Master of Arts in Contemporary Human Geography Trier University

Core modules are held in English (100%). Free electives (20 ECTS) can comprise modules from other departments in the university, where courses may be taught in German and/or other languages (i.e. foreign language courses). Teaching and administrative staff may be able to support students in other languages such as German and/or French, but this is not guaranteed.

The Contemporary Human Geography Master's programme is designed to foster advanced critical analysis of complex spatial issues, equipping students with the expertise needed to engage with the evolving geographies of our dynamic world.

The foundational modules emphasise critical thinking and analytical skills in relation to key geographical concepts and methodological approaches. Specialist modules further advance both thematic knowledge and research capabilities. These modules encourage students to apply their learning in innovative ways, preparing them to contribute original insights to ongoing debates in their chosen fields. Alongside academic growth, students will also enhance essential transferable skills such as independent research, teamwork, and communication.

By the end of the programme, students will have mastered the ability to design and execute sophisticated research projects, including via their Master’s thesis. They will develop the intellectual and practical skills to critically evaluate their findings and propose meaningful, real-world solutions to pressing geographical challenges. Practical experience gained through internships in relevant work environments will further refine their professional expertise, enhancing their readiness for careers in academia, research, policy-making, and industry.

Students are able to select from one of two pathways for their Master's degree.

• Pathway I – Space, Power & Change: This pathway focuses on the spatial relationships between communities, cultures, economies, and their interactions with the environment. It covers a wide range of critical concepts, such as governance, environmental justice, alternative economies, and identity, supported by applied case studies in fields like sustainable development.

• Pathway II – Tourism & Leisure: This pathway explores the spatial dynamics of tourism, examining how tourism impacts and is influenced by place, culture, economy, and environment. Students will engage with key concepts such as tourist economy, digitalisation, social aspects of tourism, destination management and sustainability of tourism. Through case studies and applied research, this pathway prepares students for roles in tourism management, policy, and administration, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices in tourism development.

Admission is generally valid for two subsequent semesters. Applicants from countries requiring a visa for entering Germany should consider applying until 15 January for beginning their studies in the winter semester of the same year, giving them more time to complete the visa process and to prepare their stay.

Non-EU citizens:

• 15 January 2026 for the summer semester 2026 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2026/27)
• 31 May 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2027)

German citizens, EU citizens, and applicants with a BA or MA degree from a German university:

• 15 March 2026 for the summer semester 2026 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2026/27)
• 15 September 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2027)

The Master's programme covers the following module types:

Compulsory modules:

Introductory/advanced courses (e.g. conceptual perspectives and advanced methods in human geography) as well as specialist thematic modules and empirically-oriented research courses.

Professional development (including internship experience)

Master's thesis

Free Elective Courses

Students are able to choose 20 ECTS from a range of other modules across the university, and/or modules from the other human geography pathway and/or a field trip.

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The Erasmus programme of Faculty VI offers you the opportunity to study abroad at 36 partner universities in 18 different countries.

No tuition fees

Trier University does not charge tuition fees. Students only have to pay a semester contribution of approx. 380 EUR for the first semester and 360 EUR from the second semester onwards. This includes the "Deutschlandticket", which covers public transport and local trains all over Germany. The contribution also benefits Trier Student Services and the student union. It also enables students to buy meals at reduced prices at the university's canteens.

Students should expect expenses of approx. 1,000 EUR per month. For instance, monthly housing costs are approx. 290 to 400 EUR (in a students' dormitory or a room in a shared flat) and 450 to 650 EUR (for a single apartment on the private market). A meal in the student cafeteria costs approx. 3.50 to 5 EUR.

