General description

Geography studies the processes that alter and shape the world we live in.
Geographers aim to understand reciprocal influences and dependencies in their field, they document change, formulate scenarios and develop sustainable plans of action for the future. This includes examining both physical processes and the interplay between humans and the environment. Physical geography explores morphological processes on the earth’s surface, investigates the properties of water, snow and ice in the hydrological cycle, and studies soil and vegetation in climate change. Human geography and economic geography analyze how human beings, groups and institutions shape their habitats and how they act within them. A distinctive characteristic of the institute is the strong emphasis on modeling and quantitative methods. Advanced geographic information systems and remote sensing technologies are instrumental in modeling the processes being investigated as well as in illustrating and understanding spatial phenomena.
The Master of Science (MSc) in Geography offers students the opportunity to specialize within the field of geography.

• Physical Geography
  
• Human Geography
  
• Remote Sensing
  
• Geographic Information Science
  

The Master's program in Geography without a specialization is suitable for generalists. It is a qualification for careers in geography. The Master’s degree also serves as the basis for a dissertation and forms the academic foundation to work toward a Teaching Diploma for Secondary Education.

Admission requirements

The following academic degrees exempt the holder from having to pass any further examinations for admission to the a Master’s degree course: -A Bachelor's degree from the Faculty of Science of the University of Zurich, whereby the Faculty determines which types of the Bachelor's degree are required for admission to the respective Master's degree courses. - Corresponding degrees of Swiss and foreign universities which are generally recognized by the Faculty, or recognized by subject. In terms of paragraph 1, such degrees are reviewed according to the stipulations of § 3 of the Bologna guideline of the Swiss University Conference. Further possibilities for admission to a Master’s degree course: the Faculty assesses all other qualifications, in particular those from universities of applied sciences, according to its own criteria, whereby. The principle of equal treatment applies to assessing the equivalence of Bachelor's degrees The Faculty can require the fulfillment of additional conditions in form of evidence of academic achievement. The Faculty decides about the acceptance of academic achievements and credit points which were obtained elsewhere.

Branch of studies

Geography

Specific requirements

One earth - many worlds: The earth and its diverse environments are at the focus of studying Geography at the University of Zurich. How do humans and the environment interact? What are the relationships between human beings and natural space?
Global change, neoliberalisation, virtual worlds, environmental changes and urbanisation are challenges that concern Geography. At the Department of Geography in Zurich, students learn about socially relevant topics in Switzerland and the global south, in the high mountains, in metropolitan areas and in cyberspace.
Geography’s main strength is combining approaches from the natural, social and computer sciences. Geographers work in interdisciplinary networks and formulate solutions to current problems. In an increasingly networked and accelerated world, geographers assume social responsibility and address not only the opportunities but also the challenges of global change.
The Master’s degree is based on previous knowledge acquired during the Bachelor’s degree.
The Master of Science (MSc) in Geography offers students the opportunity to specialize within the following thematic subject areas of Geography (see descriptions on the pages of the respective emphasis):

• General Geography
  
• Physical Geography
  
• Human Geography
  
• Remote Sensing
  
• Geographic Information Science and Systems
  

Educational goals

The major study program in Geography 90 at Master's level offers an in-depth subject-specific focus and guides students towards applied research. Students learn to apply theories, methods
and approaches from certain fields in Geography to problems in research and practice, and to critically classify and reflect on these. Students are able to defend a position on a scientific basis and to critically reflect on and defend their own research results within a scientific discussion.

Career possibilities

Geography’s broad scope enables geographers to work in a diverse range of fields such as spatial planning, environment, landscape and human beings, geoinformatics and communication or teaching at secondary schools). The chosen field depends on the thematic consolidation chosen in the Master's program and the chosen Minor’s study programs.

ECTS credits

90 ECTS Credits

Degree

Master of Science UZH in Geography

Part-time studies

Studying part-time is possible within the Master’s study program. However, the maximum period of six or eight semesters (double the standard period of study) must not be exceeded.

Major/minor subject combinations

The Master's study program in Geography 90 can be taken as a single major or be combined with a minor study program 30 at Master's level.

Examination and assessment regulations

The student's achievement is assessed at the end of each module.
Achievements are graded on a scale from 1 to 6, whereby 6 denotes the highest grade of achievement and 1 the lowest. A grade below 4 is insufficient.
Achievements can also be graded with 'passed' or 'failed'.

Language of instruction

English