Geography - Migration, demographic change and regional development

The Master’s programme addresses current societal challenges in the areas of demographic change, society, globalisation and regional change. Specialist knowledge is imparted through numerous regional and supra-regional case studies. You will also learn modern research methods, as well as how to design and carry out empirical projects.

During your studies, you will focus on, for example:

• Theories and key concepts in social-geographical research on population and society
• The social causes and consequences of demographic change
• The historical and social contexts of demographic and geopolitical changes
• The political, social and economic aspects of globalisation processes

By the end of the study programme, you will be able to

• to place geographical and socio-demographic issues within an interdisciplinary context, and to identify and analyse the interrelationships between social change and demographic, economic, political and natural processes.
• apply advanced methods of migration research, economic-geographical regional analysis and empirical social research (e.g., social network analysis, interview techniques, shift analysis, SWOT analysis), and interpret and critically reflect on the results.
• to address complex academic questions in the fields of migration, demographic change and regional development independently and in a structured manner, to develop appropriate solutions – for example in the form of regional policy recommendations – and to present the results appropriately.

The programme is research-oriented whilst also offering practical courses: the modules on offer consist of lectures, seminars, self-study, as well as project work, practical sessions, fieldwork and excursions. This practical content and variety of teaching formats enable you to apply the material covered directly and develop a comprehensive understanding of your specialist field.

The programme is divided into two areas:

Specialist Studies

The Specialist Studies programme provides you with a solid foundation in subject-specific knowledge and academic methods. 

During the first three semesters, you will undertake a total of four compulsory modules and one compulsory elective module, in which you will address current issues in migration and regional studies. In addition, you will complete a six-week work-based internship in the third semester: this will enable you to establish contacts in the professional world and gain initial work experience. In the fourth semester, you will focus on your Master’s thesis.

Contextual Area and Specialisations (‘Minors’)

The Contextual Area offers a wide range of compulsory elective modules from interdisciplinary fields. This enables you to develop your own academic profile that aligns with your interests and career goals. You can choose from modules across seven specialisations (known as ‘minors’). If you complete at least 25 credit points from a minor, you can have this specialisation listed separately on your degree certificate. The following minors are available:

• Area Studies
• Globalisation and International Relations
• Innovation Systems and Regional Policy
• Contemporary Political History
• Social-Ecological Transformation Research
• Geoinformation
• Remote Sensing 

In addition, you can complete up to 10 credit points from the contextual area with modules that do not belong to any minor (e.g. a foreign language).

A vibrant and green student city

Jena is a typical university town with a vibrant student life and an international atmosphere, thanks to its many students and PhD candidates from a wide variety of countries. Jena also boasts plenty of green spaces: parks and hiking trails, such as the SaaleHorizontale – which has been named ‘Germany’s most beautiful walking trail’ and offers spectacular views of the city – are right on your doorstep. Students can also visit the Botanical Garden free of charge.

For sports enthusiasts, Unisport offers a wide range of sports courses: from aikido to rugby and Zumba. And the student ID card doubles as a culture and semester ticket: this means it includes admission to several cultural venues and museums in Jena, as well as a Germany-wide ticket for local public transport (“Deutschlandticket”).

More information on ‘Jena: a student paradise’! 

The programme combines interdisciplinarity with specialisation

What makes this programme unique is that it brings together various disciplines whilst offering a wide range of specialisation options (‘minors’). The programme thus enables you to combine perspectives from different disciplines whilst, depending on your chosen specialisation, providing you with in-depth knowledge of specific subject areas or regions. This allows you to develop your own individual area of expertise and clearly distinguish yourself from graduates of comparable degree programmes in Germany.

Close links between the university, the city and the local business community

The university works closely with leading research institutes, the city of Jena and businesses in the region. The Institute of Geography is also a member of various regional and national research networks. These include, for example, the WeCaRe Agency, which is committed to providing holistic healthcare in structurally disadvantaged regions of Thuringia. The close network between academia, the city and industry offers you the opportunity to work on current research topics whilst still a student – and provides an ideal environment for starting your career.

Teaching at the University of Jena is excellent

The range of courses at the University of Jena is excellent – as demonstrated by the results in national and international university rankings. For instance, the University of Jena regularly features among the most popular universities in Germany in the StudyCheck ranking. And in the latest CHE ranking for the subject of Geography, the University of Jena was among the top performers in several categories, including course organisation, library facilities and field trips.

The study programme qualifies you to pursue a PhD both in Germany and abroad, as well as for research-oriented roles outside academia, for example in federal and state government agencies, planning associations, non-governmental organisations and the private sector. Career opportunities are available, for example, in the following fields:

Urban and regional planning

You will work in local government or at planning consultancies and play an active role in shaping the development of cities and regions. You will analyse population growth, infrastructure, transport and the environment, identify development potential and risks, and draw up plans for residential areas, transport networks or recreational spaces.

Economic Development, City Management

You identify the spatial structures and location factors of a city or region, monitor trends such as vacancy rates and consumer behaviour, and develop concrete strategies to strengthen the local economy and make city centres vibrant and attractive. You coordinate projects between local authorities, businesses and residents, organise events and manage marketing campaigns that attract visitors and investors. In doing so, you use various data and tools, such as geographic information systems, population statistics, location analyses, surveys and mapping.

Business and Policy Consultancy 

You advise businesses and political stakeholders on strategic decisions – such as site selection, recruitment of skilled workers, integration strategies, healthcare provision, infrastructure planning or disaster management. To this end, you analyse data on market conditions and demographic and economic trends, present this information graphically, prepare expert reports and devise development strategies.

Tourism Management, Tourism Marketing

You analyse how destinations, visitor flows and travellers’ needs are changing, identify bottlenecks and potential in tourism regions, and plan and develop tourism offerings and marketing strategies. You play an active role in shaping how tourism can be developed in a way that is both economically successful and sustainable. In doing so, you combine your knowledge of geography, culture and economics with an understanding of the specific characteristics of a particular region.

Corporate communications, public relations, journalism

You translate complex social issues such as urban development and migration into accessible content. You draft texts tailored to specific audiences, such as press releases and journalistic reports, plan PR and advertising campaigns, and implement communication strategies. You help to enhance the image of companies, public authorities or organisations, and you have the opportunity to help shape public discourse on social issues.

Real Estate Industry

You monitor how cities, regions and population structures are developing, and assess where there is demand for residential or commercial property. You analyse location factors and trends in rental and purchase prices, produce market analyses and location strategies, and advise investors, local authorities and property developers.

International development cooperation

You design projects that improve living conditions in regions and assess where infrastructure, education or healthcare are most needed. You collect data on the ground, take local resources and migration trends into account, develop strategies for sustainable agriculture, urban planning or water supply, and advise organisations and public authorities on effective measures.

Research

You work at universities, research institutes, government agencies or international organisations. Through your work, you provide sound insights into demographic trends, migration, and urban and regional structures, and lay important scientific foundations for forward-looking decisions in politics, society and the economy.

You can find specific examples in our graduate profiles for Geography and Geoinformatics! de