The course

Geography (MSc by Research)

Our Masters in Geography by Research offers an opportunity to experience our inspiring research culture and undertake a supervised project linked with an academic and their research interests.

The course is ideal both for graduates who would like to carry out original research without committing themselves to a three-year PhD, and for students who want to gain a research-based Masters before embarking on their PhD.

You’ll refine your research and analytical skills and develop advanced knowledge in your chosen area in a written dissertation.

You’ll join a vibrant Geography research community ranked 5th in the UK for research excellence in the most recent REF2021 assessment. You’ll contribute to our renowned research culture with your own independent dissertation project. You will work with leading researchers based in physical geography.

Reflecting the collaborative and outward facing nature of our research culture, there is potential for research engagements with external partners.

Read more on our postgraduate research support.

Take part in world-class research led by renowned academics using state-of-the-art facilities.
Join a vibrant department with outstanding international links and research partners.
Equip yourself with valuable research skills and experience to pursue your career or progress to a PhD.

We sometimes make changes to our courses to improve your experience. If this happens, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Teaching & assessment

Teaching and learning on this course is closely informed by the active research of staff within the Geography Department.

The MSc by Research degree culminates in a supervised independent research project presented in the form of a thesis, which is assessed by an internal and external examiner.

Your progress will be reviewed regular intervals by a panel comprised of your supervisor, co-supervisor or advisor, and an independent staff member. At each meeting, you’ll be required to provide examples of written work and timetabled plans for future work.

All research students have access to the wide range of other training opportunities available including the Researcher Development Programme (RDP) and support from the Centre for Development of Academic Skills.

Entry requirements

Normally, we require a UK 2:1 Bachelor honours degree or equivalent in Geography or a related subject within Science, the Social Sciences or Humanities may be considered.

Candidates with professional qualifications or relevant professional experience in an associated area will also be considered.

Applicants are not required to provide a research proposal for the course due to the broad options of research projects being available.

International & EU requirements

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall. No subscore lower than 6.0.
Pearson Test of English: 67 overall. No other subscore lower than 64.
Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
TOEFL iBT: 88 overall with Reading 22 Listening 20 Speaking 22 Writing 24.
Duolingo: 120 overall and no sub-score below 115.

Your future career

A Masters in Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London is excellent preparation for graduates who want to continue to further PhD study or pursue a career in a variety of sectors.

You’ll benefit from a close-knit graduate network to draw on, with alumni often visiting Royal Holloway to share their experiences.

Our graduates have progressed to fulfilling careers in government, the media, environmental consultancies, non-governmental organisations and public organisations both in the UK and abroad.

Fees, funding & scholarships

Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £5,006

EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £26,400

Other essential costs***: There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course.

How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries.

* and ** These tuition fees apply to students starting their course on a full-time basis in the academic year 2026/27. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually. For further information, see fees and funding.

** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2026/27 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.