Human Geography (Society and Space) (Taught)

We urgently need new ways of thinking about society and space, as we face the profound global challenges of climate change, overconsumption, energy transition, and political conflict.  Human geography provides invaluable insights into the interconnections between these crises.  By examining the relationships between places, people, and environments, human geography can unveil social, political, and cultural dynamics that often go unnoticed.  Geographical perspectives reveal both subtle and overt injustices and inequalities, and can theorise bold and creative frameworks for better futures.  Human geography is a dynamic field, holding profound influence over current debates in the social sciences, humanities, and policy.

The MSc in Human Geography: Society & Space provides you with a robust grounding in social theory, combined with options for expert training in qualitative, quantitative, and digital research methods.  We welcome a diverse array of students from different subject backgrounds interested in the cutting-edge of theoretical and empirical discussions in human geography today, for example debates around affect, embodiment, and materiality, creative and experimental methodologies, decolonial and postcolonial geographies, and feminist approaches.

Since its foundation in 1992, this prestigious programme has been a world leader in delivering innovative research in contemporary human geography.  It has trained a number of leading figures in geography today, and it has equipped students to succeed beyond academia, in arts and heritage, policy and advocacy, and social justice and community work.

The School of Geographical Sciences is ranked first in the UK for 'Geography and Environmental Studies' research (Times Higher Education analysis of REF 2021) and has an outstanding reputation for teaching and learning.

As a student on our MSc programmes, you’ll join a lively School and University community. We host invited speakers in weekly seminars organised by our School’s academic research groups. These friendly events are open to all students and offer you the opportunity to meet other students and leading specialists in a range of subjects. Research groups may also host social events, run specialist workshops and organise reading groups you are welcome to join.

Our postgraduate social calendar is also busy, with social events and activities for members including film screenings, writing retreats, field visits, and guided tours of cultural institutions. We also organise get-togethers for our students throughout the year to mark the major milestones in your programme and celebrate your success.