Master's Programme in Human Geography

The programme has two main objectives. The first is to deepen your knowledge in the various research fields within human geography. The second is to develop your ability to make independent and critical assessments and to solve problems based on a scientific approach and a comprehensive geographical perspective.

The programme includes courses that focus on current research in different fields of human geography, as well as courses in advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods. In the final independent project (Master's thesis), you will explore the part of the subject, or the societal challenge, that interests you the most. This could involve environmental, population, urban, political, or economic geography, or another area suitable for geographical analysis.

Within the programme, there are opportunities to take courses in related subjects, undertake a workplace-based internship, or study abroad.

By completing the programme, you can expect to:

• study in a dynamic research environment where collaboration with society is of central importance,
• develop your knowledge and skills in human geography in an international learning environment,
• enhance your ability to solve planning-related tasks, both individually and in groups,
• plan, carry out, and present a scientific investigation.
  

Student profile

You likely hold a Bachelor's degree in human geography, urban and regional planning, or geography. You have a genuine interest in critical societal issues and what they mean for people and environments in different places in Sweden and around the world. You may be aiming to work in spatial planning, either in the public or private sector, or in other professions where the ability to understand how different processes interact is of central importance. You might also be curious about pursuing doctoral studies and a future research career.

Career

Knowledge and analytical methods in human geography are in demand within municipalities, regions, and government agencies working with issues related to urban or regional planning, societal development, and welfare. Human geographers also have career opportunities in the private sector, such as consultancy firms focusing on development projects for urban and rural areas. This expertise is also sought after by international organizations focused on cooperation, aid, and security.

The Master's Programme in Human Geography prepares you for work in areas such as:

• urban planning
• regional development
• rural development
• housing and integration issues
• external analysis/environmental scanning
• international development work
• crisis preparedness
• sustainability issues.

A degree in human geography also qualifies you to apply for doctoral studies in human geography or other research fields related to urban and regional planning. Doctoral studies can serve as a foundation for further research as well as for different types of employment.

Content

The programme comprises 120 credits (ECTS), equivalent to two years of full-time study.

Year 1

The first semester includes four subject-specific courses of 7.5 credits each. In addition to an introductory course focusing on the importance of the geographical perspective in understanding societal challenges you will take three thematic courses. These address global warming as a societal challenge, population dynamics, and economic development, and explore the forefront of human geography research within each theme.

The second semester begins with an advanced 15-credit skills course focusing on quantitative and qualitative methods and their application to geographical questions. The semester concludes with courses that highlight the relationship between everyday life and the local environment, in both urban and rural contexts. These courses also address questions of identity from a human geography perspective. Like the previous courses, these are based on current research.

All courses in the first year include varied forms of instruction that not only develop your subject knowledge but also your generic skills, such as oral presentation, group work, and the formulation of scientific problems.

Each course includes elements connected to the practice of urban and regional planning. This means that theoretical components are combined with applied tasks where you, individually or in groups, explore how theoretical knowledge can be used to analyse concrete planning challenges at different geographical levels and locations. Here, the programme benefits from its international learning environment.

Year 2

The third semester offers greater flexibility in course selection. For example, you may choose to complete an internship at a workplace approved by the department or, if circumstances allow, assist in a research project.

The semester is also suitable for studying abroad at one of Uppsala University's partner institutions. Alternatively, you may choose courses in other subjects at Uppsala University. For those who prefer to stay within the Department of Human Geography, a project-based course and an individual reading course are offered.

The fourth and final semester is entirely devoted to your Master's thesis (30 credits). Instruction consists of individual supervision and joint seminars focusing on different parts of the thesis and the thesis-writing process. The course concludes with a formal thesis defense.

Learning experience

Teaching methods vary between courses and primarily include lectures, seminars, computer-based exercises, workshops, and independent study. You will work both individually and in groups. Some courses include student-led components based on the “flipped classroom” model. Excursions and fieldwork are important elements. The programme is delivered on campus in Uppsala by the Department of Human Geography. The language of instruction is English.

Examination formats are varied and may include written exams, written assignments, and oral examinations and presentations. Throughout the programme, you are expected and encouraged to actively contribute to discussions and to critically evaluate the scientific knowledge addressed.

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 degree of Master of Social Science (60 credits).