Compare 10 Master of Science Programs in Human Geography

The Master Urban Geography provides students with a deeper understanding of global and local processes that shape cities across the world. In our programme, we study processes of urbanization, urban inequality and every day urban life through a geographical lens, exploring how seemingly global phenomena take on place-specific forms and contribute to place-specific social and spatial challenges. You will thus learn to study cities not only from the perspective of the global, but also from the perspective of the local.

The 21st century will undoubtedly be an urban age. Cities are celebrated as key engines for innovation and economic growth in the global economy and have also been rediscovered as attractive places to live, work and play. Local housing markets are attracting international investment and gentrification is revitalizing formerly run-down urban areas. Yet, this representation of urban life and cities as places of infinite opportunities is only one side of the story. It is increasingly clear that not all cities share in this success story. Urbanization is, in fact, highly uneven and urban economic growth even more so. Moreover, we see growing disparities within cities. Processes of polarisation, segregation, fragmentation and privatisation of the urban landscape form substantial political and social challenges for urban governments and local residents.... [-]

The Master Political Geography focuses on three core themes: geopolitics, globalisation and governance. By examining these concepts, political geographies in our current globalised world are analysed and researched. Theories and methods in political geography are thoroughly studied before a thesis project in the field is conducted.

The Master's in Political Geography focuses on three core concepts (geopolitics, globalisation and governance) to explore the political geographies of our globalising world. These pertain to the dynamics of the spatialities of politics, including domestic politics, international relations and transnational politics, and how they can be understood through key geographical concepts such as territory, place, scale and network.... [-]

The Master Environmental Geography focuses on the relationship between humans and their ecosystem. Environmental challenges can be approached from different perspectives, which are analysed while taking spatial dynamics into account. You will examine the consequences of environmental changes on both local and global economies and study international climate change governance.

The Master's in Environmental Geography focuses on human-ecosystem interactions and is well-placed to throw light on the daunting environmental challenges facing our planet. It could be argued that we have gone beyond the earth’s carrying capacity and are approaching planetary boundaries. Other arguments hold that human ingenuity will equip us to deal with new challenges in the future. This programme focuses on the relationship between humans and their ecosystems. This is done by taking a strong spatial perspective and researching the impact of both global and local environmental change on humans.... [-]

The Master Economic Geography focuses on how the globalised economy has affected the lives of people in different parts of the world. Processes of globalisation are deeply intertwined with changes in communication and transport technologies as well as with policies of de- and re-regulation. We will not only explore economic aspects of increasingly globalised production networks, but also their social impact.

Global economic integration has profoundly affected the lives of increasing numbers of people around the world, from Amsterdam to Phnom Penh and Mumbai to New York. Economic Geography at the UvA emphasizes the role of the institutional framework and its distinctive set of social and political relations to understand the rapidly changing global division of labour and ongoing struggles over power, profit, and socio-economic rights. The Master's in Economic Geography adopts a multi-scalar approach to global production networks - exploring the local, national and global level of dynamic interconnections enabled by communication and transport technologies, labour migration and outsourcing, as well as state policies of de- and re-regulation. ... [-]

The Master Human Geography at the University of Amsterdam has a focus on urban and political geographies. The programme offers four specialisations: Economic Geography, Environmental Geography, Political Geography and Urban Geography.

Geography is all about studying people, space and place - and Amsterdam is the perfect place to do that. First of all the city of Amsterdam itself is the perfect location and junction to study, explore, experience geography. Secondly, the University of Amsterdam, a major research university, offers a Master’s programme taught by one of the highest ranked geography departments in continental Europe. Last but not least, the Graduate School of Social Sciences (GSSS) of Amsterdam provides a vibrant and international academic community. The GSSS values diversity in both research and academic content, academic staff and student population.... [-]

Are you interested in population issues like ageing, integration of migrants and poverty? The MSc Population Studies trains you in theories, methods and skills needed to comprehend population dynamics.

Essential to understanding population dynamics is the study of the demographic behaviour of people, in terms of their life events, e.g. birth, marriage, divorce, health, migration, and death. The master programme focuses on these demographic events, on how decision-making regarding these life events is influenced by the historical, economic, societal, cultural, and medical context, and on how these demographic events have an impact on population-level trends.

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Human Geography covers a wide range of topics – from environmental and landscape changes to planetary urbanisation and economic crises. The scope of the subject is such that it will give you an excellent scientific base that can easily be combined with other academic subjects.

The Master’s programme in Human Geography aims to provide students with:

This programme enables you to gain first hand theoretical and practical skills in complex issues and technical systems within the area of environmental sciences, physical geography and climate change. You will gain in-depth knowledge of environmental and climate systems, global environmental issues and global cycling, climatology and climatic change, ecosystems analysis, biogeophysics and geomorphology.

Courses and number of credits: Greenhouse Gases and Biogeochemical Cycles (15), Climate Change and its Impacts on the Environment (15), Ecosystem Modelling (15), Biosphere-atmosphere Interactions (15), Global Ecosystem Dynamics (15), Master’s degree thesis (30), electives (15).... [-]

Human Geography is a new Master’s program that starts in September 2017. It stems from the former Economic Geography and Urban Geography programs. You can specialize in one of the two fields by choosing a track:

Urban regions are bubbling, dynamic places where people get together and generate new ideas. They are breeding grounds for innovation and economic growth. Many people still move to the city, chasing their dreams: for a challenging career, a pleasant living environment, all the amenities within easy reach. And besides the local residents, large numbers of tourists visit the city seeking an entertaining stay.... [-]

Human Geography is a research field which focuses on studying the spatial behaviour of people, firms and organisations. Or, to put it simply, it is a study that observes the relationship between human activities and their spatial environment. Because it is an integrative discipline, Human Geography serves as an excellent platform for integrating knowledge from various related disciplines, such as Sociology, Psychology, International Relations, Economics, Business Administration and Development Studies.

In addition to a specialisation which is fully tailored to your personal interests, you can choose one of the following specialisations which we already prepared for you: You can choose a specialisation of the Master in Human Geography that best reflects your interests:... [-]