Master of Science in Geography

Duration:                                           18 months

Actual Credit load:                           288

Minimum Credit Load:                    270

Maximum Credit Load:                   330

Minimum MBKs credits:                  234

ZNQF Level;                                      9

Mode of Entry                                   Block Release

• PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

1.1 The programme aims to enhance knowledge, skills and competences in the broad areas of Physical, Human and Economic Geography and associated practical activities relevant to various employment capabilities and careers in the world of work. These will be achieved through:

• Provision of comprehensive and systematic knowledge in physical geography, human and economic geography and their related tools of environmental and spatial analysis.
• Instilling awareness in students of the need for management of geographical change in order to anticipate and adopt policy in light of related new technology.
• Enhancing the students’ ability to identify, analyse and propose responses to complex issues and problems drawing systematically and creatively on the principles, theories and methodologies of Physical, Human and Economic Geography and related sciences.
• Developing an understanding of advanced Physical, Human and Economic Geography in students and to reflect their professional competence.
• Developing powers of critical appraisal and analytical thinking to develop appropriate strategies to meet developmental efforts especially with respect to Zimbabwe, the SADC and the world at large.

• ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Normal Entry:  Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography or Geography and Environmental Studies/Science with 2.2 pass or better.

• PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

3.1 Areas of Study: Physical Geography, Human and Economic Geography, Advanced Field Techniques in Physical, Human and Economic Geography, Geographic Information Science and Remote Sensing.

3.2 Specialist Focus: Its 2-tier: (a) Physical Geography: Geomorphic Systems and Land Degradation, Applied Climatology, Surface and Groundwater Water Modelling, Spatial Ecology, Climate Change and Development, Water Quality Assessment and Monitoring. (b) Human and Economic Geography: Population and Development, Settlement Geography, Agricultural Geography and Sustainable Development, Industrial Geography, Regional Development and Planning, Tourism and Development, Health Geography.

3.3 Orientation: Research and innovation oriented. Teaching and learning are professionally oriented and focused on practical aspects.

3.4 Distinctive Features: The programme builds the research-technology-innovation-management continuum and focuses on knowledge development using a student-centred approach.

• CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

4.1 Employability:  Careers in: Environmental Management, Hydrological Scientists, Climatological Experts, Ecologists, Water Resources Managers, Development Project Managers, Sustainable Development Experts, Tourism Managers, Researchers at Research Institution, Academia, Geographical Research Scientists, Environmental Consultancy; Disaster Risk Reduction Managers.

4.2 Further Studies: Doctoral studies in Geography and Environmental Science.

• PROGRAMME DELIVERY

5.1 Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, laboratory activities, seminars, group work, field-based activities, research project, individual independent study.

5.2 Assessment Methods: Written and oral examinations, tests, written and practical assignments, field reports and seminar presentations.

• LEARNING OUTCOMES
  • By the end of the programme a graduate should be able to:

6.1.1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of geographical management principles.

6.1.2 Use principles of geography to address real world or complex issues and problems for sustainable environmental and socio-economic development.

6.1.3 Analyse environmental systems and technological applications in geography for sustainable development.

6.1.4 Identify Geographical problems and develop appropriate solutions.

6.1.5 Use appropriate research methods to create new insights into Geographical phenomena and technology applications.

6.1.6 Create new business ventures through Geographic and Environmental consultancy.

6.1.7 Communicate effectively and present information using multimedia discernible to both experts and non-experts in Geography.

