Program Overview

Geographische Entwicklungsforschung (M.Sc.)

The consecutive, research-oriented Master's program in Geographische Entwicklungsforschung at the Fachbereich Geowissenschaften of the Freie Universit‰t Berlin conveys subject-specific as well as interdisciplinary theoretical and methodological competence and trains the general scientific and subject-specific judgment of students in theoretical and practical terms. Students learn to independently and purposefully familiarize themselves with geographical topics and to plan, implement, and complete geographical work projects in a targeted manner.

Program Description

The Master's program enables a deepening and expansion of existing geoscientific knowledge, skills, and competencies through a scientific specialization in the field of Anthropogeography with a focus on Geographische Entwicklungsforschung. Students are familiarized with theories of development research, regional geography, questions of regional planning, and resource management, and they learn the basics of social science theories, models, and methods, spatial structures, and social processes in developing and transformation countries. Participation in projects during the course of study plays a special role.

Program Structure

The standard study period is 4 semesters, during which a study volume of 120 credit points (LP) is to be completed. The Master's program is divided into a disciplinary area with 75 LP, an interdisciplinary area with 15 LP, and a Master's thesis with 30 LP and an accompanying colloquium in the 4th semester.

Study Content

• Disziplin‰rer Bereich (Disciplinary Area)
  • Grundlagen und Methoden (Basics and Methods)
  • Spezialisierung und Projektarbeit (Specialization and Project Work)
• Interdisziplin‰rer Bereich (Interdisciplinary Area)
  • Theorien der Entwicklungsforschung (Theories of Development Research)
  • Regionale Geographie (Regional Geography)
  • Fragen der Regionalplanung und des Ressourcenmanagements (Questions of Regional Planning and Resource Management)
• Masterarbeit (Master's Thesis)
  • Im Umfang von 30 LP (30 credit points)
  • Mit begleitendem Kolloquium im 4. Semester (with an accompanying colloquium in the 4th semester)

Research Areas

The program focuses on geographische Entwicklungsforschung (geographical development research), with an emphasis on regional geography, development theories, and resource management in developing and transformation countries.