Introduction

The Master’s program chooses its theoretical focus in postcolonial, feminist, political-economic and socio-ecological theories and concepts. These are complemented by different "lenses", such as intersectionality, or science and technology studies. The theoretical perspectives allow a social science-informed view of relevant topics in the subject of geography, such as health, mobility, racism, urban research, poverty and inequality, work and labor markets, multispecies relations, livelihood research, global governance, socio-ecological transformation and gender. The methodological training focuses on qualitative methods of empirical social research. Particular importance is attached to ethnographic methods. Questions of research ethics, data management and the use of software tools are integral to our methods courses.

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Approach

At the core of the Master’s program is a taught empirical research module with an empirical student project, where students have the opportunity to apply the theoretical and methodological knowledge, gain crucial experience in practical research and lay a solid foundation for their Master thesis research. Climate-friendly alternatives for compulsory research trips are offered. Examination consists of essays and reports, or alternative formats such as websites or blog posts, videos and podcasts. The degree program offers family-friendly study options. The program is aimed at international BA and BSc graduates in geography, cultural and social sciences and related subjects.

FAQs

Here you find answers on frequently asked questions regarding the programme.

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Structure

The Master's program encompasses a total of 120 credit points (abbr. CP) and subdivides into modules which as a rule comprise several interconnected forms of teaching and learning.

These 120 credit points are distributed over a number of areas, each consisting of a set of modules:

1. the foundations with a total of 20 LP,
2. the core area to the extent of 25 LP, 
3. the specialization area amounting to 10 LP,
4. the area of professional practice and scientific work to the extent of 20 LP,
5. the interdisciplinary elective area amounting to 15 LP, and
6. the Master's thesis with presentation of the results to the extent of 30 LP.

 

(1) In the foundations of the amount of 20 LP, the following modules must be completed:

• Module: Introduction to Geographies of Global Inequalities (10 LP) and
• Module: Geographies of Global Inequalities: methods and methodologies (10 LP).

(2) The following modules are to be completed in the core area with a total of 25 LP:

• Module: project work I: thematic and methodological preparation (10 LP),
• Module: Project Work II: empirical research and data analysis (7 LP) and
• Module: Project Work III: Presentation and Discussion (8 LP).

Within the modules there are thematic choices. There is a choice between two thematically and/or regionally different projects per academic year.

(3) The following modules are to be completed in the area of specialization with a total of 10 LP:

• Module: Advanced Class (Conceptual) (5 LP) and
• Module: Advances Class (Thematic) (5 LP).

(4) The following modules must be completed in the area of professional practice and scientific work, which is worth 20 LP:

• Module: Internship and Project Management (15 LP) and
• Module: Good Scientific Practice (5 LP).

(5) Students write their Master's thesis in English during the fourth semester. After completion it is defended through a presentation and oral examination. WIth suitable scientific supervision, the Master's thesis can be written in cooperation with, for example, a scientific research facility outside Freie Universität Berlin.

More information can be found in the Study and Examination Regulations for the Master's Program Geographies of Global Inequalities of the Department of Earth Sciences: Study and Examination Regulations (in English, unofficial preliminary translation), official German version.