This course is intended for students who have a substantial background in geography or a related discipline with a good first degree. It aims to provide: (i) broad-based training in geographical research, its philosophical backgrounds and debates, and interpretation of geographical literature, (ii) comprehensive training in research methods in human geography and the social sciences as a whole, and (iii) the opportunity to develop large scale research management skills by completing a research thesis under academic supervision and guidance. The course bridges the gap between first degree and PhD, and aims to develop general transferable skills for research employment in a wide range of walks of life, or as the first stage of a PhD thesis. The MPhil thesis element can be a free-standing project, but is usually used as a vehicle for developing plans and research design for subsequent doctoral research. Students develop their skills of assessing contrasting theories, explanations and policies; collecting, critically judging, evaluating and interpreting varied forms of evidence; preparing maps and diagrams; employing various methods of collecting and analysing spatial and environmental information; combining and interpreting different types of evidence to tackle specific problems; and recognising the ethical and moral dimensions of study. At the end of the course, students taking the MPhil in Geographic Research will be expected to have: Acquired a broad knowledge of qualitative research methods and general statistics; Acquired the skills to use library and internet resources independently; Acquired specialist knowledge of the relevant literature related to their thesis; Acquired skills to independently structure their research design; Given a presentation on their thesis to their peers and academic staff and Written three essays and one thesis.