FAQ

Prospective Students

Geography is the study of the spatial relationships between physical, ecological, and social factors. Geography is a multidisciplinary field that incorporates the Social Sciences. Earth System Science is concerned with the connections within a system or between two systems, thereby facilitating an interdisciplinary comprehension of numerous subjects. Its focus leans more towards the Natural Sciences – Biology, Chemistry and Physics. 

Although there is no typical job title for Geographers or Earth System Scientists, career prospects are good. There are many different career paths, as a survey of graduates shows. More information

To be eligible for admission, you must have a Bachelor's degree that is equivalent to our Bachelor's programme. More information 

Starting the Geography program in the spring semester is possible, but it requires careful planning. In general, most second-semester modules can be taken. However, in the physical geography track, it is recommended to complete GEO 121 only after taking GEO 111, as GEO 111 provides an overview and essential foundational knowledge. The same applies to ESS 122/123, which requires prior completion of ESS 111.

Overview of the study program

If you have previously studied at another university and earned ECTS Credits, you can submit a request for credit transfer. Credits will not be transferred automatically. Further information on how to proceed can be found at the Office of Student Affairs.

The consecutive master’s minor program is tailored individually in collaboration with the student advisory office, taking the student’s interests into account. To plan this program, please schedule a consultation

Registered students

Administrative matters are dealt with at different levels.  For an overview,

It is best to choose modules based on your interests and what may be useful for your future career. You can also search for keywords in the course catalog. Many Geography and Earth System Science (ESS) students take modules in areas such as politics, environmental studies, GEO, or ESS. Internships, tutoring, and excursions are also popular options.

You can find a list of geography elective modules in the course catalog.

In general, all modules from UZH or ETH (both Bachelor’s and Master’s level) can be credited as electives. Exceptions include sports modules and a maximum of 4 ECTS for language courses from the UZH Language Center. Modules that have already been credited toward a Bachelor’s degree cannot be counted again.

During your Bachelor, up to 10 additional ECTS credits can be credited to each study unit (major and minor). These credits can include UZH and ETH modules, as well as language courses from the UZH and ETH language centers. A maximum of four ECTS credits can be awarded for language courses (BSc and MSc combined). Only full modules qualify (i.e., not individual courses or half modules), and compulsory modules cannot be excluded from the calculation. Additional ECTS credits are listed on the final transcript as "Academic Achievement Not Counted Toward Degree" and are not included in the final average grade calculation. These credits may be recognized by other study programmes, such as your Master's programme.

All Excursions offered by GIUZ, including dates and registration details are listed here

To reduce stress when facing multiple exams, it helps to review material regularly during the semester, join study groups, and explain or quiz each other on the content. Useful resources such as the Geofiles from the Geo Team can also support your learning.

On exam days light meals, brief relaxation exercises, and consciously mentally closing the past exams before starting the next one can help maintain focus.

If exam anxiety or stress is significant, the UZH Psychological Counseling Service offers targeted support and training. More information (Verlinkung zu unseren Tipps)

If you have obtained 120 ECTS credits in your Bachelor's degree program, you may register for a Master's module of up to 30 ECTS credits during your Bachelor's degree program. Important: Do not count these modules toward your Bachelor's degree, as you can only use your ECTS for one degree. 

The degree is not automatically issued upon completion of all the necessary ECTS credits. Students must submit an online request to obtain their degree. If all requirements are met, the corresponding title will be validated at the next Committee for Student Affairs meeting of the Faculty of Science, provided that the application was submitted at least four weeks before the meeting. Otherwise, the diploma will be issued after the next meeting. 

Next meetings

If you are enrolled in a course at UZH, you are automatically registered for the exam. The deadlines for booking and cancelling modules are published in the University of Zurich’s course catalogue (online). If you do not attend an exam without deregistering, this counts as a failed attempt unless you have a valid reason. 

Within the relevant cancellation periods you can withdraw from modules that you have booked. Please note that once the cancellation period has elapsed, your bookings are deemed to be binding, and you are obligated to complete the associated assessments. If you do not complete the relevant assessment, you are deemed to have failed. 

If you attend classes at ETH, you usually have to register for their exam. 

In the UZH course catalog, the “Course features” section of each class indicates whether it is recorded.

Exercises are generally not recorded and require in-person attendance.

Yes, module credit points can be “divided” between the two areas (core electives and electives). At the end of the study period, it is important that all criteria, i.e., all requirements, are met and that sufficient credit points have been earned.