Attributes, outcomes and skills: Master of Geography (MC-GEOG)

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.

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.

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.

Last updated: 13 February 2024