skip to content

Postgraduate Study

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

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October/beginning of November. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Apply Now

Key Information


11 Months full-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Philosophy

Department of Geography

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2025

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
Dec. 3, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 3, 2024
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 16, 2024

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.


Similar Courses