Courses and programmes

At the Department of Human Geography you can study Geography, Human Geography and Urban and Regional Planning. We offer education at the undergraduate, advanced, and doctoral levels.

Photo: Anders Rickegård, Stockholm University.

The Department of Human Geography provides two bachelor's programmes, three master's programmes and one post-graduate programme as well as a number of courses in geography, human geography and urban and regional planning. In addition, the Department participates in several programmes and courses for which other departments are primarily responsible. We offer two bachelor's programs, one in human geography and one in urban planning. Both programs provide you with the qualifications to continue with advanced studies, as well as prepare you for a broad job market. Additionally, it is possible to study abroad as part of the program studies.

More about our subjects

Foto: Anders Rickegård


We offer two bachelor's programmes, one in Human Geography and one in Urban and Regional planning. Both programmes provide you with the qualifications to continue with advanced studies, as well as prepare you for a broad job market. The bachelor's programmes start every fall.

Bachelor's programme in Human Geography – Society, Environment and Global Processes, 180 credits

In the bachelor's program in human geography, you learn to analyze current social issues and gain knowledge on topics such as global environmental changes, food supply, migration, segregation, and urban development. In the final semester, you learn to apply your new knowledge in a practical project. The program comprises 120 credits in human geography and 60 credits in elective courses.

You can also earn a bachelor's degree in human geography by taking freestanding courses. For a bachelor's degree, 180 credits are required, of which at least 90 credits must be in the main subject of human geography, including a 15-credit degree project.

More about degrees in Human Geography


Bachelor's programme in Urban and Regional Planning, 180 credits

During your studies, you will gain knowledge and skills in urban and regional planning, as well as the opportunity to specialize in various sub-areas. The education is interdisciplinary with a primarily social science perspective. This means that social, economic, and physical aspects are integrated. The program comprises 90 credits in urban planning, 30 credits in economics or statistics, 30 credits at our university or one of our collaborating departments (see which ones on the program page), and 30 credits of elective courses.

Free standing courses at the undergraduate level

At the undergraduate level, we offer several courses as freestanding. What they are and what they contain can be seen in the course catalogue at the bottom of the page.

We offer three programs at the advanced level: human geography, urban and regional planning, and globalization. They provide you with in-depth knowledge and prepare you for both a broad job market and doctoral education. As part of the program studies, there is also the opportunity to study abroad. The programs are taught in English and start every fall.

Foto: Anders Rickegård


Master's Programme in Human Geography, 120 credits

In the Master's programme, you will gain advanced knowledge in Human Geography, with the opportunity to tailor your education according to your specific interests within the field. The program is two years long, with 60 credits consisting of mandatory courses, 45 credits elective, and 15 credits optional.

Photo: MostPhotos


Master's Programme in Urban and Regional Planning, 120 credits

The programme provides you with advanced knowledge within the subject area from an international perspective. Among other things, you have the opportunity to develop critical thinking regarding planning theories and apply methods. The program is two years long, with 60 credits consisting of mandatory courses, 45 credits elective, and 15 credits optional.

Foto: Peter Kinlund


Master's Programme in Globalization, Environment and Social Change, 180 credits

During the program, you will gain advanced knowledge in the field. You have the opportunity to combine theory and practice and explore the relationship between globalization, the environment, and social change through your own fieldwork. The program is two years long, with 90 credits consisting of mandatory courses, 15 credits elective, and 15 credits optional.

Free-standing courses at the Master's Level

At the Master's level, we offer several courses as freestanding. What they are and what they contain can be seen in the course catalogue at the bottom of the page.

The department offers a Post-Graduate Programme in Geography with a Specialization in Human Geography. The programme consists of four years of full-time studies and is usually combined with departmental service for a year. The studies includes writing a doctoral thesis and courses. As a doctoral student, you are usually employed at the department.

Post-Graduate Programme in Geography with a Specialization in Human Geography

Bachelor's level

Bachelor's Programme in Geography, 180 credits (In Swedish)
Bachelor's Programme in Global Development, 180 credits (In Swedish)
Bachelor's Programme in Cultural Studies, 180 credits (In Swedish)

Master's level

The International Master's programme in Environmental Social Science can lead to a master's degree in Human Geography with a focus on Environmental Social Science studies. The programme is given in English and the Department of Political Science is the hosting department.

Another option is the Master's programme in Medieval studies with a specialization in Human Geography, which leads to a master's degree in the main field of Human Geography. The Master's programme in Medieval Studies is partly taught in Swedish and the host institution is the Department of History.

International Master's Programme in Environmental Social Science, 120 credits (Department of Political Science)

Master's programme in Medieval Studies, 120 credits (Department of History)

Do you want to take a new step in life and deepen (or refresh) your knowledge? An education can be the start of a journey towards a new direction in your career or even a completely new job. At the Department of Cultural Geography, there are many courses that may suit you if you want to acquire new knowledge in the middle of your life. We offer various courses at both the undergraduate and advanced levels. The selection of courses varies between the fall and spring semesters. You can find the list of courses and their content below.

Geography teachers are trained within the Teacher Secondary School/Supplementary Teacher Education at Stockholm University and at universities of applied sciences, for example the Swedish School of Sports and Health Sciences (GIH), where geography studies take place at Stockholm University.

Teacher Education at Stockholm University
Teacher training at the Swedish School of Sports and Health Sciences (GIH) (In Swedish)

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Course catalogue

Last updated: 2026-01-27

Source: Department of Human Geography