Economic Geography
(Master of Arts)

Skyscrapers with windmills in the background © Hans Ott / unsplash.com
© Hans Ott / unsplash.com

Profile

Course type
Postgraduate studies (Master)
Standard Course Duration
4 semesters
Course Start
Winter semester
Language of Instruction
German
Language Requirements

German HZB: none
International application: German C1
Find out more

Admission
Restricted admission

Short Description

In Hannover, Economic Geography centres around the intersection of economics and geography in which economic aspects of geography and geographical aspects of the economy are taught and explored. Teaching focuses on regional development in countries at different stages of development. Global processes such as environmental change, migration and the digitalisation of the economy affect regions throughout the world, and yet the impact of these processes may differ considerably from region to region.

To meet this challenge, students learn how to explain complex interrelations using theoretical knowledge, how to empirically investigate regional development processes, and how to develop sound regional policy strategies for action. Special features of the programme include the excellent and practice-oriented methodology of quantitative methods – maximising graduate employability – and the integration of teaching staff from professional practice and from abroad.

As a special feature, from the start of the winter semester 2022/23, the degree programme offers some students a double degree in addition to a master's degree in Hanover. This is made possible by a cooperation with the University of Groninge. 

With regard to content, the programme focuses on five thematic specialisations:

  1. Global Environmental Change and Sustainable Development
  2. Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Creation
  3. Knowledge and Innovation
  4. Digitalisation and Mobility
  5. Business Development and Policy Design

Course Content

  • Study or practical training abroad
  • Digitization, mobility and global environmental changes
  • Empirical methods/statistics
  • Entrepreneurship and enterprise creation
  • Spatial economic policy
  • Regional innovation processes
  • Theories of economic geography
Course Structure

Besides practical training, periods abroad, elective modules and different course formats ensure that the degree programme is very varied. Teaching takes place in reading courses, PC exercise classes, seminars and lectures. The Master’s degree programme, lasting four semesters, follows Humboldt’s ideal of the unity of research and teaching, which means that the latest research results generated by scholars at the institute are continuously incorporated into teaching content. In addition to acquiring theory, students also learn how to empirically analyse economic spatial systems and develop spatial economic policy. Quantitative methods of empirical economic geography are an area of specialisation. The internationally oriented degree programme includes a semester abroad and several courses delivered in English.

Semester Compulsory Modules Compulsory Elective Modules (1. and/or 2. semester)
1
  • Economic Geography: Theoretical Foundations (10)
  • Quantitative Methods in Empirical Economic Geography (10)
  • Regional Policy - Theory and Practical Applications (6 of 10)
  • International Seminars in Economic Geography (ISEG) (5)
  • Economics/Business Administration (2 x 5)
  • “Practical Qualification”, e.g. “Business GIS” (5)
2
  • Regional Policy - Theory and Practical Applications (4 of 10)
  • Research Projekt in Economic Geography 1 (10)
  • Research Projekt in Economic Geography 2 (10)
3
  • Study Abroad oder Internship Abroad (20)
 
4
  • Master Thesis (30)
 

(Table applies from winter semester 2022/23)

Recommended Abilities
  • An enquiring mind for science
  • Previous knowledge of economic geography and economics
  • Analytical thinking
  • The ability to work independently in small groups
  • International skills
  • Dedicated and creative learning
Career Opportunities

The results of surveys of graduates conducted by the institute confirm that economic geographers from Hannover have excellent career prospects. Career opportunities include: business development, consulting, location planning and research. Regularly conducted surveys of graduates reveal that practice-based teaching, compulsory practical training that runs concurrently with the course, and an active alumni network make it much easier for graduates to embark on a career.

Admission requirements and application

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as

For master's degree programmes with restricted admission, places shall be allocated according to the university’s own selection procedure, if there are more applicants fulfilling the admission requirements than there are places available. The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations: 

Application Deadlines

First-year students from Germany and the EU

  • June 1st – July 15th of the year for the winter semester

First-year students from non-EU countries

  • April 15th – May 31st of the year for the winter semester

Students resuming their studies and transfer students from Germany and the EU (application in a higher semester)

  • June 1st – July 15th of the year for the winter semester
  • December 1st – January 15th of the year for the summer semester

Students resuming their studies and transfer students from non-EU countries (application in a higher semester)

  • April 15th – May 31st of the year for the winter semester
  • October 15th – November 30th of the previous year for the summer semester
     
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Zentrale Studienberatung
Address
Welfengarten 1
30167 Hannover
Building
Zentrale Studienberatung
Address
Welfengarten 1
30167 Hannover
Building