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This MPhil offers an 11-month programme of advanced study and research into the natural and anthropogenic causes and ecological and societal consequences of Holocene climate variability. The course is intended for students with a strong first degree in geography or a related discipline, such as environmental sciences and (paleo)climatology.
The curriculum will:
- enable students to acquire a critical and well-informed understanding of the accepted and contested academic, public and political understanding of natural and anthropogenic climate change over the past 12,000 years;
- provide a comprehensive background of Holocene climate variability on different time scales with different levels of ecological and societal responses, in order to reconcile climate model simulations from an informed perspective;
- give students the opportunity to acquire advanced subject expertise, and transferable skills, relevant to their research interests and career goals;
- equip students for dealing with complex social, political and scientific issues, in the presence of incomplete data, and communicate their positions prudently to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- provide the prerequisite exposure and familiarity with the many physical tools and techniques used in palaeoclimatology to prepare students for either pursuit of a Doctoral degree or professional position.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Students will acquire:
- a comprehensive understanding of Holocene climate variability;
- a proficiency in applying the many physical and sophisticated analytical tools used to acquire paleoclimatic data, as well as the skills to make objective interpretation of data and communicate findings in a scholarly manner;
- the practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to advance knowledge in this field;
- the ability to critically evaluate current research and methodologies and, where appropriate, propose new hypotheses to build upon previous knowledge.
Skills and other attributes
Students will obtain:
- the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions cogently to specialist and non-specialist audiences;
- proficiency in a range of analytical tools, IT resources, experience in survey methods, statistical methods, and a range of paleoclimatic and environmental concepts;
- a strong sense of self-determination and confidence in tackling topical problems in a prudent and methodical manner.
Continuing
Admission to the PhD following the MPhil is not automatic and if you wish to be considered for the PhD in Geography you must:
- apply for and meet the criteria for admission to the PhD via the normal University admissions process
- obtain a good pass level in the MPhil and in your dissertation
- demonstrate your suitability to undertake a PhD, and submit a suitable research proposal
- have the pre-agreement of an available and suitable supervisor to supervise your PhD research proposal
Open Days
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See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.