Human Geography and Sustainable Development (Master's)

About the study  

Our planet, cities, and local communities face environmental, social, and economic challenges. This programme gives you the competence to engage with global and local sustainability issues from a human geography perspective – emphasising relations between human behaviour, nature, and society. 

In the Master's programme in Human Geography and Sustainable Development, you will gain advanced knowledge in topics such as:

• Green restructuring of industries, in both urban and rural areas
• Urban and rural governance and planning
• Climate change adaptation/mitigation, environmental degradation, and natural hazards
• Global development, conflict, and migration
• Natural resource management, land use, and environmental governance

You will develop your skills in critical thinking, analysis and academic writing. You will have the opportunity to conduct fieldwork abroad or in Norway. You will learn how to plan and carry out collection and analysis of empirical data to form the basis for your Master’s thesis.  

You will learn how to write a research report within given time and resource limits.

Study environment 

At the Department of Geography, you will join an academic environment where both physical and human geographers are strongly represented, offering a unique interdisciplinary setting. As a master's student, you get access to a reading room at the department, and close contact with fellow students and professionals. Our social environment is informal and international. 

The programme has teaching in the form of lectures, seminar groups, laboratory and practical exercises, field courses and fieldwork. In addition, you must leave plenty of time for self-study and writing of the master's thesis. 

You can conduct your fieldwork in Norway or abroad at the end of the first year. It usually lasts 4–8 weeks, and you complete your 60 ECTS thesis in the second year. 

Career 

Typical jobs for human geographers include urban and local planning, regional development and environmental management within the public and private sectors. Many also work in organizations or NGOs, at home and abroad. Others have a career in consulting, research, or in the education sector. 

Geographers have an interdisciplinary background that makes them suitable for working in teams with people from different professional backgrounds. They have rigorous methodological training and are effective at problem solving and report writing. 

Bergen as a student city  

Bergen is the perfect city for geography studies, nestled "between the seven mountains". Here, the interplay of climate, landscape, and natural forces shapes urban and regional development, while a strong sense of place influences the city's growth and character. The university is conveniently located in the heart of Bergen, with a rich cultural scene, restaurants, and cafés. Additionally, the city's closeness to outdoor activities in the nearby mountains and easy train access to Voss for winter skiing make it an ideal location for students. With more than 200 student organizations, Bergen also has a vibrant and enriching student life.