• GENERAL PROVISIONS

7.1 The Master of Science in Geography Degree is an 18 months programme.

• PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT
  • Continuous Assessment:
    • Theoretical Modules 40%
    • Practical Modules 50%
  • Written Examinations:
    • Theoretical Modules 60%
    • Practical Modules 50%

8.3 Other:     Research Project is assessed on the basis of a research project (75%) and Oral presentation (25%).

• PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION

9.1 Refer to Section 6 of the Faculty Regulations.

• FAILURE TO SATISFY EXAMINERS

10.1  Refer to Section 9 of the General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees.

• GRADING AND DEGREE CLASSIFICATION

11.1  Refer to Section 10 of the Faculty Regulations.

• DEGREE WEIGHTING

12.1  Refer to Section 11 of the Faculty Regulations.

• PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

LEVEL 1 SEMESTER 1

MGEO 701: Recent Trends in Geography                                                                      18

MGEO 702: Applied Geographical Information Systems                                              18

MGEO 703: Advanced Remote Sensing                                                                                    18

MGEO 704: Research Methods and Statistics in Geography                                         18

MGEO 705: Programming in Geography                                                                        18

Electives (Choose either MGES 706 or MGES 707 and MGEO 708 is optional)

MGEO 706: Advanced Techniques in Physical Geography                                           18

MGEO 707: Advanced Techniques in Human Geography                                             18

MGEO 708: Project Planning and Development in Geography                                     18

• At level 1.2, the students will branch into 2 pathways of geographical

specialisation, that is, either Physical Geography or Human Geography.

LEVEL 1 SEMESTER 2: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

MGEO 709: Geomorphic Systems and Land Degradation                                            18

MGEO 710: Applied Meteorology and Climatology                                                      18

MGEO 711: Surface and Groundwater Water Modelling                                              18

MGEO 712: Spatial Ecology                                                                                           18

Electives (Choose at least one elective)

MGEO 713: Water Quality Assessment and Monitoring                                               18

MGEO 714: Climate Change and Development                                                             18

LEVEL 1 SEMESTER 2: HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

MGEO 715: Population and Development                                                                     18

MGEO 716: Settlement Geography                                                                                18

MGEO 717: Agriculture and Sustainable Development                                                 18

MGEO 718: Industrial Geography                                                                                  18

Electives (Choose at least one elective)

MGEO 719: Social and Cultural Geography                                                                  18

MGEO 720: Regional Development and Planning                                                         18

MGEO 721: Dynamics of Urban Geography                                                                  18

MGEO 722: Dynamics of Rural Geography                                                                   18

MGEO 723: Global Health Geographies                                                                        18

MGEO 724: Disaster Risk Management                                                                         18

MGEO 725: Geography of Gender                                                                                 18

LEVEL 2 SEMESTER 1

MGEO 801: Research Project                                                                                      90

14.0    MODULE SYNOPSES

MGEO 701 RECENT TRENDS IN GEOGRAPHY

The module examines the fundamental approaches to Geography; Geographic methodology and explanation.  Holistic and reductionist approaches to geographic study are examined together with the idiographic and nomothetic approaches to the discipline. Paradigms in Geography such as the strategic shift from Structuralism to Post-Structuralism; Positivism and Anti-Positivism; Behavioural Geography; Geography of Gender; Social and Environmental Justice will be discussed.

MGEO 702 APPLIED GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a computer-based tool that uses spatial (geographic) data to analyze and solve real-world problems. This module is designed to equip learners with the skills in the application of GIS techniques in both physical and human geography. The module covers selected, advanced GIS analysis methods applicable in geography. Learners will also be exposed to modelling of geographical phenomena using collected geographic data.

MGEO 703 ADVANCED REMOTE SENSING

Learners will be equipped with advanced remote sensing techniques that can be applied in physical and human geography. It highlights remote sensing as an important tool for solving geographical problems. The module examines the theory and methodology of applied optical remote sensing technologies. Learners are also equipped with modelling skills. Applications of thermal and active microwave remote sensing and image interpretation will be discussed.

MGEO 704 RESEARCH METHODS AND STATISTICS IN GEOGRAPHY

Research methods appropriate for both qualitative and quantitative methods including the philosophical underpinnings of research methodology, proposal design, searching and literature review, data collection methods, ethical issues in research and qualitative analysis will be examined. Descriptive and inferential statistics as well as their application in the discipline of geography will be discussed. Students will be exposed to statistical software such as SPSS and R.

