Master's Programme in Geography

Most of planet Earth's population now live and work in urban areas, and business and production are increasingly concentrated in urban regions. But how do such structural transformations articulate and influence people’s lives and environments, short- and long-range resource chains, and land and resource use? The task of achieving sustainable urban futures requires prioritising holistic thinking. Geography—bridging the social and natural sciences—is particularly suited to such a challenge.

The Master’s Programme combines Physical and Human Geography to explore Geography’s role in modern society. Whether you are interested in Geographical Information Systems - GIS, human rights, climate change, or city planning and resource distribution, you will develop the skills necessary to address future challenges with this modern science.

Depending on the student's profile, the programme aims to provide specialist knowledge in sustainable development in the areas of urban and rural development, mobility, globalisation and Geographical Information Systems - GIS.

The programme will prepare students for further doctoral studies in Geography, Human Geography or Physical Geography.

A Bachelor's degree in the main field of geography (180 credits) including a minimum of 15 credits in Geographical Information Systems - GIS. Applicants with an equivalent education can after assessment be admitted to the programme.

Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B/ English level 2, from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL or IELTS.

This programme leads to a Degree of Master of Science with a major in Geography (Filosofie masterexamen med huvudområdet geografi).

Programme structure

The Master's Programme in Geography comprises a total of 120 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be in the main field of study, Geography. Of these 120 credits, at least 30 credits must consist of a master thesis (degree project).

The programme starts with four courses. Elective courses corresponding to 60 credits are offered during the second and third semesters. The master thesis is carried out during the fourth semester.

Language of instruction: English

Compulsory courses

The following courses are compulsory within the programme:

• Urban Sustainable Development, 7,5 credits
• Urban Climate and Climate Planning, 7,5 credits
• Urban GIS, 7,5 credits
• History of Ideas and Theory in Geography, 7,5 credits
• Master Thesis in Geography, 30/45 credits

Elective courses

In addition to the compulsory courses, elective courses are offered during semester two and three, corresponding to 60 credits.

General objectives for Degree of Master (120 credits)

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Master the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
• demonstrate speclialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study. 

Competence and skills

For a Degree of Master the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and to contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work
• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to clearly report and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialouge with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and decelopment work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity. 

Judgement and approach

For a Degree of Master the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and 
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for their ongoing learning. 

Local objectives

For a Degree of Master the student shall:

Knowledge and understanding

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in geography including broad knowledge in the field as well as significantly in-depth knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as in-depth insight into current research and development. 
• demonstrate in-depth methodological knowledge in geography. 
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of geographical problems concerning urban areas and the relation between urban-rural as well as regions.

Competence and skills

• perform analyses of independently collected qualitative and quantitative data or other material (databases) using relevant analysis tools. Emphasis is placed on the use of Geographical Information Systems - GIS. 
• demonstrate solid knowledge of project management and be able to independently plan for, implement and present projects both in writing and orally.

Judgement and approach

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the field of geography with consideration to relevant scientific, societal and ethical aspects and demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development, and
• be able to identify, formulate and critically examine geographical problems concerning urban areas and the urban-rural relationship as well as between urban areas and regions.

The study programme will be followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet (Policy for the Quality assurance and Quality Development of Education at the University of Gothenburg).

A student can not be given guaranteed admission to the first choice of the elective courses.