Study programmes of the Earth Sciences Department

Here you will find further information on the study programmes of offered at the institutes belonging to the Earth Sciences Department.

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© Volker Lannert / Universität Bonn

Bachelor of Science

Master of Science

The study of geography represents the bridge between the natural and social sciences. It is divided into two main disciplines, physical geography and human geography. Sub-topics of physical geography include geomorphology (the study of surface forms), soil science, hydrology, climatology and vegetation geography. Human geography includes urban development, settlement, cultural, social and economic geography.

Here you can find more information about the Bachelor of Geography at the Department of Geography.

The Master's degree programme in Geography offers a specialisation in four fields of study: Development and Globalisation, Governance and Space, Environmental Systems in Transition and Water in Global Change. The programme includes an internship, an excursion and a research project.


The Master of Science (M.Sc.) Geography of Environmental Risks and Human Security is offered jointly by the United Nations University - Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) and the Institute of Geography at the University of Bonn as an international degree programme with a research-oriented profile. The programme offers an in-depth introduction to problem-oriented research methods, theories and concepts as well as to real challenges and problems faced by international and UN organisations.


The interfaculty Master's programme in Nature Conservation and Landscape Ecology places the socially defined goals of nature conservation in the light of new landscape ecology research. The programme aims to impart nature conservation expertise and to critically develop nature conservation concepts against the backdrop of rapid global change.


Further information on the Master's programme at the Institute of Geography.

Geosciences explain and explore the development of the earth and life since its begining until today. The focus is on current issues relating to global climate change, environmental influences and risks as well as the availability of water and raw materials.

The diverse study topics include the areas of geology, palaeontology, geochemistry/petrology and geophysics. Within the geoscientific specialisation, the focus is on practical and research-oriented training in the field, in the laboratory and on the computer.

Here you can find further information about the Bachelor of Geosciences at the Institute of Geosciences.

In the geosciences the different master's degree programmes are offered: Palaeontology, Geology and Geochemistry/Petrology.

Here you can find further information about the master's degree programmes.

The focus of meteorology and geophysics (MuG) - two disciplines within the earth sciences with a strong physical and mathematical orientation - is on recording, analysing and predicting physical processes and procedures of the earth system. By combining the two, it is possible to model important exchange processes between the atmosphere, ocean and solid earth and to formulate and address questions of current climate and environmental research.

Here you can find more information about the Bachelor's degree in Meteorology and Geophysics at the Institute of Earth Sciences.

The Bachelor's degree in Meteorology and Geophysics is followed by the Master of Science in Atmospheric Physics. In this strongly research-oriented degree programme, the focus can be placed on both meteorology and geophysics. The programme is offered in cooperation with the MSc. PEA at the University of Cologne.
In addition, an international double degree program consisting of PEA and GNRR is offered in cooperation with the University of Padua (Italy) for a limited number of students of the Master's program Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere.

Further information on the Master's programme at the Institute of Geosciences.

Based on the cooperation agreement with the University of Padua (Italy), a limited number of students of the Master's degree program Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere have the opportunity to acquire the academic degree “Laurea Magistrale” in the degree program Geophysics for Natural Risks and Resources at the University of Padua in addition to the academic degree “Master of Science” at the University of Bonn.
Application for the double degree requires enrollment in PEA in Bonn or in GNRR in Padua.

Further information on the double degree at the Institute of Geosciences.

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Teaching profession

Accompanying subject

A teacher training programme is possible in the field of geography. The Bachelor's programme focuses on the acquisition of subject-specific knowledge. Further specialisation in subject didactics follows in the Master of Education Geography.

Here you can find further information on the Bachelor's degree programme in Geography and the Master of Education Geography.

Here you can find further information on the Bachelor's Teacher Training Programme in Geography and the Master of Education in Geography.

Against the background of the traditionally close links between geography in Bonn and the humanities and social sciences, geography offers a complementary degree programme to the core subjects of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. The aim of the programme is to impart initial basic knowledge of both subject-specific and methodological aspects.

Here you can find further information on Geography as an accompanying subject in the Bachelor of Arts programme.

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