MA (Hons) Geography, Society and Environment
The course
- UCAS code
- 3K3W
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time
We are ranked 9th in the UK for Town and Country Planning and Landscape Design in the Complete University Guide 2022.
Contact
Got questions about this programme?
Contact our enquiries team.
Overview
The Geography, Society and Environment degree is designed for students who are interested in human geography and related topics in urban design, social policy, cities and modern studies. Overall, this degree explores the ways in which people shape and are shaped by the places and environments in which they live. How do cities change and how do the people involved shape those cities and neighbourhoods? How does the built environment shape our behaviour? What makes some places healthier or happier or more resilient?
You will develop field work skills in surveying, mapping and site assessment with field work and site visits as a key strand in your learning. You will develop important research skills through core modules in statistics, data analysis and research methods which you will apply to your final year research dissertation. Cross-disciplinary and problem-based working helps students acquire the skills needed to work in multi-disciplinary teams and solve real-world problems.
We are ranked 9th in the UK for Town and Country Planning and Landscape Design in the Complete University Guide 2022.
Highlights
You can participate in residential field trips in years 1, 2 and 3, visiting locations in Scotland, the UK and beyond; plus shorter one day trips and site visits. These trips provide important opportunities to deepen practical skills in field survey, site observation, data collection and analysis.
You can experience links to practice and industry – hearing from visiting speakers and professionals working as chartered geographers, surveyors and planners.
In year 3, all students are given the opportunity for mentoring by a practitioner, someone working in industry who can discuss career choices, graduate job opportunities and professional membership routes.
Global College pathway for this degree
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, have a look at Heriot-Watt Global College, where you can follow an accelerated pathway which will get you onto the second year of this degree.
I believe my degree provided me with the knowledge and skills required for the career path I am taking in Transport Planning. Course content such as report writing, presentations and multidisciplinary team projects have been invaluable in my development as a young professional.
Go Global
This course is currently only delivered at our Edinburgh Campus and there are no current opportunities to study at exchange partner institutions.
However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact goglobal@hw.ac.uk for more information
Course content
Year 1
Semester 1
- Geography Today
- Dynamic Earth 1
- Introduction to Human Geography
- Shaping Tomorrow Together A
Semester Two
- Dynamic Earth 2
- Scottish Geographies: Fieldwork Observation
- Human Geography and the City
- Shaping Tomorrow Together B
Year 2
Semester 1
- Surveying and GIS
- Catchment Hydrology
- City Life and Difference
Optional courses include:
- Introductory Biology 1
- Critical Writing and Analysis
- Employability and Professional Skills
- Mathematics for Scientists 1
- Scottish Studies
Semester Two
- Geomorphology, Landscapes and Society
- Geography Toolbox
- Global Challenges 1
Optional courses include:
- Introduction to World History and Culture
- Critical Writing and Analysis
- The Economy
- Film and Cultures
- Contemporary Economic Policy and Institutions
Year 3
Semester 1
- Global Challenges 2
- Theories and Methods in Geography 1
- Place and Place-Making
Optional courses include:
- Marine and Coastal Geography
- River Geomorphology: Form and Process
- Transport Design, Infrastructure and Society
- Scottish Studies
Semester Two
- Theories and Methods in Geography 2
- Comparative Urban Development
- Nature-Based Solutions in the City
Optional courses include:
- Energy and Buildings
- Environment and Behaviour
- Environmental Technology and Management
Year 4
Semester 1
- Research Dissertation (Urban Studies)
- Urbanisation in the Global South
Optional courses include:
- Marine and Coastal Geography
- River Geomorphology: Form and Process
- Comparative Social and Cultural Issues
- Transport Design, Infrastructure and Society
Semester Two
- Research Dissertation (Urban Studies)
- Social Sustainability
Optional courses include:
- Design Project (Urban Studies)
- Sustainable Development and the Intercultural Context
Discover Uni course data
Discover Uni provides data on each university's degree courses across a range of measures including student satisfaction, graduate jobs and salaries.
Employability
Work and study
This is what our MA (Hons) students are doing 15 months after graduating:
- 75% are working
- 10% are studying
- 5% are working and studying.
Salary
- The average salary of students 15 months after graduating: £26500
- The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course: £26000
Potential career paths
- Conservation and environment professionals
- Teaching Professionals
Entry requirements
Year 1
Standard entry requirements
- Highers AABB
- A-Levels BBC - ABB
- Int. Baccalaureate 29 points
- BTEC DMM (in a relevant subject)
- HNC B in graded unit (in relevant HNC)
Minimum entry requirements*
- Highers BBBC
- A-Levels BBC - ABB
* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:
- live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20), or
- are care experienced.
We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements
Year 2
- Advanced Highers BB plus Highers AABB
- A-Levels ABB
- Int. Baccalaureate 34 points
- HNC A in graded unit (in a relevant subject area)
- HND BB in graded units (in a relevant subject area)
- BTEC DDM (in a relevant subject)
- Global College Successful completion of our Engineering with Accelerator Programme
Year 3
HND AB in graded units (in a relevant subject area)
Additional information
- For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications, mature candidates and overseas students.
- If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk
- Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.
English language requirements
- If English is not your first language, you have to show that your English is good enough to succeed on your course. Please see our English language requirements.
Fees
| Status* | Scotland | England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland | International** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fee | Paid by SAAS | £9,250 | £19,744 |
* Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Find out more about tuition fees.
** 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above). Read more about the application process for EU nationals.
Additional costs
You may incur additional costs in the course of your studies at Heriot-Watt over and above tuition fees in an academic year. Depending on your programme of study, these may include: protective equipment, field trips, professional memberships, studio fees, required course texts or other study resources.
Scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales
In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:
- Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)
View our full range of undergraduate scholarships.