Geography Research Methods is one of the more dynamic course offerings in Geography and it is compulsory to qualify for the Geography major (BA or Bsc). This course draws upon several of the theoretical and applied elements from the undergraduate geography program. Through lectures and group work, students are exposed to research frameworks in geography, topic definition, theory and methodology, practicalities of data collection, analysis and interpretation and report writing. The course provides students with experience in designing and undertaking a field-based geographic research project. The course normally involves a residential field school of approximately five days duration. Highlighting this course, the residential Field School has recently been located in Samoa. Students benefit from local participation of Samoan academics, government and civil society groups in field-based activities exploring how geographers conduct socioeconomic, cultural and biophysical research in a unique and challenging developing country context.

Students are advised that this course requires self-directed study, and those students contemplating enrolling without having taken at least two third year geography courses are advised first to seek academic advice from the Geography discipline co-ordinator.


Students are advised that this course requires self-directed study, and those students contemplating enrolling without having taken at least two third year geography courses are advised first to seek academic advice from the Geography discipline co-ordinator.