About the course

The main objective of this course is to introduce students to the production of geographical and environmental knowledge and to prepare them to become producers of such knowledge themselves. It provides students with a sound understanding of both the conceptual foundations and real-world applications of a variety of methodological approaches for conducting research. To appreciate why, how, and to what ends geographers conduct research on the social and spatial dimensions of human activity, the research process is examined from beginning to end: selecting a topic, performing a literature review, designing a project, collecting and analysing data, and communicating results. The process of producing knowledge about geography and the environment is also examined from a number of different perspectives: examining case studies of written work, engaging with internationally-renowned researchers, discussing the rationale for choosing a methodological approach, practicing the application of individual methods, and designing and executing a piece of independent research. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods are discussed in detail and fieldwork exercises in London give students the opportunity to apply various methods from the course in their own research.