MA programs are usually focused on fields of human geography such as Urban, Economic, Historical, Social, or Cultural Geography.
All MA students must complete the Human Geography Core Course (GGR1105H). Students have the option of completing a master’s thesis or a major research paper (MRP).
Thesis Option
The thesis option is recommended for students who have a strong background in geography and who want to complete a significant research initiative. Students choosing this option should have a clear idea of the topic they would like to research. A thesis is encouraged for students who are planning on pursuing a PhD or jobs that require significant research experience. Students enrolled in a Master’s Thesis Option are required to complete the requirements: coursework, research proposal, and thesis defense exam.
Completion of 3 half-credit courses including:
- the core course GGR1105H
- one (1) half-credit course in geography or from an approved list
- one (1) half-credit course in any subject
Students enrolled in a collaborative specialization should view the Collaborative Specializations page for any additional requirements.
Submission of a research proposal to their supervisor by March 1 of their first year.
The thesis project will address a research question or set of questions. It involves the analysis and interpretation of data and outputs would include the thesis, but could also involve videos, policy reports and other forms of dissemination. A thesis may involve the use of data collected by the student or supervisor, including for example, interviews, ethnographic observations or survey data. Students may also be involved in the analysis of other forms of data, such as census data, archival materials, popular media reports, images or policy documents. The thesis should include an introduction, a statement of research question(s) or problem, a literature review, a methodology section, and discussion of findings. The thesis should be seen as the basis of one or more publishable papers. See the Graduate Geography Handbook for further details.
Major Research Paper (MRP) Option
The major research paper (MRP) is recommended for students who would like to place more emphasis on coursework, for example, in the case of students who have not taken many courses in geography at the undergraduate level. An MRP may be an option for students who plan to work professionally in their field rather than pursue a PhD. Students enrolled in a Master’s MRP Option are required to complete the requirements: coursework, research proposal, and major research paper presentation.
Completion of 6 half-credit courses including:
- the core course GGR1105H
- three (3) half-credit courses in geography or from an approved list
- one (1) half-credit course which must be taken outside the department
- one (1) half-credit course in any subject
Students enrolled in a collaborative specialization should the Collaborative Specializations page for any additional requirements.
Submission of a research proposal to their supervisor by March 1 of their first year.
The MRP will address a research question or set of questions and can take different forms, including: (1) a literature review that offers summary, synthesis and critique and draws conclusions without the collection and use of primary data; (2) a small scale or exploratory study that is similar to the thesis, except that it is smaller in scope. As with a thesis, this could involve use of data collected by the student or supervisor (such as interview or ethnographic data). Students may also be involved in the analysis of other forms of data, such as census data, archival materials, popular media reports, images or policy documents. The project will involve the analysis and interpretation of data and outputs would include the major research paper, but in addition could include videos, policy reports and other forms of dissemination. See the Graduate Geography Handbook for further details.
MSc programs are usually focused on fields of physical geography, spatial information systems or some areas of environmental studies.
All MSc students must complete the Physical Geography Core Course (GGR1200H). Students have the option of completing a master’s thesis or a major research paper (MRP).
Thesis Option
The thesis option is recommended for students who have a strong background in geography and who want to complete a significant research initiative. Students choosing this option should have a clear idea of the topic they would like to research. A thesis is encouraged for students who are planning on pursuing a PhD or jobs that require significant research experience. Students enrolled in a Master’s Thesis Option are required to complete the requirements: coursework, research proposal, and thesis defense exam.
Completion of 3 half-credit courses including:
- the core course GGR1200H
- one (1) half-credit course in geography or from an approved list
- one (1) half-credit course in any subject
Students enrolled in a collaborative specialization should the Collaborative Specializations page for any additional requirements.
Submission of a research proposal to their supervisor by March 1 of their first year.
The thesis project will address a research question or set of questions. A thesis involves the collection or use, analysis and interpretation of data or theoretical research. The format of the thesis is to be determined in consultation between the student and supervisor. The MSc thesis must include a literature review followed by sections with an introduction, methodology, results, discussion and conclusion. Results and discussion sections may be merged where appropriate. The completed thesis should be seen as the basis of at least one publishable paper. Where a student and supervisor determine that more than one publishable paper could emerge from the MSc research, individual chapters with separate introduction, methodology, results/discussion and conclusion sections could be used. See the Graduate Geography Handbook for further details.
Major Research Paper (MRP) Option
The major research paper (MRP) is recommended for students who would like to place more emphasis on coursework, for example, in the case of students who have not taken many courses in geography at the undergraduate level. An MRP may be an option for students who plan to work professionally in their field rather than pursue a PhD. Students enrolled in a Master’s MRP Option are required to complete the requirements: coursework, research proposal, and major research paper presentation.
Completion of 6 half-credit courses including:
- the core course GGR1200H
- three (3) half-credit courses in geography or from an approved list
- one (1) half-credit course which must be taken outside the department
- one (1) half-credit course in any subject
Students enrolled in a collaborative specialization should the Collaborative Specializations page for any additional requirements.
Submission of a research proposal to their supervisor by March 1 of their first year.
MSc students do not commonly do the MRP option; the majority of students complete a thesis. If a student wanted to pursue the MRP option, students are expected to establish expectations and work out the format with their supervisor. The structure is explained below.
The MRP will address a research question or set of questions and can take different forms, including: (1) a literature review that offers summary, synthesis and critique and draws conclusions without the collection and use of primary data; (2) a small scale or exploratory study that is similar to the thesis, except that it is smaller in scope. As with a thesis, this could involve use of data collected by the student or supervisor (such as interview or ethnographic data). Students may also be involved in the analysis of other forms of data, such as census data, archival materials, popular media reports, images or policy documents. The project will involve the analysis and interpretation of data and outputs would include the major research paper, but in addition could include videos, policy reports and other forms of dissemination. See the Graduate Geography Handbook for further details.