students do research in their books

Human Geography

How are societies organized from a territorial perspective? What are the effects of globalization? And what trends can be seen in towns and cities? If you are interested in these questions, this is the programme for you!
students do research in their books
Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)
Key facts
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Supplement to degree
minor in a multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Admission restriction
without admission restriction (without NC)
Duration
6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
60
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 272,65
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Science
Institute of Geography
Application & Deadlines

Programme content

The large white letters in the hills of Los Angeles have become the internationally recognized trademark for the centre of cinematography. ‘Hollywood’ is actually the name of an LA neighbourhood, but it has become synonymous with the entire film industry. The place has acquired symbolic meaning over the course of the decades. This is just one of the phenomena studied in greater detail by human geographers. In addition to the conception and meaning of spaces, this branch of geography focuses on territorial organization and the relationship between society and the environment.

What will life be like in the cities of tomorrow? What effects does global change have on regional development? And how does space affect the way we live together and do business? Human geographers describe, analyse and interpret processes and changes, as well as developing new strategies and plans for the future. Other important areas of human geography include modern-day buzzwords, such as urban research, migration and economic change.

If you study ‘Human Geography’ at the University of Jena, you will spend some of your time outdoors and conduct your own studies on various selected topics. The study programme also includes courses in the fields of ‘Geoinformatics and Earth Observation’, allowing you to create digital maps and present your results in a user-friendly manner.

Structure

minor subject

Graphic: Sophie Bartholome

The bachelor's degree is the first professional qualification. The standard period of study is a total of six semesters, during which various forms of courses (e.g. seminars, lectures or exercises) are offered for the individual modules.

A multi-subject bachelor’s programme consists of a major subject with 120 credit points (CP for short; 1 CP = 30 hours for attendance, preparation and follow-up work, private study, assessed coursework and examinations) and a minor subject with 60 CP.

‘Human Geography’ is a minor subject that can be combined with all major subjects at the University of Jena.

The study programme comprises two fields: ‘Human Geography’ and ‘Cartography / Geoinformatics’. The minor subject is made up of six compulsory modules (40 CP) and four required elective modules (20 CP).

How might your degree programme shape up?

The following table shows the possible structure of your course with ‘Human Geography’ as your minor subject: 

Semester Human Geography Cartography / Geoinformatics
1st Compulsory module:
Introduction to Economic and Social Geography (10 CP)		 Required elective module:
Cartography (5 CP)
2nd Compulsory module:
Introduction to Applied Remote Sensing (5 CP)
3rd Compulsory module:
Firms and Regions (5 CP)		 Compulsory module:
Introduction to Geographic Information Science (5 CP)
4th Required elective module:
Theories of Space (5 CP)
or
Globalization and Transnationalization (5 CP)		 Required elective module: Geoinformation Systems (5 CP)
5th Compulsory module:
Applied Economic Geography
(5 CP)
plus
one required elective module (e.g. Field Research in Human Geography)
(5 CP)		  
6th Compulsory module:
Empirical Methods in Human Geography (10 CP)		  

Abbreviations: CP = credit points

Other study plans [in German]External link can be customized according to the range of courses offered in the major subjects. More detailed information can be found in the module catalogue for the study programme [in German]External link.

Why study in Jena?

A look behind the scenes

  • Institute of Geography at Löbdergraben 32
    Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)
    Welcome to our Institute!

    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.

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What can you do after your studies?

Areas of employment for graduates

Your studies will give you the skills needed to examine social, cultural and economic phenomena from a geographical perspective. This additional knowledge is important in a wide range of constantly changing professions, especially in the social sciences. Your career opportunities will largely depend on your major subject. Some of the areas of employment include:

  • urban planning
  • economic development
  • policy advice
  • development cooperation
  • tourism
  • cultural institutions

Downloads and links for the degree programme

What are we looking for in prospective students?

  • basic geographical knowledge
  • the willingness to engage with current social and spatial changes and modern geographic issues.
  • good linguistic expression and reasoning skills
  • analytical thinking skills

Admission requirements

  • 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.

Contacts

Academic Advisor — Dr Susann Schäfer

Löbdergraben 32
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Opening hours:
by arrangement

Academic Office for Student Affairs and Examinations (ASPA)

Carl-Zeiß-Platz 1
07743 Jena

Telephone hours:
Mondays and Fridays (9:00 – 11:00)
Wednesdays (13:00 – 15:00)

The ASPA is primarily responsible for students in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Faculty of Theology.

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