Master of Science in Geography

The Master of Science usually consists of two parts: coursework and a thesis, allowing you to investigate areas of interest and conduct independent and original research. Over 30 subjects are available, and some can only be studied at postgraduate level, which can allow for specialisation in academic and career pathways. For more information about why you should consider studying a postgraduate science programme at UC, see the Postgraduate Prospectus. The MSc may be awarded with Distinction, Merit, or Honours. Geography is an exciting and distinctive discipline at the interface between Science and Arts. Its focus is on putting various types of knowledge together to find innovative solutions to problems faced by society such as climate change, poverty, sustainability, health, and inequality. We aim to provide courses and learning that will enable you to make a difference in your chosen career path after university. Studying Geography will allow you to make an informed and analytical view of our changing world, and of your place in it. The relationship between people and their environment is a key geographical theme, as is the way in which this relationship can be made more sustainable for the future. This puts Geography at the core of many important current debates. For example, geographers are able to examine the issue of climate change holistically by looking at both the physical factors that affect the problem and also the human responses to the challenges created. Study Involve: Our world-class research in Geography and related fields attracts students from all over the world, with PhD and master's students coming from across Asia, Africa, the Pacific, and Aotearoa New Zealand. Postgraduate students are able to shape their own study and research questions (see GEOG401 Wellbeing, Community and Place) and we facilitate strong community engagement through programmes such as GEOG402 Resilient Cities and GEOG415 Geography Internship. We have excellent supervisors and postgraduate courses are small and often discussion based. Fieldwork is an integral part of many courses. UC operates climate stations in Ka Tiritiri-o-te-moana Southern Alps and elsewhere in Te Waipounamu South Island, and utilises the University's field stations at Cass and Kawatiri Westport. The Department hosts Te Tai Whenua o te Hauora, GeoHealth Laboratory and has close links with Gateway Antarctica, with staff and graduate students often making summer visits to Scott Base in Antarctica.