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 Bachelor's program provides students with a basic education in the various thematic areas of Physical Geography, Human Geography, Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Science. In addition, the acquired knowledge is applied to Switzerland and students are introduced to scientific texts in small groups. After the first year of the study program, students can choose a minor or individual courses from a range of courses offered by the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich to complement the compulsory lectures.
Participation in excursions, the implementation of small research projects, laboratory exercises and internships offer the opportunity to apply the acquired knowledge in practice throughout the program. The Bachelor's program is concluded with the Bachelor's thesis, an extended written assignment on a scientific topic.

Admission requirements

The conditions for admission to the Bachelor’s degree programme are regulated in: „Verordnung über die Zulassung zum Studium an der Universität Zürich (VZS)".

Branch of studies

Geography

Educational goals

The Bachelor's degree in Geography provides an understanding of basic concepts and current trends of development in the subject. It is characterized by a broad and fundamental education and offers opportunities for thematic consolidation in the final year of study. The subject combines approaches from the natural, social and computer sciences, thus offering a unique combination of research perspectives. In teaching, in-depth knowledge from current research projects is presented in order to critically examine socially relevant topics.
Students’ intellectual abilities and networked thinking are encouraged to prepare them for their future educational path.

Career possibilities

The Bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for a Master's degree at the University of Zurich (UZH) or at another university and does not constitute a professional qualification. A Master's degree in another major study program is generally possible with the Bachelor's degree in Geography, but may be subject to conditions and additional requirements depending on the study program. Graduates of the Department of Geography are in demand on the job market, due to their methodological-theoretical and application-oriented skills. The fields of employment are diverse (e.g. in the fields of spatial planning, environment, landscape and human beings, geoinformatics and communication or teaching at secondary schools) and usually depend on the thematic consolidation chosen in the Master's program.

ECTS credits

120 ECTS Credits

Degree

Bachelor of Science UZH in Geography, BSc UZH

Program structure

The first two years of the study program mainly consist of compulsory modules in Geography, Earth Sciences and Mathematics. The third year of the study program comprises a Bachelor’s thesis as well as elective modules that allow initial specializations within the thematic areas (see above). The program is supplemented with further consolidation and elective modules in Geography and related disciplines. Within the elective area, individual thematic focuses can be set.

Part-time studies

Studying part-time is possible, but not recommended. However, the maximum period of 12 semesters (double the standard period of study) must not be exceeded. An exact planning of the part-time study is necessary and should take place in consultation with the Student Advisory Board.

Major/minor subject combinations

A study program in Geography 180 at Bachelor’s level is a single major study program. A major study program in Geography 120 at Bachelor’s level can be combined with a minor study program 60. A major study program in Geography 150 at Bachelor’s level can be combined with a minor study program 30.
Minor study programs can be chosen from the entire range of subjects offered by the University of Zurich. Possible minor study programs at ETH Zurich are listed on the website of the Department of Geography. A minor study program starts in the second year of study.

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

German, English