Human Geography: Globalisation, Media, and Culture Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz

The programme is entirely taught in English.

Do you want to explore critical human geographic perspectives of an entangled and globalised world? Are you interested in current debates on globalisation, (digital) media, and culture? Do you want to explore the dynamic relations between space, place, media, and culture? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Human Geography could be the right subject for you!

In our seminars, we address a variety of contemporary issues such as the entanglement of digital media and space, human-environment interactions, and the role of technology and media in these dynamics as well as questions of environmental justice and geoethics in the 21st century. We combine theoretical discourse with empirical research practice and teach students a range of different research skills (qualitative methods, ethnography, audiovisual techniques).

Human Geography draws on the rich body of geographical science as well as insights from the social sciences and humanities. The thematic and conceptual focus of this degree programme enables you to grasp the big picture and contribute to the understanding of global challenges.

Experience an exciting teaching and research environment, complemented by international visiting scholars and experts. We welcome highly motivated applicants who are eager to explore the world through the lens of human, cultural and media geography.

Typical questions that will come up during the course of study:

• How do the global and the local interact and how do they mould each other?
• What place-making processes shape our world today?
• How do different forms of media challenge our perceptions of place and identity?
• How can a "more than human" approach contribute to our understanding of everyday life?

Due to the integrative character of human geography, the course draws on the rich body of conceptual and methodological scholarship from geography as well as other social sciences and humanities. We provide advanced training in geographical thought and analysis by focusing on the complex mediations between people, place, and culture in our highly interconnected world. This unique attention to processes of globalisation, mediatisation, and cultural practices reflects the research expertise within Human Geography at JGU as well as the strong interdisciplinary embedding of the programme.

See our website for more information.

15 May (for the winter semester)

If you have obtained your school leaving certificate or a study degree abroad, you will need to request a recognition of your foreign certificates in order to apply for admission to a Master's degree programme at JGU. Please note that the recognition process may take up to six weeks.

A key feature of our study programme is the balance between theory and practical application, with a strong focus on interactions between these two perspectives. Throughout the programme, an emphasis is placed on the empirical investigation of topics and their reflexive engagement with geographical concepts. We offer core modules in social and geographical theories and methodologies, along with more research-led modules developed in close relation with ongoing cutting-edge research projects in our department. Furthermore, the course includes skills training in different media workshops (e.g. camera and editing techniques, blogging, and diverse digital methods) and actively incorporates reflections on personal experience to let students benefit from their diverse international backgrounds.

First semester

• Globalisation Geography
• Cultural Geography
• Media Geography
• Lecture Series
• Current Debates on Globalisation, Media & Culture

Second semester

• Human Geography in Practice
• Specialisation
• Media Geography
• Lecture Series
• Research Workshop Part

Third semester

• Professional Skills & Specialisation
• Research Skills
• Research Workshop Part 2

Fourth semester

• Master’s Thesis

In addition to some compulsory courses, you can set your own focus by choosing from a variety of course options. As part of your studies, you will have the opportunity to design and conduct your own empirical research project during a research stay (field trip).

For your final thesis, we recommend working with a supervisor whose thematic and regional expertise best matches your interests.

In your third semester, you have the option to study abroad, to study at another German university, or to complete an internship programme.

As part of the Professional Skills module in the third semester, you can choose whether you would like to complete a semester abroad or do an internship.

No tuition fees

The semester contribution amounts to approx. 310 EUR. The fee includes a semester ticket that covers public transport in the Rhine-Main metropolitan area and a discount at the university's cafeterias. Additionally, there will be one-off charges for the research workshop.

A Bachelor’s degree in geography or a related discipline within the social sciences and humanities (e.g. Anthropology, Media Studies, Sociology, Political Sciences, or Cultural Studies, preferably including empirical research training) combined with a strong motivation to explore the world through the lenses of human, cultural, and media geography.

You can find a detailed list of the documents and selection criteria to be enclosed in your application (e.g. degree certificates, proof of language proficiency, letter of motivation, personal interview) here.

Applicants need to provide proof of the required English skills (e.g. TOEFL with at least 213 points, IELTS with a band score of at least 5.5, TELC English B2-C1). If the Bachelor's degree programme was completed entirely in English, the language certificate is not required.

15 May (for the winter semester)

If you have obtained your school leaving certificate or a study degree abroad, you will need to request a recognition of your foreign certificates in order to apply for admission to a Master's degree programme at JGU. Please note that the recognition process may take up to six weeks.

JGU offers support in finding a suitable scholarship: https://www.international-office.uni-mainz.de/scholarships/

International Office:
https://www.studium.uni-mainz.de/en/starting-your-studies-as-an-international-student/
https://www.international-office.uni-mainz.de/