Master of Geography (MC-GEOG)
Masters (Coursework)Year: 2020 Delivered: On Campus (Parkville)
About this course
Coordinator
Associate Professor Russell Drysdale
Contact
Currently enrolled students:
- General information: https://ask.unimelb.edu.au
- Contact Stop 1
Future students:
- Further information: http://science.unimelb.edu.au/
Overview
| Award title | Master of Geography |
|---|---|
| Year & campus | 2020 — Parkville |
| CRICOS code | 092792A |
| Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
| Study level & type | Graduate Coursework |
| AQF level | 9 |
| Credit points | 200 credit points |
| Duration | 24 months full-time or 48 months part-time |
The Master of Geography is a two-year, full-time degree that allows students to significantly extend their undergraduate specialisation in geography (or a related field). Students can specialise in one of three geography streams and chose either a coursework only option (no research project) or one of two coursework-plus-thesis options (with a 50 pt or 100 pt research project). The capstone experience is provided through the study of geography’s methods and techniques applied to various geographic problems, as well as either the Geography Practical or Research Project. Discipline electives include numerous field-based subjects, where students gain field skills, which are at the heart of applied geography. Students opting for coursework plus research project choose a topic in a field of their choice under the supervision of one or more academic supervisors. The Research Project lays the foundations for possible PhD study or research-related positions in the workforce.
Entry requirements
In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
- An undergraduate degree with a course WAM of 70 or above, with a major in Geography or any of the following related disciplines: Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Environmental Science; Earth, Ocean and/or Atmospheric Science; Zoology; Anthropology; Urban Studies; Social Science; Economics; Political Science.
The field of Geography overlaps and complements many areas of study across both the social and physical sciences, so potential applicants who are in doubt about their background are strongly encouraged to contact the coordinator.
Entry is subject to the capacity of the department to provide adequate supervision in, and resources for, a research project appropriate to the interests and preparation of the individual student, and may be subject to the agreement of a member of academic staff to supervise the project module.
-
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- academic background;
- WAM;
The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to providingsupport to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website. http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
Intended learning outcomes
At the completion of this course, students should:
- be familiar with the latest research developments in their chosen field of geographic inquiry;
- be able to develop research questions from a critical reading of a body of literature;
- be able to design and implement a field, laboratory and/or literature/archival-based research project; and
- gain an understanding of major conceptual debates in physical and/or human geography, and their implications for research methodology.
Generic skills
The Master of Geography allows students to enhance the following generic skills (depending on the course structure chosen):
- research skills, particularly in the conception, design and implementation of a research project.
- communication skills, particularly: the oral and written defence of a research proposal (including the intellectual basis of the research design, justification of the methods to be used, and potential shortcomings); oral communication of research results; written communication of entire research via the thesis; and development of presentation skills at conferences and workshops where such opportunities are made available to the student.
- project management, as it relates to the planning of the research, from conception, through implementation to presentation.
- critical analysis skills, specifically as it relates to reviewing literature and interrogating the student’s research results as well as those of others.
- observation and practical skills, particularly in relation to the conduct of field work, where such opportunities are available.
- self-assurance skills, particularly in developing a student’s confidence in tackling an independent research project and independent coursework study.
- team work and engagement skills, particularly as they relate to the enhancing of the intellectual relationship between student and supervisor, and between student, his/her peers and the wider academic environment.
Graduate attributes
Graduates will:
- have the ability to demonstrate advanced independent critical enquiry, analysis and reflection;
- have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship;
- have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s);
- reach a high level of achievement in writing, research or project activities, problem-solving and communication;
- be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning;
- be able to examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines;
- have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment; and
- be able to initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces.
Course structure
Master of Geography is a 200 point program. The course can be taken under one of three following structures:
Coursework only
- Discipline Core (25 pt)
- Geography Practical (12.5 pt)
- Discipline electives (137.5 pt)
- Professional Skills subjects (25 pt)
Coursework plus minor research thesis
- Discipline core (25 pt);
- Discipline electives (100 pt)
- Professional skills subjects (25 pt)
- Minor research thesis (50 pt)
Coursework plus major research thesis
- Discipline core (25 pt);
- Discipline electives (50 or 62.5 pt)
- Professional skills subjects (12.5 or 25 pt)
- Major research thesis (100 pt)
Subject options
Discipline Core subjects
All students must take both of the following:
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG90018 | Contemporary Geographical Thought | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG90029 | Research Methods in Geography | February (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Additional Discipline Core
Coursework-only students must also take the following:
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG90028 | Geography Practical |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Discipline Electives
Students must complete Discipline Electives subject from within one of three geography streams:
- Physical Geography;
- Human Geography;
- Integrated Geography.
