provided. Human Geography topics are expected to produce longer papers (up to 5000 words) while topics in Physical Geography and Environmental Science are likely to produce shorter papers (up to 4000 words) that may incorporate figures and data in certain circumstances.
Assessment
- 50%% Modules
- 50%% Dissertation
- Assessment on each of the modules is through a variety of coursework assignments ranging from extended essays to book reviews
- You will also complete a 15,000-word dissertation. You will be assigned an academic supervisor from the School of Geography who will provide guidance and advice on your dissertation research
Dissertation
Examples of past projects include:
- Collaborative research with The Geffrye Museum of the Home, via the Centre for Studies of Home, on past and present geographies of home, including research on home, migration and the city
- Collaborative research with Eastside Community Heritage on community heritage, identity, migration and urban change
- Critical public health; global health; historical perspectives on urban environment and health
- Migration, gender and development; migrant financial practices related to remittances, philanthropy, credit and debt; digital financial inclusion
—Before starting my masters, I completed the Geography BA programme in the School of Geography. I chose to stay at Queen Mary as the research interests of the School strongly paralleled my own. My time here has taught me to be resilient, and it has given me the confidence in my academic capability. It has also taught me fundamental research skills applicable beyond academia.
Adam Packer, MRes Geography 2017
Teaching
Teaching for all modules includes a mixture of formal lectures and small group seminars.
In the 2024 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES), 100% of our students agreed staff were good at explaining things and enthusiastic about what they were teaching. 93% of students agreed their research skills had developed during their course and 87% felt better prepared for a future career as a result of their course.
You will be assigned an Academic Adviser who will guide you in both academic and pastoral matters throughout your time at Queen Mary.
If you choose to study part-time, the number of modules you take is reduced per semester. The full number of modules you need to complete the programme will be spread over two academic years.
Find out more about the School of Geography’s inclusive approach to learning, co-created with our diverse student body, enhanced by our world-leading research.
Where you'll learn
Facilities
- Use dedicated Masters study and computing spaces within the School of Geography.
- Access specialist qualitative, quantitative, and GIS computing software to support your learning and research.
- Access an unparalleled range of learning resources, special collections, and world-leading libraries within QMUL and the University of London, such as the QMUL Library and Senate House Library. Other specialist collections are accessible nearby, for example at the British Library.
Campus
Teaching is based at Queen Mary’s main Mile End campus, one of the largest self-contained residential campuses in the capital. Our location in the heart of London’s East End offers a rich cultural environment.
Queen Mary have invested £105m in new facilities in recent years to offer our students an exceptional learning environment. Recent developments include the £39m Graduate Centre, providing 7,700 square metres of learning and teaching space.
The campus is 15 minutes by tube from central London, where you will have access to many of the University of London’s other facilities, such as Senate House.
About the School
School of Geography
Geography has been taught at Queen Mary since 1894, making us one of the longest-established schools of geography in the UK. Today, we are one of the leading centres for Geography, Environmental Science and Global Development scholarship in the world.
We were positioned 7th overall for the quality of our research in the latest UK nation-wide research rankings and 92% of our research was assessed as internationally excellent or world-leading (Research Excellence Framework 2021). The latest QS World University Rankings by Subject (2023) places us in the top 100 geography schools in the world.
Set in the heart of one of London’s most vibrant and diverse areas, the School is ideally placed for studying the capital’s people, places, cultures and environment, as well as being a global hub for geographical expertise. We have a culturally diverse and inclusive postgraduate community, with students drawn from 35 countries around the world in 2022.
We pride ourselves on our close research and teaching links with external partners including the Environment Agency, the Museum of the Home, the British Museum, Citizens UK and Natural England.
Career paths
This programme will prepare you for a broad range of research-related careers but will specifically deliver the research management skills and data analysis expertise required for PhD research or social research in the public, private or third sectors.
We integrate careers support into all our degree programmes to help you to maximise your potential and achieve your ambitions.
Our students have gone on to undertake successful careers within local and national government research departments and secure positions in international non-governmental organisations.
Explore what our recent students have done after their course and how their time studying on this programme prepared them for life after graduation.
Fees and funding
Full-time study
September 2025 | 1 year
- Home: £12,250
- Overseas: £25,500
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Unconditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Part-time study
September 2025 | 2 years
- Home: £6,150
- Overseas: £12,750
EU/EEA/Swiss students
Unconditional deposit
Home: Not applicable
Overseas: £2000
Information about deposits
Queen Mary alumni can get a £1000, 10% or 20% discount on their fees depending on the programme of study. Find out more about the Alumni Loyalty Award
Funding
There are a number of ways you can fund your postgraduate degree.
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Postgraduate loans (UK students)
- Country-specific scholarships for international students
Our Advice and Counselling service offers specialist support on financial issues, which you can access as soon as you apply for a place at Queen Mary. Before you apply, you can access our funding guides and advice on managing your money:
Entry requirements
UK
Degree requirements
A 2:1 or above at undergraduate level in a relevant subject.
Find out more about how to apply for our postgraduate taught courses.
International
English language requirements
The English language requirements for our programmes are indicated by English bands, and therefore the specific test and score acceptable is based on the band assigned to the academic department within which your chosen course of study is administered. Note that for some academic departments there are programmes with non-standard English language requirements.
The English Language requirements for entry to postgraduate taught and research programmes in the School of Geography falls within the following English band:
Band 4: IELTS (Academic) minimum score 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking
We accept a range of English tests and qualifications categorised in our English bands for you to demonstrate your level of English Language proficiency. See all accepted English tests that we deem equivalent to these IELTS scores.
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa.