General description

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
  

The Master of Science (MSc) in General Geography is suitable for students who are looking for a general education in the field. The focus is on detecting and understanding global contexts, therefore networked thinking is especially fostered.

Admission requirements

For general Informations on Application see: https://www.uzh.ch/cmsssl/en/studies/application; More Informations in regulations and admission requirements of the program of study.

Branch of studies

Geography

Educational goals

The major study program 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

Thanks to their comprehensive education in various areas of geography, graduates of the program have access to good career opportunities. This is particularly true where teamwork and interdisciplinary cooperation are required. Geography graduates have promising employment opportunities thanks to their comprehensive education. This is particularly true where teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration are required. Opportunities for graduates include positions in planning, architectural or engineering firms, industrial companies and in the private service industry as well as in non-profit organizations, in public administration and in the educational system. A Master’s degree in Geography without specialization prepares students for positions as generalists and is useful for students who choose to train as secondary school teachers.

ECTS credits

90 ECTS Credits

Degree

Master of Science UZH in Geography

Program structure

A General Education module and excursions are compulsory. Minimum five restricted optional modules (30 ECTS credits) from a defined list of modules must be chosen. A Master's research project (30 or 60 ECTS credits) and a Master's
exam (2 ECTS credits) form a central component of the education of Master's students.
The General Education module “Geography.Matters.”, the Master’s thesis in Geography (30 ECTS credits) and the Master’s exam (2 ECTS credits) are compulsory in this study program. A minimum of 6 ECTS credits in core elective modules have to be chosen out of each of the three thematic subject areas Physical Geography, Human Geography, as well as Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Science. In total, a minimum of 30 ECTS credits in core elective modules need to be completed.

Part-time studies

Part-time study is possible, but not recommended and may not exceed the maximum duration of study. In special cases, an extension may be granted on application. The maximum duration of study is six semesters from the onset of studies. The standard period of study for the Master’s degree is three semesters. A precise plan for part-time study is essential and students are advised to discuss this in detail with the Academic Advisory Service.

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