Master of Science in Geography with Quantitative Research Methods

at University of Bristol - Clifton Campus United Kingdom

This course provides a thorough grounding in physics with astrophysics as a key component. It is led by an internationally renowned astrophysics research group and covers a broad range of contemporary astrophysics.

In years one and two the course introduces all of the key concepts in astrophysics and then focuses on cosmology. In year three you will progress to more advanced topics such as galaxies and high-energy astrophysics.

Your final-year project will be with a member of the astrophysics research group. The group currently specialises in cosmology, galaxy cluster astrophysics, galaxy evolution, black holes and active galaxies, and the formation of extrasolar planets.

The course gives you the opportunity to develop a physicist's broad range of skills, including problem-solving, numeracy, teamwork and the ability to communicate complicated concepts. You will also gain the skills needed for astronomical observations and analysis of data from international ground- and space-based observatories.

You will join a friendly department with a very active, award-winning student society. Our physics graduates have an excellent record of employment, a testament to the value that employers place on the transferable skills that you gain on this course.

Digital technologies drive economic growth, yet create new cyber risks demanding ever more sophisticated solutions. There is worldwide demand for new and innovative approaches to tackle global cyber-threats specific to large-scale infrastructures, from energy production to finance through to healthcare and smart transportation. The cyber security of such infrastructures is paramount – their disruption can have large-scale impacts on society as well as massive business losses. There is a major shortage of cyber security professionals globally, and the specialist nature of critical infrastructures makes the problem even more acute.

A strong ethos of rigorous experimental and empirical cyber security research underpins the MSc, facilitated by a state-of-the-art testbed for studying critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and Internet of Things (IoT) security, and bespoke teaching equipment. You’ll learn to apply foundational cyber security techniques to infrastructure and will develop the skills for engineering scalable solutions. You'll be exposed to real-world problems that are practical and challenge-oriented, but underpinned by rigorous research.

This MSc aims to:

• Enable a deep understanding of fundamental concepts, design principles, building blocks and methods to understand and mitigate against cyber security threats;
• Give you hands-on experience of working with devices, systems and networks utilised in realistic infrastructure environments;
• Equip you with the ability to apply security principles and technical knowledge to analyse complex real-world infrastructures systems (including software systems, networks, control systems and IoT) to identify potential security issues and solutions;
• Provide you with the skills to reason critically about complex problems that require evaluation and analysis from a multi-dimensional perspective including technical, human and organisational aspects.

In your first year you will gain a broad understanding of the biology of normal and cancerous cells. In addition to studying the immune system, you will take pathology, microbiology and biochemistry units.

In the second year you will study the cellular and molecular basis of cancer and its therapy, as well as autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes and arthritis, and human cancers caused by viruses, such as papillomavirus and hepatitis B. You will take molecular genetics and an optional unit, possibly biochemistry or pharmacology, from a selection offered by other schools.

All practical teaching in years one and two is supported by the eBiolabs dynamic laboratory manual.

In the final year you will undertake a research project or scientific dissertation, working in a research group in our Biomedical Sciences building or in one of the surrounding hospitals. Your work may even be published in scientific literature.

The four-year BSc Cancer Biology and Immunology with Study in Industry is available by transfer after securing a placement during your second year.

This MSc provides skills and knowledge to support your career in the field of water and environmental management. The content of the program has been designed to help you develop a detailed knowledge of fundamental environmental processes, as well as policy, regulation and other tools. 

A key focus is on how you can contribute to sustainable management of water resources and other aspects of environmental management. Teaching covers both academic and practical skills. Teaching staff include leading water and environment researchers at the University of Bristol as well as practitioners with experience in private and government sectors, both in the UK and overseas.

Childhood studies at Bristol provides you with a holistic understanding of children, childhood and adolescence, combining elements of education, psychology, law, social work and social policy.

This course is ideal for students interested in learning more about how to use numbers and data within childhood studies. It provides training in practical and analytical skills, which will enhance your career prospects and provide you with a strong platform for postgraduate study. No prior knowledge of statistical techniques is required.

About two thirds of your studies will follow the single honours Childhood Studies course, where you will consider childhood in the contexts of families, peers and society at both a national and international level. Within a framework of children's rights, you will consider their participation and protection and the provision of services for children and young people.

The remaining third of your course will provide interdisciplinary training in quantitative methods. In year one of the quantitative pathway we discuss how numbers and data are used to tell convincing stories in the media and social research. We consider what is meant by segregation and how it can be mapped and measured.

Year two offers practical classes in social statistics and applied data analysis, which will develop your skills in numeracy and analysis and enable you to undertake your own individual research project in an area of quantitative social science in year three.

Composite materials are increasingly replacing traditional metallic components in several industrial applications, such as aerospace engineering, wind turbine blade manufacture and the automotive industry. This MSc provides you with an in-depth theoretical understanding and practical knowledge of advanced composite materials.

The programme is based in the Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS), which houses a number of state-of-the-art composites manufacturing facilities. ACCIS has strong industrial and research links with major international companies and research centres. ACCIS is collaborating with the National Composites Centre for high technology readiness level research.

Our taught units primarily focus on structural mechanics, design and analysis, manufacturing and testing of composites, while providing more optional units to further specialise your expertise in other relevant areas. Our programme is a great career development route for students with engineering backgrounds to develop their expertise in composites engineering, and for students with non-engineering backgrounds to expand their expertise to composites engineering.

Biomedical engineering is an emerging field in the UK that involves applying physical, chemical, mathematical, computer science and engineering principles to the analysis of biological, medical, behavioural and health-related problems. Biomedical engineers develop innovative devices and procedures to help prevent, diagnose and treat diseases. It relies on an in-depth understanding of science and engineering fundamentals, combined with a broad knowledge of physiological and anatomical systems.

This program will enable you to gain expertise in this exciting field and covers both theory and practical applications. You will acquire analytical tools and a broad physical knowledge of modern engineering and science. This is combined with a fundamental understanding of anatomical and physiological systems, and familiarity with recent technological breakthroughs.

Criminology is a multidisciplinary subject comprising elements of sociology, law, social and public policy, history, psychology and philosophy. BSc Criminology with Study Abroad is an exciting course that gives you the opportunity to study criminology within a broader framework of policy studies. You will also have the opportunity to study at a partner overseas university in your third year.

The course will provide you with an understanding of crime and justice and related social harms and an analysis of public policy interventions that contribute towards a fairer, safer and harm-free society.

The course follows a similar structure to the three-year BSc Criminology. In your first and second years you will take a range of mandatory and optional units that introduce you to the interdisciplinary study of criminology and justice.

You will spend your third year at one of our partner institutions overseas, where you can take criminology or broader social sciences, arts and humanities subjects. For more information about studying overseas see Global Opportunities.

You will return to Bristol for the final year of the course, which is identical to the third year of the BSc Criminology, and will complete a dissertation and further criminology-related units.