Note: At least 12.5 pt of field classes is strongly recommended; students are permitted to take up to two 300-level subjects.
-
Physical Geography Stream
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG30021 | The Disaster Resilient City | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG30022 | Riverine Landscapes: Hydrology & Ecology | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| GEOG30027 | Local Sites, Global Connections | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ENST90004 | Climate Change Politics and Policy | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ENST90005 | Environmental Policy | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| EVSC90015 | Environmental Impact Assessment | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| EVSC90014 | Environmental Risk Assessment | Winter Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FOOD90034 | Sustainable Food Production | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG90003 | Integrated River & Catchment Management | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG90007 | China Field Class PG | Not available in 2020 | 25 |
| GEOG90022 | International Internship in Environment |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
| GEOG90024 | Coastal Landforms and Management | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| GEOG90026 | Global Climate Change In Context | February (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG90027 | Biogeography and Ecology of Fire | Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOM90008 | Foundations of Spatial Information |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| ATOC90002 | Climate Science for Decision-Making | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG90019 | Indigenous Land Management | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| GEOG90025 | East Timor Field Class | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
Human Geography Stream
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG30019 | Sustainable Development | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG30021 | The Disaster Resilient City | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG30022 | Riverine Landscapes: Hydrology & Ecology | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| GEOG30024 | Africa: Environment, Development, People | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG30027 | Local Sites, Global Connections | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| DEVT90003 | The Political Ecology of Development | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ENST90004 | Climate Change Politics and Policy | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ENST90005 | Environmental Policy | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ENST90002 | Social Impact Assessment and Evaluation | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| EVSC90015 | Environmental Impact Assessment | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| EVSC90014 | Environmental Risk Assessment | Winter Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FOOD90034 | Sustainable Food Production | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG90007 | China Field Class PG | Not available in 2020 | 25 |
| GEOG90020 | Risk Management and Citizen Science | July (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG90021 | Conservation and Cultural Environments | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| GEOG90022 | International Internship in Environment |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
| GEOM90008 | Foundations of Spatial Information |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| ATOC90002 | Climate Science for Decision-Making | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG90019 | Indigenous Land Management | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| GEOG90025 | East Timor Field Class | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| PHIL90029 | Climate Ethics and Ethical Dilemmas | September (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ASIA90016 | China and the Environment | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Integrated Geography stream
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG30019 | Sustainable Development | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG30021 | The Disaster Resilient City | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG30022 | Riverine Landscapes: Hydrology & Ecology | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| GEOG30024 | Africa: Environment, Development, People | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG30027 | Local Sites, Global Connections | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| DEVT90003 | The Political Ecology of Development | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ENST90004 | Climate Change Politics and Policy | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ENST90005 | Environmental Policy | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ENST90002 | Social Impact Assessment and Evaluation | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| EVSC90015 | Environmental Impact Assessment | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| EVSC90014 | Environmental Risk Assessment | Winter Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| FOOD90034 | Sustainable Food Production | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG90003 | Integrated River & Catchment Management | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG90007 | China Field Class PG | Not available in 2020 | 25 |
| GEOG90020 | Risk Management and Citizen Science | July (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG90021 | Conservation and Cultural Environments | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| GEOG90022 | International Internship in Environment |
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
| GEOG90024 | Coastal Landforms and Management | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| GEOG90026 | Global Climate Change In Context | February (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG90027 | Biogeography and Ecology of Fire | Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOM90008 | Foundations of Spatial Information |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| ATOC90002 | Climate Science for Decision-Making | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| GEOG90019 | Indigenous Land Management | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| GEOG90025 | East Timor Field Class | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| PHIL90029 | Climate Ethics and Ethical Dilemmas | September (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| ASIA90016 | China and the Environment | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Professional Skills subjects
Coursework only and Coursework with minor research thesis students much complete 25 points of the listed Professional Skills subjects.
Coursework plus major research thesis students can complete between 12.5 to 25 points of the listed Professional Skills subjects.
