Geosystems in Transition
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Overview
- Overview
-
Overview
The Master's degree programme ‘Geosystems in Transition’ builds on the geographical foundations of a Bachelor's degree programme and places particular emphasis on the networking of specialist knowledge in the field of physical geography. Geosystems are complex spatial units of our environment, consisting of interlinked spheres such as the lithosphere, pedosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere and anthroposphere. They are characterised by internal processes and interactions between these spheres and thus shape the living environment on Earth.
Global climate and environmental change brings about changes in all geosystems. Both climatic influences and those caused directly by human activities play a decisive role here. In order to understand the cause-effect relationships, the individual processes and their interactions must be analysed. The degree programme therefore initially focuses on the interdisciplinary, physical-geographical analysis of a specific geosystem. This can be a river catchment area in Germany, for example, which is used to provide students with an in-depth understanding of past, current and possible future conditions. Climatological, geomorphological, hydrological, biological and pedological processes are considered. This knowledge is then transferred to geosystems from other areas in order to compare and evaluate their stability in the face of environmental influences.
In terms of methodology, the degree programme focuses on research-based learning: students collect their own empirical data in the field and in the laboratory, test hypotheses and answer research questions. With this problem-centred learning approach, students test scientific methods in a real-life problem environment and apply them in a solution-oriented manner. The application of geoinformation systems and the handling of geodata are a particular focus. This prepares students to recognise local dynamics of climate and environmental change and, as future decision-makers, to develop solutions that do justice to the complexity of our environment.
Composition of the Study Programme
- Studienaufbau
-
Composition of the Study Programme
In terms of methodology, the degree programme focuses on research-based learning: students collect their own empirical data in the field and in the laboratory, test hypotheses and answer research questions. With this problem-centred learning approach, students test scientific methods in a real-life problem environment and apply them in a solution-oriented manner. The application of geoinformation systems and the handling of geodata are a particular focus. This prepares students to recognise local dynamics of climate and environmental change and, as future decision-makers, to develop solutions that do justice to the complexity of our environment.
Modules
1st Semester CP 2nd Semester CP Local Perspectives: Geomorphological spatial analysis
6 Regional perspective: Excursion
9 Local Perspectives: Climate-geographical spatial analysis
6 Global perspective: Applied geosystem analysis
9 Local Perspectives: GIS-supported spatial analysis
6 Science communication 6 Research and project conception
6 Compulsory elective module (reference subject) 6 Compulsory elective module (reference subject)
6 3rd Semester CP 4th Semester CP Internship 9 Thesis 30 Colloquium Geosystems 3 Independent Studies 9 General Skills: Learning through teaching 3 Compulsory elective module (reference subject) 6 Courses and Lectures
Here you can find all courses and lectures at JLU:
Application
- Application
-
-
Commencement of Studies
In the winter semester; admission to the degree programme in the summer semester is possible after consultation with the Chairperson of the Examination Board.
-
Admission Requirements
The following Bachelor's degree from a German university is recognised for admission to the Master's degree programme:
- Geography
- Environment and Global Change
The Examination Board may recognise other (including foreign) degree programmes as equivalent following a case-by-case assessment (e.g. in geology, geoecology, geosciences, environmental management).
Language Requirements
English language skills at level B1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) are required for the degree programme. Proof of this must be provided by
a) the Abitur certificate,
b) upper secondary school reports or proof of at least four years of schooling in English,
c) proof of successfully completed language courses totalling at least 120 hours of instruction,
d) specialised reports or lector examinations on language skills acquired through stays abroad, university language courses or self-study,
e) proof of a UNIcert level I qualification or
f) a TOEFL test (computer-based score of at least 43, written test with at least 550 points) or
g) another certificate recognised as equivalent by the examination board.
Application
No GPA requirements apply to the course.
Deadlines for the winter semester 2025/26
Begin
- 01 June 2025
End
- for persons with a Bachelor's degree in Germany: 01 Sep 2025
- for persons with a foreign Bachelor's degree: 28 Feb: 15 Aug 2025
Different rules may apply to international students. More...
-
Career Options
- Perspektiven
-
Career Options
In the degree programme, students learn crucial skills for success on the labour market such as professional competence (spatial understanding of structures and processes, integration of knowledge from secondary or reference subjects), methodological competence (specialist methods such as GIS, geostatistics as well as analysis and evaluation skills) as well as interdisciplinary competences in the sense of interculturality, inter- and transdisciplinary communication (to be acquired through reference subject modules, studies abroad or internships abroad). In addition to the specific requirements of professional practice, the degree programme also incorporates academic and research-oriented elements to enable graduates to make the transition to an academic career. An alumni network is maintained at the Institute of Geography, which ensures contact with the specialised world of work.
There are employment opportunities in planning and environmental offices, in public administration, in sustainability offices of companies and environmental organisations as well as in the risk and environmental sector of insurance companies and banks. It is also possible to work as an independent expert. Potential growth markets include the logistics sector, renewable energy production, research and development departments of private companies and non-governmental organisations.
Further Information
Doctoral Studies
A doctoral programme is possible after successfully completing a Master's degree. This opens up further career opportunities.
International
- International
-
-
Stays abroad during the degree programme (outgoings)
-
Information and Consultation
International Office
Information and counselling on studying and internships abroad (for JLU students)Goethestr. 58, room 22
35390 Giessen
Contact details and office hours
-
Stays abroad in Giessen for international students (incomings)
-
Further Information
- Further Information
-
Examination- and study regulations
- Special Regulations
(Please note that only the German version of the modules is offical and legally binding. The english Version is for informative purposes only.
Courses offered in the course catalogue
- Electronical course catalogue (in German)
Links
Master's Degree Programmes of Faculty 07
- Special Regulations
Contact
- Contact
-
Central Study Advisor
Directions and welcome desk
- Students office →
(for formal matters like matriculation) - Central student advisory office
(advice for students & prospective students) - Hotline Call Justus
(first contact for all matters pertaining to studies) - International office →
(for international students)
Further Links
- Students office →