Skills at Masters’ level in Geography Higher Education: teaching, learning and applying

Abstract The perceptions of ‘skills’ at taught Masters level between course directors (teaching of skills), alumni (learning and use of skills) and employers (the skills requirements) were compared within the field of development and environment. The findings underline the importance of peer learning, both within and outside the class setting, and also some discrepancies between what is taught, what is used and what is required in terms of skills. In light of the growing numbers of taught Masters courses, the paper also highlights the lack of pedagogic literature on taught postgraduate level teaching and learning, and the need for support for staff development programmes.