Human Geography: Globalisation, Media, and Culture

Overview

This English‑taught Master of Arts in the social sciences explores contemporary human geography with a focus on globalisation, media, and culture. The programme examines how space and place are shaped by cultural practices, digital and analogue media, and technological change. Teaching combines theoretical debates with hands‑on empirical work so you learn to analyse the entanglements of people, environment, technology and media—from questions of environmental justice and geoethics to human–environment interactions and “more‑than‑human” perspectives on everyday life.

You will be trained in a range of research approaches (qualitative methods, ethnography, audiovisual techniques) within an interdisciplinary setting that draws on geography, social sciences and the humanities. Seminars tackle timely topics—how global and local processes interact, how place‑making unfolds today, and how media reshape identities and perceptions of place—while a programme environment enriched by international visiting scholars supports research and debate around global challenges.

Who should apply / key facts

• Degree: Master of Arts (Social Sciences)
• Language of instruction: English
• Suited to applicants interested in critical human‑geographic perspectives on globalisation, media and culture
• Willingness to engage with theoretical debates and practical empirical methods (qualitative research, ethnography, audiovisual methods)
• Interest in interdisciplinary approaches drawing on geography, social sciences and the humanities
• Motivated to explore questions such as place‑making, the local/global nexus, media’s role in identity and perception, and “more‑than‑human” frameworks in everyday life

This MA combines theoretical foundations and hands‑on practice, with a strong emphasis on empirically grounded work and critical reflection. Core teaching covers social and geographical theory, research methods, and media‑related approaches, while several modules are research‑led and linked to active projects in the department. Practical media training—such as camera and editing techniques, blogging and a range of digital methods—is embedded in the curriculum, and students are encouraged to reflect on their own international and personal experiences as part of learning.

The programme is organised across four semesters with clearly defined milestones. In semester 1 you take core topics such as Globalisation Geography, Cultural Geography and Media Geography alongside a lecture series on current debates in globalisation, media and culture. Semester 2 moves into applied work with Human Geography in Practice, a specialisation pathway, a Media Geography lecture series and the first Research Workshop. Semester 3 focuses on professional skills, further specialisation, research skills development and Research Workshop Part 2. The fourth semester is dedicated to the Master’s thesis.

By the end of the degree you will be able to design and carry out independent empirical research (including a field‑based research stay), apply contemporary social and geographical theories, use a suite of media and digital methods for analysis and communication, and articulate reflexive accounts of cultural and global processes. You also gain professional skills to present research and to pursue disciplinary or applied careers. For the final thesis you are encouraged to work with a supervisor whose thematic and regional expertise aligns with your project.

Requirements and key components

• Core modules in social and geographical theories and methodologies (compulsory)
• Key modules: Globalisation Geography; Cultural Geography; Media Geography; Human Geography in Practice
• Research training: Research Workshop Part 1 and Part 2; Research Skills
• Media and methods workshops: camera and editing techniques, blogging, diverse digital methods
• Lecture series on Current Debates in Globalisation, Media & Culture (across semesters)
• Specialisation options and elective courses to shape your individual focus
• Empirical research project conducted during a research stay/field trip
• Master’s thesis supervised by a faculty member with matching thematic/regional expertise

Graduates leave with advanced analytical and practical research skills suited to roles that require expertise in cultural, media and spatial analysis. Typical directions include research and policy positions, roles in NGOs and international organisations, cultural institutions and think tanks, as well as positions in media, urban and regional planning where qualitative and audiovisual methods are valued.

The degree also provides a solid foundation for academic careers and further research (PhD), given its emphasis on research design, empirical methods and interdisciplinary theory.