MPhil/PhD in Geography (Practice-Related)

Develop a thesis alongside a body of creative work to make an original contribution to global knowledge.

This is a route suited to students who want to develop professionally alongside undertaking rigorous academic research training. To study for this degree, you will need to demonstrate prior training and experience in the field of creative practice you want to develop. 

Applications for this course are the same as those for other research degrees. The only exception is that the dissertation requirement includes both a body of creative work and 80,000 words of critical or theoretical writing.

You will need to show coherence, originality and intellectual rigour, illustrating your knowledge and understanding of the relevant practices and critical debates in the field. Together, both pieces of evidence demonstrate the contribution your thesis makes to knowledge as a whole.

Practice-related vs. standard route

Your research skills path will be the same as other PhD candidates in the Department, though you may be able to undertake training from departments where relevant. Likewise, the upgrade procedure is the same with the exception that you will need to submit evidence of substantive work towards the thesis objectives for both the creative practice and written thesis.

You may be permitted to continue towards an ordinary PhD if you make satisfactory progress but fail to make sufficient headway in the creative element.