Geography is one of the most diverse academic fields, as the course combines scientific and social science research questions and methods. Many of the pressing challenges of the 21st century—climate change, migration, globalisation, desertification, and sustainable urban and regional development—are central subjects of geography studies. The course provides essential theoretical fundamentals that are critical for understanding and addressing these complex issues.
The scientific branch, “Physical Geography,” examines the structure and dynamics of our physical environment, the forces at work within it, and the processes that take place. The socially oriented branch, “Human Geography,” focuses on the structure of societies and economies, the spatial aspects of human behavior, and aims to identify causes and consequences of social inequalities on scales ranging from local (cities, regions) to global. The content of geography studies is delivered through varied teaching formats, which in Frankfurt include not only lectures and seminars but also extensive project work, such as (project) seminar days on-site (field trips) or research projects. The mentoring/tutoring program and modules on professional practice help support students in starting a career. The institutes also promote study abroad opportunities, such as through the ERASMUS+ program.
Geography at Goethe University Frankfurt is one of the largest university departments for geography in Germany. Here, 15 professors and over 60 academic staff members teach and conduct research. For students, this means access to a wide range of research and teaching focuses within geography, as well as excellent support with small group settings.
A unique feature of geography studies in Frankfurt is the opportunity for early specialization in Human Geography (B.A. degree) or Physical Geography (B.Sc. degree) as early as the second semester. This makes the program particularly appealing to students who already have a clear preference for one of the two branches of geography. The Institute for Physical Geography is housed in the Geo Center on the Riedberg campus, which opened in 2007. The Human Geography department is located in the newly constructed Social Sciences building on the Westend campus, which was completed in 2013. Both institutes benefit from excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities. Thanks to their proximity to neighboring disciplines in the natural and social sciences, students have direct access to their resources—such as laboratories and libraries—and enjoy short distances to seminars in related fields.