Geography/ Geographie – (B.Sc.)

Contents

Studies in Geography provide a broad-based, theoretically grounded and methodically oriented training with state-of-the-art content and inputs. In addition to this, students have ample opportunity to select specific issues and areas of geography to suit their individual interests, to pursue these with a high degree of independence and to build their own individual profile.

This is facilitated by knowledge obtained from modules embedded in other disciplines which may be logically associated with geographical content. Besides the specialist training, a further aim of the programme is to impart extra-functional qualifications. This includes inter alia the professional use of EDP systems as well as the acquisition of foreign languages, especially English for academic purposes. Furthermore, students acquire key competences such as teamwork and methodic working techniques. Students undertake an eight-week work placement as an integrated component of their studies. This means that after three years of undergraduate studies, students who do not wish to participate in post-graduate programmes are already well equipped for the labour market.

Area foci/ modules for advanced specialisation

Students of Geography can choose between the area programmes of Physical Geography or Human Geography.

General Studies

General Studies account for 25% of the study programme. These courses train key competences for subsequent career fields. By building their own individual specialities, students are able to shape and amplify their academic profile.

School-related studies for trainee teachers - general, incl. studies in education

In this programme area, subject-related studies in the field of teacher training are supplemented with courses dealing with teaching practice. This programme area comprises 25% to 50% of studies in the field of teacher training, depending on the type of school envisaged. It encompasses the following topics: studies in education, subject didactics, internships and key qualifications.

Work practicals

The eight-week work placement is to gather knowledge on the career and occupational fields of geographers. It enables students to apply the knowledge and skill-sets acquired during studies and to develop their own professional identity. Furthermore, it supports individual career orientation, enhances student motivation, encourages the development of practice-related research goals during studies, and contributes towards building key qualifications such as teamwork and communication as well as the ability to assert oneself and to be sensitive to the needs of other team members. The work placement is to be undertaken in the break between the 4th and 5th semester of the programme.

Semester abroad

It is strongly recommended that students acquire competence in a foreign language and undertake a semester abroad, either as a work placement or a period of studies at a university abroad. Support is offered for students completing study components abroad. The stay abroad should generally last one semester and be undertaken following completion of the third semester of the programme.