MGEO 705 PROGRAMMING IN GEOGRAPHY

Learners are equipped with basic programming skills which are relevant in Geography. Basic programming concepts such as variables, conditionals (if statements), loops and functions will be covered in the module. Object oriented programming and concepts such as data types, data structures will be covered in the module. Programming languages such as Python and Matlab are introduced and applied in relevant areas.

MGEO 706 ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

The purpose of this module is to expand and deepen the learners’ knowledge on field-based quantitative and qualitative research methods in physical geography. The learners are exposed to the various methods used for conducting research projects in physical geography, and to enable them to have hands on experience with field and/or laboratory-based research. As part of the module the students will collect various data sets in the field and subsequently analyse the samples in the laboratory.

MGEO 707 ADVANCED TECHNIQUES IN HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

The purpose of this module is to expand and deepen the learners’ knowledge on quantitative and qualitative research methods in human geography. The module equips the students with advanced field methods in human geography. Emphasis will be given on the practical use of quantitative and qualitative techniques in human geography.

MGEO 708 PROJECT PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT IN GEOGRAPHY

Learners will be equipped with advanced knowledge and skills in the planning of development projects and programmes that are likely to be used in the development context. It is meant to deepen critical understanding of the strategies, processes, techniques and issues involved in turning development ideas into practical realities and identifiable outcomes and benefits. It also covers the entire project cycle from project identification, appraisal, implementation, management and evaluation.

MGEO 709 GEOMORPHIC SYSTEMS AND LAND DEGRADATION

Learners will be trained in applied geomorphological skills directly relevant to work in the earth sciences domain. Particular attention is devoted to investigating the reaction of geomorphologic systems to environmental and global changes by analysing paleo-climatic and paleo-environmental events. The module further exposes students to different forms and patterns of land degradation and the strategies used to manage soil erosion caused by different land uses.

MGEO 710 APPLIED METEOROLOGY AND CLIMATOLOGY

The module focuses on theoretical meteorology and the application of weather and climate information on society and the environment. The module aims to equip students with knowledge and skills in the analysis of meteorology and climatic data for operational purposes. This will be achieved by studying the climate system, world climates and the sensitivity of environments to climate change in order to reduce climate sensitive risks. This serves as a useful toolkit to solve societal and environmental challenges of an atmospheric origin.

MGEO 711 SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER WATER MODELLING

Learners should have an understanding of the processes and mathematical tools for surface water and ground water modelling. The learners should be able to apply different types of models in hydrology, use hydrological models for water resources assessment, flood monitoring and forecasting; assess the impact of climate change and land use change on hydrology, as well as evaluating hydrological models with respect to their applications on gauged and ungaged basins.

MGEO 712 SPATIAL ECOLOGY

This module prepares learners to work with the management of ecosystems, ecological communities and populations, based on a thorough knowledge of ecological concepts and theories. The module has a strong focus on the practical application of ecological knowledge in the society for development. Other topics to be covered include population ecology, community ecology and ecology systems theories, including their relationship to current environmental problems.

MGEO 713 WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND MONITORING

Learners should understand water quality indicators, methods or tools of assessing water quality from different sources, for example, static and flowing (rivers, lakes, reservoirs and groundwater). The learners should also be able to characterize water bodies; describe and explain anthropogenic impacts on water quality; pollutant sources and pathways; strategies for water quality assessment and selection of water quality variables.

MGEO 714 CLIMATE CHANGE AND DEVELOPMENT

The module provides a multi-disciplinary understanding of climate change processes and their direct and indirect interactions with development. It describes the main climate change processes, scenarios and vulnerabilities and international and national policy responses. Different sectors’ contributions and sensitivities to climate change and mitigation and adaptation responses are identified and their implications for policies and outcomes for different economies and for peoples’ livelihoods are examined.

MGEO 715 POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT

This module examines population issues, concepts, theories and methods by encompassing the entire field of demography, including principle and practice. It also examines the relations between population and development and their potential consequences from a geographical perspective. Other topics include global variation in population size and growth, various demographic perspectives and their modern implications, environmental impacts and population policy.

