Curriculum
The master's program “Economic Geography, Mobility, and Spatial Development Policy (WIMORE)” leads to a professional Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in four semesters with a total of 120 credit points (CP). The three main scientific and practically relevant pillars of the program—economic geography, mobility, and policy—offer integrated perspectives, allowing you to combine and deepen your knowledge in two of these three pillars. After a short introductory phase in the first six weeks of the first semester, you will decide on one of the following areas of specialization
- “Economic Geography and Mobility” (Wirtschaft und Mobilität) (WIMO),
- “Economic Geography and Spatial Development Policy” (Wirtschaft und Raumentwicklungspolitik) (WIRE) or
- “Mobility and Spatial Development Policy” (Mobilität und Raumentwicklungspolitik) (MORE)
Differentiated topics are covered in particular in the respective introductory projects and the advanced projects in the second semester. In other modules (e.g., Research Methodology, Applied Methodology), methodological links to the respective study focuses are created. For each of the study focuses, there are several established reference subjects from faculties 01-03 at JLU (e.g., law, economics, political science) as well as other practice-oriented reference subjects (e.g., urban planning, traffic planning) in cooperation with the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM) to choose from, in addition to the major subject. The third semester is a mandatory semester abroad.
Introduction Economy, Mobility and Spatial Planning (WIMORE)
The module Introduction Economy, Mobility and Spatial Planning (WIMORE) is intended to provide an initial broad overview of issues in the fields of economic geography, mobility, and spatial development policy. After the introductory phase, students can choose two areas of specialization (WIMO, WIRE, MORE) to focus on an individual topic.
Applied and Research Methodology
The purpose of the Research Methodology module is to review and deepen knowledge of methods used in innovation, mobility, and evaluation research, as well as regional management (qualitative and quantitative empirical social research, GIS).
The Applied Methodology module includes facilitation and communication training and teaches methods in the field of project management. In addition, the focus is on the development of business models and practice-oriented problem-solving, as well as individual labor market positioning, in order to make the transition to professional life as smooth as possible.
General Skills
Here, cross-disciplinary skills with a clear geographical focus are taught. The general skills module "Theory and Methodology of Science" provides fundamental insights into current fields of research and the module "Preperatory Seminar - Stay Abroad" supports and prepares students for their semester abroad. Particularly the elective General Skills module can be completed abroad.
Reference Subject Modules
These elective elements can be chosen from the courses offered in related disciplines, depending on the students' areas of specialization. Modules from economics or political science are recommended.
Projects
These are research-oriented projects in basic and applied research that correspond to the current research topics of the research groups. The practical project aims to establish even stronger links to practical applications (in particular geomarketing, urban land-use planning, moderation, regional management) and to teach practical skills for orientation on the job market.
Independent Studies
The Independent Study is intended for independent academic work and can be designed by students themselves in terms of subject matter. It is advisable to complete this module abroad.
Internship
The internship lasts 7 weeks (equivalent to 9 CP) and can be completed either in Germany or abroad. It serves to put the skills acquired during the course into practice and to familiarize students with relevant institutions and companies.
Preparatory Seminar
This seminar is intended to prepare students for their master's thesis. It covers topics such as scientific theory, scientific methodology, and working techniques.
Thesis
A period of six months is allocated for writing the thesis. It serves as proof of the ability to independently address an academic problem within a specified time frame using sophisticated academic methods.