Economic Geography, Innovation and Sustainability
(Master of Science)
Profile
German HZB: none
International application: German B2
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Stay abroad possible, but not obligatory.
Short Description
All economies are facing a profound transformation towards environmental and socio-economic sustainability. Both Germany and the EU are pursuing an innovation-driven path to environmental sustainability, since innovation is the main driver of regional competitiveness. However, innovation tends to exacerbate socio-economic inequalities. The resulting social and regional disparities lead to exclusion and significantly slow down the transformation towards sustainability – from the small scale to the global scale.
The degree programme therefore provides knowledge on spatially differentiated approaches to environmental and socio-economic sustainability – with a deliberately global perspective and a conscious focus on the emergence and complex effects of innovations. The aim of the degree programme is not only to impart theoretical knowledge, but also to closely integrate practical skills throughout the course. This ensures that students are well prepared to enter the job market.
The strong international orientation is a unique feature of the programme: regular block seminars with internationally renowned academics are scheduled for all students, as well as a period of study or internship abroad or a project study with an international focus in the third semester. In addition to the master’s degree in Hannover, some students can also obtain a double degree from the University of Groningen.
Course Content
- Theoretical approaches of economic geography
- Innovation management and policy
- Adoption, diffusion and implementation of sustainability innovations
- Socio-geographical perspectives on sustainability
- Quantitative and qualitative empirical methods, project work
- Strategies for sustainable development
- Economic geographic practice
- Specialist supplementary modules in business or planning
The course structure of the Master’s programme in Economic Geography, Innovation and Sustainability is characterised by the structured and sequential teaching of core competencies in economic geography as well as the possibility of individual and interest-oriented profile development. The programme is roughly divided into four phases.
The first semester focuses on the fundamentals of content and methodology. In the second semester, the newly acquired knowledge and methodological skills are put into practice. The international and intercultural perspective is expanded in the third semester through various modules such as a period of study or internship abroad. The Master of Science degree is awarded on the basis of the master’s thesis in the fourth semester.
In addition to the four compulsory modules (Theories, Sustainability Issues, Methods, Project), options exist, for example, in the compulsory elective modules “Economic Geography in Practice” and in the choice of specialisation – either Economics or Planning (with further options there).
Applicants should have an interest in academic and empirical work. A proactive working style is an advantage, as are analytical and conceptual thinking skills. Teamwork, discussions and presentations are a core component of the degree programme, so strong communication skills and an open mind are an asset.
- Consultancy (e.g. policy, start-up, technology and funding consultancy)
- Business development
- Mobility concepts / transport planning / digitalisation
- Site and market analysis
- Applied research
- See also the regular Economic Geography Alumni Surveys
Admission Requirements
An undergraduate degree in a related field of study, such as
- Economics and Management (Bachelor of Science)
- Geography (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science)
- Political Science (Bachelor of Arts)
- Social Sciences (Bachelor of Arts)
For master's degree programmes with restricted admission, places shall be allocated according to the university’s own selection procedure, if there are more applicants fulfilling the admission requirements than there are places available. The exact admission requirements can be found in the admission regulations:
Application Deadlines
First-year students from Germany and the EU
- 1 June – 15 July of the year for the winter semester
First-year students from non-EU countries (VPD from uni-assist is required)
- 15 April – 31 May of the year for the winter semester
Students resuming their studies and transfer students from Germany and the EU (application in a higher semester)
- 1 June – 15 July of the year for the winter semester
- 1 December – 15 January of the year for the summer semester
Students resuming their studies and transfer students from non-EU countries (application in a higher semester)
- 15 April – 31 May of the year for the winter semester
- 15 October – 30 November of the previous year for the summer semester
Do you have questions about studying? We are happy to help!
30167 Hannover
30167 Hannover
