Geography

The Geography degree programmes offered by Heidelberg University aim to give students an equal grounding in both Physical and Human Geography. Students complete basic modules which entail lectures, seminars and practice classes with the aim of extending their knowledge and understanding. Research methods from Physical Geography and Human Geography are studied via field trips, and in lectures and seminars focussing on Applied Geography. Exercises undertaken during field trips (excursions) complement the content of basic modules. As part of the course of study, Applied Geography gives students the opportunity to work on concrete and current issues from the fields of Physical Geography, Human Geography and Geoinformatics. Geoinformatics, or the processing of geographical data, forms a third component of the Geography degree programme. Cross-disciplinary skills which are developed throughout the degree programme are tailored to the needs of the subject. This component of the degree programme requires that students complete a practical placement of at least eight weeks outside the University. The elective components of the programme enable students to study one or two related subjects (Archaeology, Biosciences, Chemistry, Economics, Anthropology, Earth Sciences, History, Computer Science, Physics, Political Science, Public Law, Sociology, Pre- and Protohistory). The final examination for the Bachelor’s degree programme in Geography consists in a final oral examination and a Bachelor’s thesis.