icon-symbol-logout-darkest-grey

Faculty of Chemistry and Earth SciencesGeography – Master

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

DegreeMaster of Science
Type of programmeConsecutive
Start of programmeWinter and summer semester
Standard period of study4 semesters
Language(s) of instructionGerman (mostly)
Fees and contributions151.05 € / Semester
Application procedureConsecutive master’s programmes with access restriction
Application deadlinesInformation about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program.
Part-time optionYes
May be studied as a minor subjectYes

Course Content

During the Master’s degree programme in Geography, students are able to build on knowledge and skills gained in a first degree in Geography or in a related subject, by acquiring additional theoretical and practical skills which prepare them for employment or further research. Graduates are able to use quantitative and qualitative methods to record, describe, analyse and explain social and scientific phenomena. They possess theoretical and practical knowledge in various areas of Geography, including in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary context. Graduates are able to conduct field trips, and complete analyses in the laboratory or workplace. Students use their knowledge to evaluate the natural and socio-cultural environment and are able to transfer knowledge, and engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue. Graduates are able to manage their own learning, reflect critically on their own and others’ findings and conclusions, and see how these relate to existing knowledge. They are able to independently process and respond to new scientific questions within a limited timeframe. At the same time, students develop key qualifications, which are important to their professional success. These key qualifications are relevant to Geography, and to wider fields of application. Key qualifications include the ability to conduct and process analyses of geographical data, environmental planning, business development, town planning, geophysical mapping etc. Students have subject-specific knowledge, as well as further skills which equip them for employment within or outside of academia. 

Course Structure

The Master’s degree programme in Geography consists in few compulsory components; the majority of modules are elective so that students are able to select and develop their own specialisms. Compulsory elements of the degree programme include a field trip, a placement outside of the University, and a thesis (Master’s thesis). Elective components from the fields of Human Geography, Research in Physical Geography, Research using Geoinformatics, and Geographical Methods can be freely chosen and combined. Students are also allocated to a small research group in which they work independently to consider research questions relating to selected issues from the field of Geography. If students select particular areas of specialism, optional sub-disciplines of Geography may be noted as a specialism on the student’s Master’s certificate. These areas of specialism include Geoinformatics, Human Geography, Physical Geography, Urban Geography, Environment and Development, and Economic Geography.