Geography Master's: Programme Structure and Content
The first semester consists of four mandatory courses. During the next two semesters, you can choose elective courses from a wide selection or opt to do an internship or study abroad for one semester. During the last semester, you write your master thesis.
Year 1
Autumn semester
Autumn's courses are mandatory and build the foundation of the programme.
- Urban Sustainable Development (GE5000) 7.5 credits
- Urban Climate and Urban Climate Planning (GE6000) 7.5 credits
- Odd years: Urban GIS (NGN230) 7.5 credits
- Even years: Open Source - GIS (NGN220) 7.5 credits. This course is the exception and an elective course. You are welcome to choose a different course outside the programme. Contact our study counsellor if you have questions.
- History of Ideas and Theory in Geography (KGA181) 7.5 credits
Spring semester
Spring's courses are electives; listed below are our recommended programme courses.
- Climate change history (GVN360) 7.5 credits
- Sustainable Mobility -Drivers, Challenges, Responses (KGA141) 7.5 credits, course syllabi in Swedish
- Sustainable development: A case study approach (ES2423)15 credits. For this course, you are not necessarily guaranteed placement. However, most of our students are admitted. If you have questions, contact our study counsellor.
- Internship within Geography (GE020A)15 credits
Please contact study councelling if you are interested in doing an internship within the programme: svl@gvc.gu.se
Year 2
Autumn semester
Autumn courses are electives with the exception of Urban GIS (NGN230) which is mandatory; listed below are our recommended programme courses.
- Climate Change in an Earth System Perspective (GVN460) 7.5 credits
- Globalization and Uneven Development (KGA122) 7.5 credits
- Odd years: Urban GIS (NGN230) 7.5 credits, mandatory course.
- Even years: Open Source - GIS (NGN220) 7.5 credits
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Master thesis in Geography (GEO245) 45 credits
- Qualitative and Quantitative Geographical Method (KGA131) 7.5 credits
Spring semester
A 45 credit thesis begins in the autumn of year 2.
- Master’s thesis in physical geography (GEO230) 30 credits
- Master’s thesis in human geography (KGA230) 30 credits
- Master thesis in Geography (GEO245) 45 credits
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Master thesis in Geography (KGA245) 45 credits
One course at a time - how to avoid time-table clashes
The academic system in Sweden is more or less built out of taking one course at a time. It is important to avoid time-table clashes. If you are new and unfamiliar to the Swedish university system, please read the information Avoid time-table clashes (www.gu.se) so that you understand how the courses are scheduled .
Exchange opportunities
You have the possibility to study abroad in the spring of your first year or the fall of your second year. Contact our international coordinator for questions and advice: studyabroad@gvc.gu.se