University of Fribourg

Bachelor of Science in Geography (BSc)

• Structure: A 6-semester full-time undergraduate programme (120 ECTS) taught in German and French . Students also choose one or two minors totaling 60 ECTS.
• Core Content: Combines human geography, physical geography, and geographical information systems (GIS), supported by methodological courses (quantitative and qualitative methods, remote sensing, etc.).
• Focus Areas: Students gain insight into natural processes (e.g., lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere, atmosphere) and socio-economic and political processes shaping environments.
• Skills and Outcomes: Emphasis on interdisciplinary thinking, spatial analysis, research competence (including a research project), and practical application of geographic knowledge.

Master of Science in Geography (MSc)

• Interdisciplinary Focus: The Master’s programme equips students to assess how environmental issues are shaped by biophysical, social, economic, and political processes.
• Specialisation Options:
  • Dynamics in Glaciology and Geomorphology: Focuses on cryosphere processes, mountain geomorphology, natural hazards, and environmental change (specialised track).
  • Nature, Society and Politics: Concentrates on nature-society relations, environmental governance, resource management, and political ecology.
• Teaching Approaches: Core modules, seminars, fieldwork, research projects, and a master’s thesis within research teams.
• Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental consulting, planning, policy, education, research, and international organisations.

Research and academic environment

• The department hosts active research across multiple domains such as human geography, alpine geomorphology, cryosphere studies, global environmental change, environmental justice , and more.
• Both Bachelor’s and Master’s students benefit from integration with ongoing research projects, bridging teaching and scientific inquiry.