Master of Science
Geography
How are landscapes formed? How do we deal with natural hazards? And how is the soil affected by climate change? If you are interested in these questions, this is the programme for you!
earth from space
Key facts
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Duration
6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
180
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 265,60
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Application & Deadlines
Have you always had an interest in towns, cities, countries and landscapes? Great! You’ve got a solid foundation. But there is more to the subject of ‘Geography’ than topographical knowledge. You need a flair for research! During your studies, you will focus on the surface of the earth, societies, spatial structures and their material and intellectual environments—in other words, you will examine both the physical and social world.
And what do you need? Various tools, of course! Geographers gain their knowledge mainly through maps, fieldwork and laboratory studies, as well as through social scientific methods. And they also use aerial and satellite images and geographic information systems, which enable the analysis and visualization of spatial data. These tools will allow you to examine current geographical issues, such as sustainability, resource management, globalization, and social and spatial change.
Your studies will introduce you to various branches of geography, such as natural sciences (Physical Geography and Soil Science), social sciences, economics and humanities (Human Geography), and technical and practical areas (Geoinformatics and Earth Observation).
A student, Max, talks about his Geography degree at the University of Jena [in German].
Digital discovery tour with free app: Would you like to find out more about our degree in Geography with fun quiz questions and puzzles? Click here for our interactive discovery tour app [in German].
As geographers, we are interested in the relationship between people and the environment. As a geoinformatics specialist, I give students the methods and tools they often need to kick-start their careers, and I find practical exercises really important.
Prof. Dr Alexander Brenning, Professor of Geoinformatics
- Excellent teaching: You will acquire comprehensive knowledge in all important disciplines of the subject (Geoinformatics and Earth Observation, Human Geography, Physical Geography and Soil Science) and will also be able to set your own focus. This will give you the basis you need to solve modern-day problems by understanding the overall context of socially relevant issues.
- Fantastic support: The class sizes are small, especially in the more advanced stages of the bachelor’s programme, and the curriculum includes the latest research topics to ensure constant discussions about current geographic topics and issues.
- Close cooperation: The Institute of Geography has ties to various non-university research institutions, companies and public authorities, such as the Max Planck Institute for BiogeochemistryExternal link, the Leibniz Institute for Regional GeographyExternal link, the German Aerospace CentreExternal link, the Thuringian State Office for the Environment, Mining and Nature ConservationExternal link, the DLR Institute of Data ScienceExternal link and Jena Business DevelopmentExternal link.
- Lots of practical content: Your studies will include frequent fieldtrips and excursions in Germany and abroad (e.g. Netherlands, France, Portugal, Malta, China, South Africa, New Zealand, Dubai and the USA).
- Adventures abroad: The University of Jena has a global network of partner universities, e.g. São Bento (Brazil), Stellenbosch (South Africa) and Sibiu (Romania).
Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)
Since 1992, our Institute of Geography has developed into one of the most important in the German-speaking world, representing the entire range of geographic disciplines with seven professorships. The institute is located at Löbdergraben 32 in Jena—right in the city centre.
University entrance qualification
A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.
More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.
Language requirements
The study programme is taught in German. You must therefore have a very good command of German at the start of the study programme.
Subject-specific academic advisory service — PD Dr Jussi Baade
Room 309.1
Löbdergraben 32
07743 Jena
Examinations Office of the Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Humboldtstraße 11
07743 Jena
Student Representative Committee Geography
Central Student Advisory Service
University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Office hours:
We offer consultations and the handling of your concerns in person, via video chat or telephone. Appointments can be made by phone or via service desk.
Consultation hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 12:20, Tuesday 14:00 to 18:00 and on Wednesday and Thursday from 14:00 to 16:00.
Consultation hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 12:20, Tuesday 14:00 to 18:00 and on Wednesday and Thursday from 14:00 to 16:00.
Video chat:
Monday to Friday 12.30 to 13:00
ZSB2020
Student Service Centre
University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Opening hours:
Monday 10 - 12
Tuesday 13 - 15
Wednesday 10 - 12
Thursday 13 - 15
Friday 10 - 12
Updates / adjustments may occur at any time. Thank you for your understanding!
We currently provide advice and handle your concern solely also via phone and service desk.
You can reach us by phone
Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 11:00
Tuesday 13 - 15
Wednesday 10 - 12
Thursday 13 - 15
Friday 10 - 12
Updates / adjustments may occur at any time. Thank you for your understanding!
We currently provide advice and handle your concern solely also via phone and service desk.
You can reach us by phone
Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 11:00
Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena
International Office - Stay abroad