Geography (Bachelor of Science, B.Sc.)
The Bachelor's degree programme in Geography offers an integrated course of study in physical and human geography. It provides a solid foundation in theory and practice, as well as empirical methods for analyzing complex human-environment relationships. The focus is on spatial processes, the development of regions, and current global challenges.
Table of Contents
At a glance
Course structure and content
The bachelor’s course in Geography is an integrated, balanced study of the foundations of Physical Geography and Human Geography, followed by specialisation in one of the two sub-disciplines. The course teaches theory along with a broad spectrum of processes and empirical working methods in lectures and accompanying seminars. The subject-based studies are intended to equip students with the following competencies:
- appreciation of current attitudes to the understanding of Geography and its role today’s society; essential issues in the history of Geography; fundamental geographical subject matter and processes; current hot topics in research in the sub-disciplines of Physical Geography, Human Geography and the overlapping areas of the two; fundamentals of the spatial fields of application of Geography; the interdisciplinary relationships of Geography; the development, interconnection and problems of geographical spaces of different scales; and fundamental subject-specific methods and working techniques.
- The ability to: acquire, process, analyse, evaluate and present information and data; produce structured, media-based argumentation and presentation based on sound specialist terminology; reflect on social and personal values and their relationship to one another; think in alternatives and consider different points of view; to arrive at your own opinion; communicate and cooperate.
Mandatory Modules (120 CP)
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Module B1 | Physical Geography I: Climatology and Geomorphology | 10 CP |
| Module B2 | Human Geography I: Society and Space | 10 CP |
| Module B3 | Introduction to Statistics and the Subject of Geography | 10 CP |
| Module B4 | Physical Geography II: Soil Geography, Hydrology and Biogeography | 10 CP |
| Module B5 | Human Geography II: Economy, Space and Power | 10 CP |
| Module B6 | Geoinformation Processing, Cartography and Empirical Methods of Human Geography | 10 CP |
| Module B7 | Human-Environment Systems | 10 CP |
| Module B10 | Main Excursion with Accompanying Seminar | 10 CP |
| Module B11 | Geographical Professional Practice | 20 CP |
| Module B12 | Research and Communication Workshop | 10 CP |
| Bachelor’s Thesis | 10 CP |
Mandatory Elective Modules (40 CP)
| Module | Title | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Module B8.1 | Methodological Specialization: Introduction to Remote Sensing | 10 LP |
| Module B8.2 | Methodological Specialization: Concepts and Methods of Human Geography | 10 LP |
| Module B9.1 | Specialised Mandatory Elective Module | 10 LP |
| Module B9.2 | Specialised Mandatory Elective Module | 10 LP |
| Module B9.3 | Specialised Mandatory Elective Module | 10 LP |
2 specialization options are available:
Option 1: Physical Geography:
Module B8.1 and modules 9.1–9.3, at least two of which must have a focus on physical geography.
Option 2: Human Geography:
Module B8.2 and modules 9.1–9.3, at least two of which must be in the field of human geography.
General Elective Modules (?WP) (20 CP)
Modules totaling 20 ECTS credits can be freely chosen from the designated module catalogues of other subjects or central institutions. The interdisciplinary elective module StudOec I can also be taken.
Special features
Geography is the ideal subject if you don’t want to study a pure humanities subject or a pure science subject. It also appeals to people who are interested in understanding, analysing and finding solutions for complex relationships between people and their environment. Geographers spend their time concentrating on the components of nature - soils, climate, the water cycle, flora and fauna. At the same time they are also interested in population development in Germany and across the world, economic networks in different spatial contexts, mega cities with more than 10 million inhabitants and human consumption behaviour. Global questions like: ‘Will we be able to feed 9 billion people soon?’ or "How can we use natural resources more sparingly, both as individuals and at the global level? How can we switch to alternative energy sources in an age of climate change?’, ‘Where will cities grow in the future? Which ones will shrink?’ are questions that interest geographers around the world.
Because of the diversity of the subject of Geography and its interdisciplinary nature, your state-of-the-art education at HU will include student projects in teams, internships, special courses on technical methods in geomatics and computer modelling and field trips.
Geography is the ideal subject for those who don't want to study either a purely natural science or a purely humanities subject. It's also for those interested in understanding, analyzing, and finding solutions to complex human-environment relationships. Geographers study the components of nature – soil, climate, the water cycle, flora, and fauna. But they are also interested in population trends in Germany and worldwide, economic interconnectedness, megacities with more than 10 million inhabitants, and consumer behavior.
Subject-specific admission and enrolment rules
Career opportunities & prospects
You can apply for example for one of the following master’s courses at Humboldt-Universit?t:
- Urban Geography – Human Geography
- Global Change Geography
- Integrated Natural Resource Management
- Rural Development
Find out more in the course catalogue or via the database Hochschulkompass nationwide.
Geographers are in demand in many professional fields, including:
- Environmental and spatial planning
- Urban and regional development
- Cartography, GIS, and remote sensing
- Sustainability and climate research
- Policy consulting, NGOs, and media
- Academia and teaching
More information on career prospects and alternatives can be found in the Berufenet database.
Course Advisory Service
Questions about the study program can be answered by Phillip Schuster, by phone: 030 2093-6880 or email.
Recognition of credits
Questions regarding recognition can be answered by Prof. Dr. Henning Nuissl, by telephone: 030 2093-6811 or email.
Contact information for the institute
Department of Geography
Alfred Rühl-Haus, Institutsgeb?ude, Rudower Chaussee 16, 12489 Berlin