Geography Master's: Programme Structure and Content
The first semester in the Geography Master's Programme consists of four mandatory courses. During the next two semesters, you choose elective courses or opt to do an internship or study abroad for one semester. In your last semester, you write a Master thesis. Detailed information about courses are found using the search function “Find syllabus” further down this page.
Year 1
Spring semester 2026
Spring's courses are electives. Listed below are our recommended programme courses.
- Climate change history (GVN360) 7.5 credits, quartile 1
- Sustainable Mobility -Drivers, Challenges, Responses (KGA141) 7.5 credits, course syllabi in Swedish, quartile 2
- Internship within Geography (GE020A)15 credits, quartile 3-4
Autumn semester 2026
- Urban Sustainable Development (GE5000) 7.5 hp, kvartil 1
- Urban Climate and Urban Climate Planning (GE6000) 7.5 hp, kvartil 2
- History of Ideas and Theory in Geography (KGA181) 7.5 hp, kvartil 3
- Urban GIS (NGN230) 7.5 hp, kvartil 4
In addition to the recommended courses, you are welcome to apply for other courses based on eligibility and your area of interest. You apply via University admissions. Please contact study counselling if you have questions or if you are interested in doing an internship: svl@gvc.gu.se
Year 2
Spring semester 2026
A 45-credit thesis begins in the autumn of year 2, whereas the 30 credit thesis runs for only the spring term of year 2.
- Master’s thesis in physical geography (GEO230) 30 credits
- Master’s thesis in human geography (KGA230) 30 credits
- Master thesis in Geography (GEO245) 45 credits
- Master thesis in Geography (KGA245) 45 credits
Autumn semester 2026
- Globalization and Uneven Development (KGA122) 7.5 credits, quartile 1
- Climate Change in an Earth System Perspective (GVN460) 7.5 credits, quartile 2
- Sustainable Landscapes - Interactions between environment and human activities (KGA161) 7.5 credits, quartile 2
- Open Source - GIS (NGN220) 7.5 credits, quartile 3
- Qualitative and Quantitative Geographical Method (KGA131) 7.5 credits, quartile 4
- Master thesis in Geography (GEO245 or KGA245) 45 credits, quartiles 3-4, continuing in spring 2026.
One course at a time - how to avoid time-table clashes
The academic system in Sweden is more or less built out of taking one course at a time. It is important to avoid time-table clashes. If you are new and unfamiliar to the Swedish university system, please read the information Avoid time-table clashes (www.gu.se) so that you understand how the courses are scheduled .
Exchange opportunities
You have the possibility to study abroad in the spring of your first year or the fall of your second year. Contact our international coordinator for questions and advice: studyabroad@gvc.gu.se
Find out more about exchange possibilities (www.gu.se)
Go back to the Master's Programme in Geography (www.gu.se)