Human Geography: Globalisation, Media and Culture (M.A.)

(English-language degree)

The most important facts at a glance:

Degree:

Master of Arts (M.A)

Standard period of studies:

4 semesters

Start:

Winter semester

Admission restrictions:

Open admission

Application:

You find information on the application procedure for international students here.

Language of instruction: English

Proof of German proficiency unnecessary

Deadlines:

Winter semester: April 1 - September 1

Required Bachelor's degree:

Geography (B.Sc.)

or a related discipline within the Social
Sciences, Cultural Studies or the Humanities

Homepage:

Geographisches Institut

Faculty:

Faculty 09: Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences Geography and Geosciences

Accreditation:

The accreditation of study programmes for Bachelor and Master Degrees constitutes as a precondition for the granting of state approval.

For further information, please follow the link: https://www.blogs.uni-mainz.de/fb09student-advising-office-geography/ma_humangeography

Subject Matter

Our MA programme “Human Geography: Globalisation, Media, and Culture” offers a critical human geographic perspectives on an entangled globalised world as well as a thorough engagement with current debates relating to globalisation, (digital) media and culture. In our seminars we combine theoretical debates and empirical research practice and insights into a range of different research methods, techniques and practical skills e. g. the production of short films, podcasts or blogs. Our institute provides you with an exciting teaching and research environment complemented by international visiting scholars and experts. Within your studies, you have the chance to design and carry out your own empirical research project during an on-site workshop. Studying with us provides you with augmented career opportunities due to a mobility window to study abroad or to do an internship in a professional field of your choice. We are looking forward to highly motivated applicants who want to explore the world through the lenses of Human, Cultural and Media Geography

Applications can be submitted by 1 September of each year. Should you have any queries, please contact us at the Institute of Geography (GloMCu@geo.uni-mainz.de).

Course Structure

The Master’s programme is structured into modules (120 credit points). They are divided into eight modules.

  • Module 1: Globalisation Geography
  • Module 2: Cultural Geography
  • Module 3: Media Geography
  • Module 4: Lecture Series
  • Module 5: Current Debates on Globalisation, Media & Culture
  • Module 6: Human Geography in Practice
  • Module 7: Specialisation
  • Module 8: Research Workshop
  • Module 9: Professional Skills & Specialisation
  • Module 10: Research Skills
  • Module 11: Master Thesis

Master entrance requirements

  • Students must be able to present proof of having completed a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent degree either at a university in Germany or abroad:
    • a) in the subject of geography/ human geography with at least 130 credit points in geography modules
    • b) in the subject of geography with a physical-geographical focus or with less than 130 credit points in a geography-relevant subject or in the field of cultural or social science.

In the case of letter b), the examination board will decide on the geography relevance. If your degree fits to letter b) then you will be admitted to the program on the condition that you complete additional examinations and coursework from the bachelor’s degree in Geography amounting to a maximum of 30 credit points. The examination board will decide on the modules for which you are required to complete extra work. These achievements are not part of the master’s. If you fail to fulfill this requirement within the first year of the program, you will not usually be able to continue your degree. You will not be able to re-register for the next semester.

  • Proof of required English skills.
  1. Proof that you have a degree in an English-language degree program according to number 1
  2. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with at least 213 points (computer-based test, CBT), 79 (internet-based test, IBT), 550 (paper-based test, PBT)
  3. IELTS with at least 5.5 points
  4. First Certificate in English (University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations) or a higher level (Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE))
  5. TELC English B2.

The testing date must not date back more than three years at the time of the application deadline. If the applicant is unable to provide such proof at the time of application, the applicant may be admitted on the condition that he or she will submit the certificate with the required results by the end of the first semester. If proof is not provided on time or if the score does not meet the requirements, admission will be rescinded. For the Master’s programme “Human Geography: Globalization, Media, and Culture” German skills are not required.

Studying Abroad

When students study abroad, they usually either spend a semester or an entire year at a foreign university. This can be organised individually, meaning students can select a university abroad that suits them best and can then either finance their studies themselves or via an established programme (e.g. ERASMUS) or via a state-sponsored student support programme for studying abroad.

Internships

Internships are a great opportunity to bridge academic and professional life. We encourage our students to do internships, be it within the curriculum or extra-curricular. As a broadcasting hub, Mainz provides plenty of opportunities for suitable internships: in media outlets, cultural institutions or corporations. However, you are not bound to Mainz. In the past our students have completed internships in cities like Berlin, Munich or Hamburg. Working for prestigious agencies, helping to film a feature length-documentary or work alongside reputable research teams. International internships are also possible: Our Alumni have gone to Los Angeles, Gothenburg or Montréal.

For more information on internships in Germany and abroad, please refer to our Career Service portal.

Foreign language skills and additional information

The ability to think abstractly is crucial for a successful degree in human geography. Students should be familiar with modern technology and well-experienced with computers.

Information

The International Office offers counselling for international students about the application process and general information.

The Academic Advisory Office offers specific information on the subject (List available in German only).

The Student representatives give information from a student perspective (List available in German only).

Fields of work

As a graduate with a Masters degree in Human Geography: Globalisation, Media and Culture job opportunities and fields of work are plentiful. We aim to give some examples in the following section but want to emphasize that many more possibilities are on the table:

Public relations, Business Development, Research, Human Resources, Filmmaking, Consulting, Communications, Project Management or Marketing. Graduates of our programme work in NGOs, media outlets, municipalities, the government, at university, consulting firms, digital agencies, publishers and many more.

You can find a database with current information on the field of activity here: www.berufenet.arbeitsagentur.de