MGEO 716 SETTLEMENT GEOGRAPHY

Learners to acquire fundamental and systematic knowledge of human settlement systems with all their relevant characteristics (natural-geographic, socio-geographical and regional). The module encompasses relevant geographic characteristics of the rural and urban settings, geographical basis of deployment positioning of settlements as well as associated contemporary socio-economic processes in the world. It also critically examines the sustainability of contemporary and future settlements.

MGEO 717 AGRICULTURE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The main goals of sustainable agriculture and a range of sustainable farming practices and case studies will be examined. As such, the module develops an understanding of how sustainable farming can both enhance food production and ensure that natural resources are managed in the best way possible for long-term sustainability.

MGEO 718 INDUSTRIAL GEOGRAPHY

The spatial distribution of industry and the impacts on the natural and human environment will be discussed. The module also trains learners to use the knowledge in the field of industrial geography, perceive all the aspects and consequences of the distribution of certain industries. Learners are expected to acquire knowledge on the development of industrial sectors which are not in conflict with the efforts for environmental protection.

MGEO 719 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL GEOGRAPHY

The module examines the theories of social formation and transformation. It also examines the following aspects in depth: the social system (structure and processes); the concept of cultural landscape; the role of technology in the evolution of culture; cultural diffusion; cultural innovation and regeneration; cultural hearth and cultural realms. The module also analysis folk culture within the context of cultural globalization and segregation, that is, space and power.

MGEO 720 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING

The regional concept in Geography, merits and limitations for application to regional planning and development as well as the changing concept of the region from an interdisciplinary view-point will examined. The module also focuses on the concept of space, area and locational attributes; approaches to delineation of different types of regions and their utility in the planning process – sectoral, temporal and spatial dimensions. Regional development in Zimbabwe – problems and prospects are discussed.

MGEO 721 DYNAMICS OF URBAN GEOGRAPHY

Approaches to urban geography which include environmentalism, positivism, structuralism, post colonialism and post modernism will be analysed. It also includes an examination of urban evolution and growth theories/concepts such as Social Area Analysis and Factorial Ecology; Urban Land Economy, Urban Economy: Formal and Informal; Urban Environment and Problems; Sustainable Urban Development and the future of the Cities.

MGEO 721 DYNAMICS OF RURAL GEOGRAPHY

Rural settlement morphologies, socio-economic and environmental characteristics will be studied. Theories of rural geographical transformation and their applicability will be examined with reference to both developed and developing countries. The module further examines the drivers of rural geography dynamics in developing and developed countries, contemporary structures, economic context and future trajectories of rural settlement change.

MGEO 721 GLOBAL HEALTH GEOGRAPHIES

Global health is explored through a geographic perspective. The module is structured around topics that reflect key issues, including both the implicit (place based) and explicit (space based) geographies of global health. The links between the social determinants of health and the spatial distribution of the global disease burden for selected disease categories will be explored. The broader contexts of globalization, governance and geopolitics are also explored to illustrate how global health issues are prioritized, and the impact of these macro-processes on the local health of populations.

MGEO 722 DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT

Key concepts in disaster management theory, research, policy and practice, including vulnerability, governance, disaster risk reduction, and enhancing resilience to disasters through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery efforts will be analysed. Key issues and debates related to the theory and practices of disaster risk reduction will be discussed. Students will show familiarity with different theoretical approaches, practical problems and an appreciation of the diversity of polices at various scales.

MGEO 723 GEOGRAPHY OF GENDER

The module explores how geography can open up understanding of gender, sexuality, and other modes of social difference. While feminist and queer geographies are diverse and contested fields, the course takes its cues in particular from so-called third-wave and post-structuralist engagements with gender. The module further critically engages three key concepts – intersectionality, performativity, reparativity – in leading intellectual debates about gender, difference and space.

MGEO 801 RESEARCH PROJECT

The module is meant to enable learners to plan, design and carry out their dissertation. It provides guidelines on how to choose a suitable topic, undertake literature review, apply appropriate research methods, collect and analyse data and manage the write up process. It also provides individual feedback to students on their proposals which they can incorporate in their final dissertation of 15 000 to 18 000 words in length.