The bachelor’s degree programme in geography can be started in Bonn each winter semester and is usually limited to a certain number of students. This means that you have to apply for a place early before you can enrol when a place has been confirmed. The course of study comprises a total of 180 credit points (LP), the standard period of study is six semesters.  The services to be rendered include for the most part courses in geography (138 LP). Details can be found in the module handbook and the corresponding study plan . In addition, 30 LP have to be completed in the non-subject-specific elective area of study (i.e. in modules from other subjects, which you have to take additionally during your studies). The course of studies ends with the Bachelor thesis, which counts 12 LP.

In Bonn, moduls are offered equally in physical geography and human geography. This means that you will complete your basic training in both sub-disciplines and therefore lectures and project seminars in both areas are obligatory. In addition, you are free to specialize in one sub-discipline within the framework of methodological and in-depth modules, or to choose a broad profile with courses from different areas. You don’t have to decide this at the beginning of your studies; courses are elected before the beginning of each semester and often special interests only develop during the course of your studies.

You can find more information on the GIUB homepage.

Course of Study

We would like to explain the course of studies in the major subject to you at this point.

In order to be able to take examinations at the end of the semester, you must register at the Examination Office within the deadline. You can do this between 9:30 and 12:00 in room 103. You can find the registration form on the GIUB website: Registration.

There is also written which documents you have to bring along. You must then register for the exams on the specified dates via BASIS (basis.uni-bonn.de). You can also find the registration deadlines on the website at: exam registration & dates.

On BASIS you register from the 2nd semester onwards for all your courses.

In BASIS you will also find the commented course catalogue. Here are all events with tables of contents and the current dates listed.

Course of studies in the Bachelor Geography

The Bachelor’s degree in Geography begins for all major students with the following modules, which lay the foundation for further seminars:

Module B0: Introduction to Geography
Module B1: Physical Geography Basis
Module B3: Human Geography Basis

The standard period of study for the Bachelor’s degree is six semesters. However, this time can be extended by internships or stays abroad – so don’t panic if you need a little longer! Therefore, the average duration of study in the Bachelor of Geography is 7.2 semesters.

During the course of study 180 credit points are to be earned, of which 12 credit points are allotted to the Bachelor thesis. In addition to geography, the course of study includes the non-specialized compulsory elective area. In the subject Geography 150 credit points must be earned, in the non-specialised compulsory elective area 30 LP. However, you only need to start thinking about the non-degree elective subject from the second or third semester onwards.

Subjects in non-subject-related Optional range:

It will recommended to take modules from the second or third semester of the non-specialized to occupy the mandatory elective area.

Information on the modules and contact persons who can help geographers in the non-degree elective area can be found on the website: Bachelor of Science Geography.

Sometimes registration is also necessary for the other subjects, so you should inform youself ahead of time about deadlines.

In the non-degree elective area, modules can be chosen from the following subjects:

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences:
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Earth Sciences     
  • Computer Science
  • Mathematics         
  • Meteorology
  • Physics
Faculty of Agriculture
  • Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences
  • Soil Science
  • Urban planning and development
Faculty Legal and State Science
  • Public Law
  • Economic Sciences (BWL/VWL)
  • Political Sciences
Faculty of Philosophy (possibly limited choice)
  • Altamerican Studies and Ethnology
  • Anglistics and American Studies (English Studies)
  • Archaeology 
  • History
  • Art History
  • Philosophy
  • Politic and Society Sciences
  • Romanistic Studies
  • Skandinavian Studies

The following study plan provides an orientation guide for planning your studies. However, modules from a previous possibly aborted study or services rendered abroad can also be credited here. Questions regarding this are answered by the study programme management. Alternative progression plans e.g. with Stays abroad are also available with us or Mrs. Giertz.

Study plan B.Sc. Geography
Language Courses

The election of language courses is also possible! Bachelor students of geography are allowed to take TWO language courses in the entire course of study. A language course is considered to be taken as soon as you have received approval for it.

The registration is done via BASIS (additional services/language modules). Language courses (and courses of the HRZ on key qualifications) can not can be credited in the non-subject elective area.

Application deadline of the SLZ:

1. Registration phase: not disclosed
2. Registration phase: not disclosed

Module Manual

Under Bachelor of Science Geography you can find the current module handbook on the website of the Institute of Geography. There you will find information about the contents, learning goals, study and examination achievements of the modules.