In addition to the university's general enrolment regulations (only available in German), the following admission requirements apply:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree in a geography or social science programme
• proof of knowledge of the English language in accordance with § 4 paragraph 2 of the current enrolment regulations of the University of Trier

Applicants must prove their English language proficiency at level C1 based on the Common European Framework through one of the following tests. The test must have been taken within the last three years:

• TOEFL (Code 9208): at least 215 points (computer-based) or 550 points (paper-based) or 80 points (Internet-based)
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) / C1 Advanced
• IELTS (at least 6.5 points in the overall score)
• UNIcert III

Applicants are exempt from providing above proof of English language proficiency if at least one of the following conditions is met:

• Native speaker coming from Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Malta
• Two years of full-time study in an English taught programme, undertaken within the past two years, in one of these countries: Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or Malta
• At least five school years of English in secondary education and at least five points in English at "Abitur" level (only Germany and Luxembourg)

Non-EU citizens:

• 15 January 2026 for the summer semester 2026 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2026/27)
• 31 May 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2027)

German citizens, EU citizens, and applicants with a BA or MA degree from a German university:

• 15 March 2026 for the summer semester 2026 (admission also valid for the winter semester 2026/27)
• 15 September 2026 for the winter semester 2026/27 (admission also valid for the summer semester 2027)

Trier University offers some funding opportunities for international students in the final stage of their degree programmes (maximum duration: six months). However, there are no funding opportunities within the university for the whole course of study or the first three semesters of the programme.

Students from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland enjoy unrestricted access to the German labour market. International students from other countries are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.

The Career Service of Trier University and the "Agentur für Arbeit" provide an online database for student jobs. Jobs offers can also be found on the website of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit": https://jobboerse.arbeitsagentur.de.

Additionally, some temporary student jobs can be found on the university's bulletin boards. However, many job offers will require at least some knowledge of German.

Accommodation is available in student halls of residence through the Student Services Office (Studierendenwerk Trier: http://www.studiwerk.de) or on the private market (e.g. http://www.hunderttausend.de). Monthly housing costs are approx. 290 to 400 EUR (for a basic dorm room with a shared bathroom) and 450 to 650 EUR (for a single apartment on the private market).

Trier University's Career Service offers special information sessions and workshops in English for international students planning to start their career in Germany after finishing their degree. A career mentoring programme brings students in contact with local enterprises and alumni.

More information can be found here: www.career-international.de.

Orientation Seminar: "Quick Start" (free of charge):

• Support with all formalities at the start of your studies
• Information: work and residence permit in Germany, financing your studies/scholarships, health insurance and healthcare system in Germany
• Networking opportunities: overview of organisations and useful contacts for international students at Trier University & meeting with other students during social/cultural events
• Orientation on campus and in the city: guided tour on campus and in the city centre
• Workshops:  Understanding Cultural Similarities and Differences, Academic Writing, Studying Successfully, Presenting Successfully, Digital Learning and Communication

German as a foreign language: Courses at all levels A1 to C1 (free of charge)

With an open eye for individual and society...

... we create innovation.

... we share knowledge.

... we bridge borders.

Trier University was founded in 1473, and it reopened in 1970 as a modern campus university. Built on a high plateau overlooking the Moselle River and surrounded by luscious green nature, it is said to be one of Germany's most beautiful campuses. Faculty and departmental buildings are connected by bridges and grouped around the forum and the central library.
Trier University has a strong focus on the humanities, social sciences, and economics, but it is also steadily strengthening its information science and environmental science programmes. There are six faculties that together cover more than 30 subject areas. Many research projects are interdisciplinary in nature and embedded in global networks.
With its roughly 1,200 employees and 10,500 students (including about 14% international students), Trier University embraces contrast: young yet true to tradition, internationally oriented yet regionally rooted, and at the geographic edge of Germany but in the heart of Europe.

http://www.uni-trier.de

Mission statement: https://www.uni-trier.de/en/university/about-trier-university/translate-to-englisch-leitbild

Trier is situated in the western part of the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate in the Moselle Valley. The city is proud of its rich history, which is reflected in its museums and its many historical sites. Thanks to its landmarks, the Porta Nigra, the Trier Cathedral, and other significant architectural monuments, Germany's oldest city was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Today's cityscape is a fusion of history and modern lifestyle, not least characterised by a vibrant student life. With bars, cafés, and a colourful range of cultural offerings and festivals, Trier is a tourist attraction with international appeal and a beautiful place for the city's 110,000 residents to live.
The economy of the city is characterised by a few major enterprises and many medium-sized businesses. Trier is in the heart of Europe, as evidenced by its proximity to Luxembourg, which is an important financial centre and the site of several EU institutions, as well as its proximity to France and Belgium. Nine twin towns and cities across Europe, Asia, and the USA attest to Trier's international orientation.

http://www.trier.de