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• I am studying “Global Change and Sustainability”. How do I change to the new Master's degree program “Geographies of Global Change and Sustainability Transformation” or to the new “Physical Geography: Environmental Dynamics and Sustainability"?

  This is considered a "change of study programme". Please apply for admission to the new degree programme within the deadlines (different dates depending on your citizenship). After successful admission, you will be automatically deregistered from your old degree program. It is not necessary or advisable to deregister yourself in advance.

  Please note that changing your study programme may have implications for student grants, financial aid, visas and residence permits.
• Can I study “Geography: Global Change and Sustainability” and the new Master's degree program “Geographies of Global Change and Sustainability Transformation” in parallel?

  No, that is not possible. The two programs are considered “congruent” due to the high degree of overlap. After successful admission to the new Master's program, you will be automatically deregistered from the old Master's program.
• Do other admission requirements apply when changing to a new degree program?

  Yes, the current admission requirements according to the curriculum (QZB - qualitative admission requirements) apply to the new degree program - including the required language certificates (A2 German, B2 English). The conditions of the old degree program, including any supplementary examinations, no longer apply as soon as you have been admitted to the new degree program.
• By when must the QZB (qualitative admission requirements) be fulfilled?

  The QZB must be fulfilled before applying for approval. No approval is possible without fulfillment.
• How do I know if I fulfill the QZB?

  It is not possible for us to carry out a preliminary examination. Please submit an application for admission - the examination will then be carried out by the responsible study program director. You will find a detailed description of the QZB in the curriculum. Compare this with your previous academic achievements to get a rough assessment.
• What happens if I do not (yet) fulfill the QZB?

  In this case, there would be the possibility of an extraordinary admission in order to make up for the missing requirements.
• I am thinking about switching from my previous Master's degree in Geography to the new Master's degree in Geographies. Does that make sense?

  This depends on your interests. There are two new specializations in the new Master's in Geographies (Urban Studies and Spatial Research and Planning) that you could choose by switching. If you are already well advanced in your current degree course, it is usually not worth switching because you would then have to take additional courses that were not available in your old degree course.

  Please note that changing your study programme may have implications for student grants, financial aid, visas and residence permits.
• How long can I complete my previous studies?

  You have until 31.10.2027 to complete your current studies. All necessary courses will be offered until then - possibly in an equivalent form. The expiring Master's in Spatial Research and Cartography will automatically be transferred to the new curriculum from 1.11.2027. For the Master's in Geography, active re-registration for the new Master's in Geography or Physical Geography is required.
• Will the courses I have completed so far be recognized?

  There will be recognition lists for the individual fields of study - these are currently being prepared. The majority of courses already completed will be recognized. However, depending on how far you have progressed in your studies so far, you will still have to catch up on courses in the new curricula (compare the curricula). We therefore recommend changing your study programme only if you have not yet completed many courses in your current programme.

  Please note that changing your study programme may have implications for student grants, financial aid, visas and residence permits.