Program Overview

Programme Overview

The Master of Science in Geography with a focus on Migration, Demographic Change, and Regional Development is a comprehensive programme that delves into the intricacies of demographic and regional development. This programme is designed to equip students with specialized knowledge at the interface between demographic and regional development, covering core areas such as demographic change, population and development, globalization, and regional change.

Key Facts

• Degree: Master of Science
• Duration: 4 Semesters
• Credits/ECTS: 120
• Teaching Language: German
• Tuition Fee: None
• Semester Contribution: 305.05
• Start of Studies: Winter semester, Summer semester
• Part-time Possible: Yes
• Institutions: Faculty of Chemistry and Earth Science, Institute of Geography

Programme Summary

The study focus "Migration, demographic change and regional development" offers specialized studies at the interface between demographic and regional development. The core contents cover the areas of demographic change, population and development as well as globalization and regional change. In addition, students will acquire comprehensive expertise in the field of migration and regional research methods. The course focuses on highly relevant issues, which seem particularly urgent not only in Thuringia but also in numerous other regions of Germany and Europe.

Special Features

The programme allows students to deepen their knowledge by choosing minors in:

• Area studies
• Globalization and international relations
• Innovation systems and regional policy
• Geoinformation
• Remote sensing

Career Opportunities

Graduates have a wide range of employment opportunities, including federal and state ministries and authorities, business development institutions, regional planning associations, and numerous other public administration institutions. There is also a broad spectrum of potential employers in the private sector, ranging from business and political consulting firms to companies in the creative industries. Research at universities and non-university research institutions continues to be one of the classical fields of activity. The Master's degree also qualifies students for a doctorate in geography.

Admission Requirements

• Undergraduate Degree or Equivalent: A subject-specific undergraduate degree (minimum 6 semesters/180 ECTS-Credits) or an equivalent degree.
• Language Requirements:
  • Good proficiency in English (a direct proof by certificate is not compulsory).
  • International applicants: German language proficiency at minimum level DSH-2 (or a recognized equivalent).

Application Documents

• CV: A tabular form containing key information on school record and academic career.
• University Entrance Qualification Certificate: The school graduation diploma (e.g., German "Abitur").
• Previous University Degrees Earned: All previous university degrees if available.
• Detailed Transcript of Records: A transcript containing an overall cumulative grade point average or average mark.
• Proof of Relevant Work Experience: Certificates for subject-specific work experience.
• Proof of Subject-Specific Practical Experience: Certificates for subject-specific practical experience.
• Proof of Language Proficiency: Proof of proficiency in English.
• Statement about Choice of Specialisation: Information on preferred specializations.

Additional Application Documents for International Students

• Proof of German Language Proficiency: For German-taught master's programmes, a sufficient German language proficiency proof is mandatory.
• Translation of Foreign/External Application Documents: Every mandatory application document from foreign/external countries must also be available in either English or German translation.
• Proof of Grading System: External/foreign degree certificates/transcripts of records must contain information on the grading system used at the respective university.
• Certificate APS: Applicants with degrees from India, Vietnam, or China must submit the original APS-certificate issued by the German Embassy.
• University Entrance Exam: Applicants from certain countries must submit a certificate of their university entrance examination/college entrance examination.