Human Geography: Space, Politics & Power

Background

The Department of Geographical and Earth Sciences runs a Masters in Research (MRes) programme in human geography aimed at those who are seeking to develop a career in research. Focusing upon the themes of space, power and policy, the MRes offers a postgraduate training in research concepts and methods. The programme is designed both for students who are considering pursuing doctoral research in human geography and the social sciences, and for those looking to develop a career in research in public, private and voluntary sectors.

The MRes is an integral part of the Department’s Human Geography Research Group (HGRG) and students are considered part of the Group’s wider research community. Established in 2002-3, the Masters has run successfully for five years with 30 students having graduated (as of January 2008). Twelve students have gone on to take PhDs while others have progressed to a variety of careers in public, private and voluntary sectors.

Examples of past graduates and their destinations post-MRes

• Anthony, Donald (2003) – PhD (Tanzania)
• Bauer, Andrew (2004) – Community Land Adviser, Highlands and Islands Enterprise
• Beel, David (2006) – PhD (Glasgow)
• Carrey, Chris (2002-2003) – police force
• Davidson, Neil (2007) - PhD (Dundee)
• Duffy, Lorna (2006) – Communities Scotland
• Jamieson, Robin (2007) - PhD (Durham)
• Kinsella, Rachel (2006) – Researcher, Institute for Social Research
• Lafferty, Allan (2003) – PhD (Glasgow)
• Lewis, Annie (2004) – Policy Worker, Oxfam
• Little, Ruth (2005) - PhD (Coventry)
• McGeachan, Cheryl (2006) - PhD (Glasgow)
• Muirhead, Stuart (2006) - PhD (Dundee)
• Page, Stephanie (2004) – Researcher, BBC
• Patchett, Merle (2005) - PhD (Glasgow)
• Perriam, Gerraldine (2005) – PhD (Glasgow)
• Varna, Georgiana (2007) – PhD (Glasgow, Urban Studies)
• Watt, Thea (2004) – Administrator, Royal Scottish College of Music and Drama

Past MRes Dissertation Topics

(These are substantial pieces of guided but independent research) Anderson, B. Academic and Policy Definitions of the Urban and Rural

• Anthony, D. Community Participation and Environmental Planning in Loch Lomond
• Bauer, A. The Impact of the Cairngorms National Park on the Farming Community
• Beel, D. Capital Consuming Culture? Alternative Retail Space in the ‘new’ Liverpool
• Buescher, C. German National Identity and the World Cup
• Briggs, K. The Geography of the Sex Trade in the Post-Industrial City
• Carrey, C. Geographical Representations of Asylum Seekers
• Davidson, N. Anti-Social Behaviour and Retailing in a Residential Neighbourhood
• Duffy, L. Factors Behind the Resurgence of Social Entrepreneurs
• Harris, I. Geographies of Rugby Union in Scotland
• Hawker, L. Geographies of Bisexuality
• Jamieson, R. Consent and Struggle in the Service Workplace
• Kelly, A. Psychoanalysis and the Geography of Metrosexuality
• Kinsella, R. Disabled Men’s Experiences of Relationships, Fatherhood and Masculinity
• Lafferty, A. The City as Sacred Text
• Lewis, A. Acre: a Forgotten Land
• Little, R. Direct Marketing Strategies of Agricultural Producers
• McGeachan, C. Geographies of R.D. Laing
• Miller, R. Mobility and the City: the Case of the Bicycle Courier
• Muir, K. Learning Disabilities, Sport and the Geography of Social Exclusion
• Muir, M. Geographies of Biodiversity in the Sumaco Region of Ecuador
• Muirhead, S. The Enclosure Spaces of Edinburgh Zoo
• O’Brien, J. Visibility and Spaces of the Gaelic Landscape
• Page, S. Mental Health and Geographies of the Body
• Patchett, M. Historical Geographies of Taxidermy
• Perriam, G. Looking Glass Country: the Geo-Literary Terrain of Dorothy L. Sayers’ The Nine Tailors
• Sericano, C. Militant Particularism and Anti-Rail Protests in Genoa
• Varna, G. Glasgow Harbour: a Sustainable Urban Regeneration Project
• Watt, Thea Work, Gender and Call Centres
• Wilbur, Andrew Navigating the Blogosphere