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Faculty of Chemistry and Earth SciencesGeography – Bachelor 100%

Students of Geography focus on differentiated natural, economic and social processes particular to given localities. They consider the diverse interrelationships between such processes and their local effects. 

Facts & Formalities

DegreeBachelor of Science
Type of programmeUndergraduate
Start of programmeWinter semester only
Standard period of study6 semesters
Language(s) of instructionGerman and English
Fees and contributions151.05 € / Semester
Application procedureSubjects with no admission restrictions
Application deadlinesInformation about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program.
Part-time optionYes

Course Content

Graduates of the Bachelor’s degree programme in Geography possess fundamental knowledge of the terms, theories and concepts relevant to Physical Geography and/or Human Geography, as well as Geoinformatics. Students also acquire initial practical experience in various methods of data collection and interpretation. These include site observation, cartography, aerial and satellite imaging, laboratory methods, statistical analyses, working with geographical information systems (GIS), archive research, interview and survey techniques, literary evaluations, as well as text and media analyses. Graduates are able to apply these working methods to solve simple, scientific questions. On graduating from the Bachelor’s degree programme in Geography with a weighting of 100%, graduates possess advanced knowledge of geographical sub-disciplines. 

In addition to this, graduates will have gained a number of cross-disciplinary key skills. These skills include, but are not limited to, problem-solving skills, general presentation skills, academic writing skills, as well as organisation skills and the ability to work effectively in a team. 

Where students study Geography (100%) without the Teaching Degree option, they will gain initial practical experience in a potential field of employment by completing a work placement outside of the university and alongside their studies. Graduates posses the fundamental knowledge and skills required to continue onto the Master’s degree programme in Geography.

Course Structure

The Geography degree programmes offered by Heidelberg University aim to give students an equal grounding in both Physical and Human Geography. Students complete basic modules which entail lectures, seminars and practice classes with the aim of extending their knowledge and understanding. Research methods from Physical Geography and Human Geography are studied via field trips, and in lectures and seminars focussing on Applied Geography. Exercises undertaken during field trips (excursions) complement the content of basic modules. As part of the course of study, Applied Geography gives students the opportunity to work on concrete and current issues from the fields of Physical Geography, Human Geography and Geoinformatics. Geoinformatics, or the processing of geographical data, forms a third component of the Geography degree programme. Cross-disciplinary skills which are developed throughout the degree programme are tailored to the needs of the subject. This component of the degree programme requires that students complete a practical placement of at least eight weeks outside the University. The elective components of the programme enable students to study one or two related subjects (Archaeology, Biosciences, Chemistry, Economics, Anthropology, Earth Sciences, History, Computer Science, Physics, Political Science, Public Law, Sociology, Pre- and Protohistory). The final examination for the Bachelor’s degree programme in Geography consists in a final oral examination and a Bachelor’s thesis.