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUSA90403 | Business Tools: Money People & Processes | September (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| BUSA90471 | Business Tools: The Market Environment | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
| MAST90045 | Systems Modelling and Simulation | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| SCIE90005 | Ethics and Responsibility in Science | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| MAST90044 | Thinking and Reasoning with Data | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| SCIE90012 | Science Communication | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| SCIE90013 | Communication for Research Scientists |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Winter Term (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| MULT90012 | Industry Project in Science | Not available in 2020 | 12.5 |
Research Project
Note: There is no research project for students taking the coursework-only option
-
Coursework plus minor research thesis:
The minor thesis (50 pt) will be taken over the final two semesters of enrolment, beginning the Monday of the first semester of research project enrolment (semester 1 or 2) and continuing until the end of the final semester of research project enrolment. The research project work continues over summer or winter breaks, minus annual recreation leave of 4 weeks. For how long and at what time within the enrolment the actual period of leave is to be taken needs to be negotiated with a student's supervisor.
The thesis will be due for submission by the end of the formal examination period of the final semester of research project enrolment (usually the fourth semester of the student’s M Geography candidature), if an earlier date is not specified. The assessment requirements below are applicable to the entire 50-point Research Project. All assessment pieces are individual tasks:
- A 4,000 word written research proposal modelled on a research grant application style, due by week 8 of the first semester of research project enrolment. 12.5% of final project mark.
- A 20 minutes oral research proposal seminar due by week 8 of the first semester of research project enrolment. 12.5% of final project mark.
- A 20 minute research results seminar due week 11 of the second semester of research project enrolment. 12.5% % of final project mark.
- A 12,500-word thesis by the end of the formal examination period of the second semester of research project enrolment. 62.5% of final project mark.
Students select their research project load in consultation with their project supervisor and the program coordinator, and must enrol in at least 12.5 points of research project per semester except in extraordinary circumstances (e.g. supervisor being on sabbatical leave) where permission of the program coordinator is given. Therefore, in each semester students must be enrolled in one of the subjects listed below (all of which are offered in both semesters):
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG90030 | Geography Minor Research Project Part 1 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| GEOG90031 | Geography Minor Research Project Part 1 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
| GEOG90032 | Geography Minor Research Project Part 2 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
| GEOG90033 | Geography Minor Research Project Part 2 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
37.5 |
-
Coursework plus major research thesis:
The major thesis (100 pt) will be taken over four consecutive semesters and will begin on the Monday of the first semester of research project enrolment (semester 1 or 2) and continue until the end of the final semester of research project enrolment. The research project work continues over summer and winter breaks, minus recreation leave of 4 weeks per year. For how long and at what time within the enrolment the actual period of leave is to be taken needs to be negotiated with a student's supervisor.
The thesis will be due for submission at the end of the formal examination period of the final semester of research project enrolment (usually the fourth semester), if an earlier date is not specified. The assessment requirements below are applicable to the entire 100-point Research Project. All assessment pieces are individual tasks:
- A full literature review of 5,000 words, due at the end of the first semester of research: value 12.5% of final project mark
- A research 4,000 word proposal modelled on a research grant application style, and research proposal seminar, due by week 4 and week 11 respectively of the second semester of research: value 12.5% of final project mark
- A 20 minute research results seminar due week 11 of the final (fourth) semester of research project enrolment. 12.5% of final project mark.
- A 25,000-word thesis by the end of the formal examination period of the final (fourth) semester of research project enrolment. 62.5% of final project mark.
Students select their research project load in consultation with their project supervisor and the program coordinator, and must enrol in at least 12.5 points of research project per semester except in extraordinary circumstances (e.g. supervisor being on sabbatical leave) where permission of the program coordinator is given.
EXAMPLE:
- GEOG90036 Geography Research Project pt1 (12.5pts)
- GEOG90040 Geography Research Project pt2 (12.5pts)
- GEOG90045 Geography Research Project pt3 (25pts)
- GEOG90051 Geography Research Project pt4 (50pts)
Therefore, in each semester students must be enrolled in one of the subjects listed below (all of which are offered in both semesters):
| Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEOG90036 | Geography Research Project Part 1 |
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| GEOG90040 | Geography Research Project Part 2 |
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| GEOG90045 | Geography Research Project Part 3 |
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
25 |
| GEOG90046 | Geography Research Project Part 3 |
Semester 1 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Extended) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
37.5 |
| GEOG90050 | Geography Research Project Part 4 |
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
37.5 |
| GEOG90051 | Geography Research Project Part 4 |
Semester 1 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Early-Start) (On Campus - Parkville)
|
50 |
Last updated: 1 April 2021