Modules

Core modules: Philosophy and Theory in Contemporary Human Geography provides an in-depth knowledge of some of the key trends in philosophical thought and theory in contemporary human geography. This module also sharpens your abilities to evaluate and critically appraise such trends. Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Practices across Social Research introduces you to the nature of contemporary social scientific research and its methods of practice. You will look at the issues associated with studying social complexity and consider the ethical issues in the conduct of social research, including issues of power and equality. Research Frontiers in Human Geography looks at Durham University’s own work into some of the emerging research in human geography and develops your awareness of the wide range of research and opinion in the subject. Your skills in the critical analysis and the communication of research will also be enhanced. Quantitative Methods and Analysis is designed to develop your knowledge, critical understanding and skills in quantitative data analysis. You will understand how to use statistical techniques for the exploration and description of data sets and make appropriate statistical inferences about associations between social phenomena. Qualitative Methods and Analysis equips you to understand and assess qualitative social sciences research, including different approaches to research and design and analysis of qualitative data. Using Geographical Skills and Techniques provides applied  training in the use of geographic techniques with the aim of enabling you to develop a set of transferable skills that are relevant to your professional and personal development. It explores some of the issues involved in the design and conduct of working with geographic information; and provides hands-on experience working with data sources and methods in a human-geography context. The Dissertation is the chance for you to undertake a substantial piece of scholarship into an area of interest to you and develop a sound understanding of applying the right research tools and methods. Examples of optional modules: Advanced Ethnographic Research; Multilevel Modelling; Simulating Data in R; Systematic Review; Advanced Statistics for Psychology and the Behavioural Sciences; Computational Social Science; Participatory Action Research.

Assessment method

This course is offered jointly by the Department of Geography, the Department of Anthropology, the Department of Psychology and the Department of Sociology. You will be mainly taught in small groups in the form of seminars and workshops, supported by lectures. There are also talks by guest speakers and you will carry out your own independent study in order to prepare for seminars. The course structure gives you plenty of opportunities to share ideas which help you to get the most out of learning sessions.  You will also research and write a dissertation on a subject of interest, with support and guidance provided through a series of workshops, as well as individual meetings with a dissertation supervisor who has expertise in your area of study. Assessment is rigorous and ongoing throughout the course and is designed so that you are able to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of a subject. Modules are assessed through the production of essays, portfolios and assignments as a response to seminars. You will also undertake written and verbal critiques of presentations.  Much of the third term is spent researching and writing your dissertation, this substantial project makes up one-third of your final mark.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• Economic and Social Research Council