Start Date:
September 2025
Administrative Unit:
Department Geography
Email: geography@sta.uwi.edu
Phone: 1(868) 662 2002 ext. 84129
Programme Overview
This programme provides high-quality research training in multi-disciplinary geographical research methods, to facilitate candidates to conduct research in areas of regional importance and international significance, and to produce graduates capable of developing and leading their own research projects, either in academia or industry.
Candidates admitted to the MPhil programme in Geography will join a rapidly expanding and dynamic interdisciplinary research community, investigating regional problems of geographic nature, to the benefit of the region.
Programme Breakdown
MPhil students are required to complete a total of at least 6 credits.
Courses appropriate for the intended area of research will be assigned by the Head of Department in liaison with the supervisory team.
All students are normally required to complete the following course during their first year of study:
GEOG 6000 Philosophy and Practice of Research in Geography
PLUS at least 3 additional approved credits for MPhil students.
Candidates must pass the appropriate examinations for assigned courses before being allowed to submit a thesis.
In addition, as per Faculty regulations, all postgraduate research students are required to present at least two seminars at the MPhil level. These seminars are assessed components of the programme, and candidates are required to formally register. The course codes for such courses are as follows:
GRSM 7000 Graduate Seminar – MPhil
GRSM 7001 Graduate Research Seminar I (mandatory – no credit)
GSRM 7002 Graduate Research Seminar II (mandatory – no credit)
PROGRESSION FROM MPHIL TO PHD
MPhil candidates may be upgraded to PhD under certain conditions. Before being permitted to progress from MPhil to PhD, candidates will be required to submit a report of their research to date, which includes a detailed literature review and a plan of research for the PhD. This report will be reviewed and the candidate examined in accordance with relevant University regulations by a panel comprising of one internal examiner and the candidate’s supervisor(s). Those candidates who do not meet the requirements for progression to PhD will be invited to submit an MPhil thesis for examination.
THESIS
MPhil degrees are examined by thesis as per the University regulations.
MPhil candidates must register for and complete either GEOG 7010 (MPhil Thesis – Geography).
The degree will be awarded upon completion of the programme, which includes the successful completion of all the required courses, seminars and the submission and successful defence of the MPhil thesis.
Entry Requirements
Holders of undergraduate degrees in Geography or other related disciplines will be eligible for admission. Normally, the minimum requirement for admission to the MPhil programme is at least an Upper Second-Class Honours degree (minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent).
Candidates are expected to develop a research proposal as part of their application, in conjunction with academic staff members in Geography.
Applicants with weak undergraduate qualifications or limited exposure to the subject matter in the area of interest for specialization, may, under exceptional circumstances, be required to pursue and complete qualifying courses recommended by Head of Department as a pre-requisite to admission.
Admission to the Geography MPhil programme may be subject to an interview by a panel to include the potential supervisor(s) and Head of Department. Only candidates with both the academic ability and appropriate aptitude will be admitted to the programme. Where there is more than one suitable applicant for a particular project, admission will be granted on a competitive basis to the best candidate only.