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
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].
Image: FSUDigital 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].
Prof. Dr. Alexander Brenning
Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)
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 GeographyExternal link 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).
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Welcome to our Institute!External linkdeSince 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.
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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.
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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.
Academic Advisor — Prof Dr Roland Zech
Room 309.1
Löbdergraben 32
07743 Jena
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Examinations Office of the Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Sciences
Humboldtstraße 11
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Student Representatives Geography
Room 204
Löbdergraben 32
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Central Student Advisory Service
University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Office hours:
We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.
Consultation hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).
Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb
Student Service Centre
University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Opening hours:
Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)
You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.
Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 11:00)
Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena
International Office - International students
University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link