Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. Also required is 90 credits in human geography or the equivalent.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries.

Aims

The master’s programme in human geography aims to provide students with a solid scientific foundation, enabling them to conduct independent, critical, and strategic work within the field of human geography. The program, moreover, aims to provide a platform for the students’ continued professional and scientific development, and to prepare them to apply for doctoral studies with opportunities for an academic career.

The program also aims to prepare students for professional careers within government, organisations, and businesses by developing versatile skills and an in-depth understanding of the different aspects of human geography. Thus, the programme not only provides theoretical knowledge but also develops the practical skills and analytical tools required in diverse professional and societal contexts.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the programme, the student should be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

• Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories, and perspectives in human geography, their applications in society, and particularly specialised expertise in chosen areas of theory in human geography, as well as in current research and development work of relevance to human geography.
• Demonstrate broad and advanced methodological knowledge in human geography and be able to explain scientific foundations, concepts, techniques, principles, and theories related to data collection, processing, and analysis.

Competence and skills

• Demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate human geographic knowledge and to analyse, assess, and manage complex societal phenomena, issues, and situations, even with limited information.
• Demonstrate the ability to critically, independently, and creatively identify and formulate relevant human geographic questions, to plan and carry out qualified scientific tasks using appropriate methods within given time frames, thereby contributing to the development of knowledge.
• Demonstrate the ability to problematise and evaluate their own and others’ human geographic interpretations and analyses.
• Demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or to work in some other qualified capacity independently.
• Demonstrate the ability to report objectively, both verbally and in writing, on their own and others’ conclusions and the knowledge and arguments underlying the same, in dialogue with various groups, as well as in both national and international contexts.

Judgement and Approach

• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and reflect on relevant scientific, societal, and ethical aspects, and show awareness of ethical considerations in research and development work.
• Demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of human geography and the evolving role of human geographic expertise in society.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for their own ongoing learning.

Layout of the programme

The first semester consists of four courses of 7.5 credits each. These cover the intellectual history of human geography and its connection to the development of urban, regional and spatial planning, the consequences of global warming, population geography, and economic geography.

The second semester focuses on scientific methods in human geography and includes additional thematic courses with a focus on the relationship between place and identity, as well as urban geography. The course Master’s Thesis in Human Geography (15 credits) may replace the two latter courses.

The third semester offers greater flexibility, with opportunities for workplace-based internships, international studies, project work, or courses at other departments or universities.

The fourth semester consists of a degree project, which is presented in a master’s thesis (30 credits).

The forms of teaching and examination vary depending on the course within the programme. Teaching typically includes lectures, seminars, and supervision.

Examination formats usually consist of individual oral and written assignments. Each course determines participation requirements. Students are expected to take increasing responsibility for their own learning as they progress through the programme.

The language of instruction is English.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Social Science (120 credits) with Human Geography as the main field of study. After one year of study, it is possible to obtain a Master of Social Science degree (60 credits).