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Faculty of Chemistry and Earth SciencesGeography – Bachelor 50%

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.
Teaching degree optionYes
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. 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 with a weighting of 50% 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 possess the fundamental knowledge and skills required to continue onto the Master’s degree programme in Geography.  

Where students select the Teaching Degree option, they will gain fundamental, complementary knowledge in didactics and education studies, as well as initial practical experience of working in a school. Graduates will therefore fulfil the requirements to complete the Master of Education with the aim of becoming a teacher in a German secondary school (Gymnasium).

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 the field of Physical or Human Geography are refined during a field trip. Exercises undertaken during field trips (excursions) complement the content of basic modules.  

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 four weeks (without Teaching Degree option). Where students have selected the Teaching Degree option, they will attend lectures and seminars focussing on specialised didactics, pedagogy and education studies, rather than completing modules in cross-disciplinary skills. Where Geography is studied as a major subject in the Bachelor’s degree programme in Geography with a weighting of 50%, the final examination consists in an oral examination and a Bachelor’s thesis.

The polyvalent Bachelor's degree opens up two qualification options: the academic training can serve as the basis for the Master of Education in the Lehramt Gymnasium profile if the career goal is to become a teacher. At the same time, the polyvalent Bachelor can be the basis for a Master of Arts or Master of Science. This study decision can be made during the Bachelor's degree programme.