MSc Society and Space
- MSc
Overview
We urgently need new ways of thinking about society and space, as we face the profound global challenges of climate change, overconsumption, energy transition, technological change and political conflict. Ranked in the top 15 globally for Geography (QS World University Subject Ranking 2026), the MSc in Society and Space delivers a rigorous grounding in social theory, alongside specialist training in qualitative and experimental research methods to build the links between these challenges.
Benefits of studying this programme:
- Develop advanced theoretical grounding in contemporary human geography, including decolonial, feminist, and affect-oriented approaches.
- Gain methodological flexibility with training in qualitative research methods, including experimental and creative methods, alongside options to gain technical skills in GIS.
- Access an interdisciplinary learning environment, with regular research seminars, workshops and specialist reading groups that foster critical thinking and peer networks.
What makes this programme different?
- Long-established (since 1992), internationally-renowned programme taught by the top Geography department for research (REF 2021) in the UK.
- A balance of cutting-edge theoretical and practical methods training, enabling you to move between abstract critique and empirical work.
- Emphasis on experimental, creative and critical approaches, including decolonial and feminist perspectives, that broaden conventional geographic inquiry.
What you will gain from this programme:
- Strong analytical and research skills applicable to academic and non-academic careers.
- Demonstrable expertise in designing and executing complex real-world projects.
- Preparation for leadership roles in public, private and third-sector organisations addressing social, spatial and environmental challenges.
- Strong preparation for doctoral research and for further academic careers with a strong track record of human geographers in academic posts around the world.
Relevance in the real world:
- Directly addresses urgent global issues, providing perspectives that organisations and governments need for evidence-based decisions.
- The combination of critical inquiry and applied methods helps employers better understand socio-spatial dynamics, design equitable interventions, and meet regulatory or sustainability goals.
- Employers value graduates' capacity to translate geographic insights into place-sensitive policy, community-engaged projects, spatial data analysis, and cultural-sector programming.
Programme structure
The programme's mandatory units introduce key ideas and techniques to give you a rigorous grounding in social theory and mainstream debates and techniques in human geography. Your optional units provide the opportunity to shape your MSc programme to suit your research interests.
Your taught units offer a thorough training in qualitative and experimental research methods, with options to develop specialist research skills in GIS in preparation for your independent research dissertation, carried out during the summer months and supported by an academic supervisor.
Visit our programme catalogue for full details of the structure and unit content for our MSc Society and Space.
Entry requirements
You will typically need an upper second-class honours degree in any arts, humanities, social science, science or professional degree (medicine, architecture, planning or engineering).
We will also consider applicants with other degree subjects on a case-by-case basis with evidence of at least six months relevant paid or unpaid work experience in think tanks, public sector research agencies, work in social/political research institutes, the cultural sector, or a foundation degree or diploma in social sciences, philosophy, humanities, cultural studies, or social theory.
We will consider your application if your interim grades are currently slightly lower than the programme's entry requirements and may make you an aspirational offer. This offer would be at the standard level, so you would need to achieve the standard entry requirements by the end of your degree.
We will also consider your application if your final overall achieved grade is slightly lower than the programme's entry requirement.
If your achieved grade is lower than our entry requirements, your application may be more likely to receive an offer if you have additional relevant work experience or qualifications. If you have at least one of the following, please include your CV (curriculum vitae / résumé) when you apply, showing:
- evidence of relevant paid or unpaid work experience (minimum six months) in think tanks, public sector research agencies, work in social/political research institutes or a foundation degree or diploma in social sciences, philosophy, humanities, cultural studies, or social theory
- a relevant postgraduate qualification.
See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.
Read the programme admissions statement for important information on entry requirements, the application process and supporting documents required.
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level E.
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels.
Fees and funding
- Home: full-time
- £15,000 per year
- Home: part-time (two years)
- £7,500 per year
- Overseas: full-time
- £33,200 per year
Fees are subject to an annual review. For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Alumni discount
University of Bristol students and graduates can benefit from a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study. Check your eligibility for an alumni discount.
Funding and scholarships
Depending on eligibility, you may be able to apply for various scholarships, awards and bursaries including the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme.
Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.
Career prospects
In addition to the University's wide range of career services, the School of Geographical Sciences offers dedicated coaching sessions and workshops to support students' future careers. The School also regularly organizes alumni events to help bridge the current students with past graduates working in various sectors.
Graduates are well-suited to jobs in government planning departments, environmental and development NGOs, cultural and heritage institutions, media, consultancies, and tech firms working in the following roles:
- Project manager
- Research analyst
- Environmental consultant
- Sustainability lead
- Environmental health officer
- Policy advisor
- Impact coordinator.
What our graduates say about the MSc Society and Space:
"The depth and range of the programme's theoretical grounding offered new tools for critical thinking and creating a platform for engaging with different worlds and ways of being." - Sevan, 2024.
"This programme will equip you with the philosophical and critical tools needed more than ever and the skills that no algorithm can replicate. Balancing the theoretical elements of this programme with modules oriented towards experience in environmental policy and consulting provides a comprehensive set of tools in how to engage with and evaluate current events through cultural, social, ecological, economic and political lenses." - Talisa, 2025.
"This programme is perfect for anyone who loves to think and engage critically! If you are passionate about challenging societal injustices and dismantling hierarchies, you will thrive." - Bethany, 2026.
Contact us
- Contact
- Enquiries Team
- Phone
- +44 (0) 117 394 1649
- choosebristol-pg@bristol.ac.uk