The study plan is the most important document for studying geography. It legally addresses important questions such as admission requirements, program scope, assessments, failing grades, passing criteria, etc. All students are required to read it. It can be found here.
The current timetable is available under "Courses." In the introductory program (first year), all courses are mandatory, so the timetable is predetermined. In the advanced BSc (after the first year) and MSc programs, you have more flexibility to choose courses from the timetable. Note that some courses are offered on a two-year rotation. It is advisable to plan your studies using the overview of "Course Units" (Leistungseinheiten), the annotated course catalogue and similar documents from your minor.
Course registration is done through CTS (KSL). You can find courses using the course search, add them to your planning view, and register. Note:
ILIAS is a platform providing course information and materials for download; it is your main source for digital learning resources. Instructors may also set up forums or require submission of reports and exercises via ILIAS. Registered students in CTS (KSL) will have automatic access to the course on ILIAS.
www.ilias.unibe.ch
If more than eight semesters are needed for the BSc or six for the MSc, a study extension must be applied for before the deadline. The first two extensions can be approved by the directorate of studies; further extensions require Dean's Office approval. Semesters are counted separately for BSc and MSc thus the length of the BSc studies does not influence the length of the MSc studies.
Further information and application forms for an extension of study time can be found here. Attention: Failed assessments are not a valid reason for an extension of study time.
Options include all minors offered by the faculties of the University of Bern in the corresponding scope (15, 30, 60 ECTS). See study programmes.
You can take a BSc minor in geography (15, 30, or 60 ECTS) or an MSc minor (30 ECTS). The MSc minor requires at least 60 ECTS in geography from the Bachelor's. The required courses depend on the minor's scope. The "Geography as a Minor" overview on the “study programs”, and "Course Units" provide information.
The geography program is a full-time study program, equivalent to a 100% job position. Regular employment will result in a high workload, especially during the semester, and may extend the study duration. However, work during the semester break is usually feasible, depending on exams and assignments. Regular employment over 25% may entitle students to a study period extension. For regular employment of more than 25%, the introductory studies can, if necessary, be spread over two years. The relevant planning should be discussed with the directorate of studies.
At the GIUB, assessments take place in weeks 7 (for fall semester courses and retakes) and weeks 23 & 37 (for spring semester courses and retakes). Specific exam dates, times, and locations will be announced in courses or can be found in CTS (KSL). Exam registration also occurs in the KSL (see "Course Registration").
By the end of the lecture-free period (calendar week 7 or 37), all assessments (including exams in minors) must be completed, and all written assignments must be submitted. No further revisions are permitted. If revisions are still needed, matriculation for the upcoming semester is mandatory.
If an extension for the submission deadline of final papers is granted beyond the dates mentioned above, enrollment for the upcoming semester is mandatory (see also Deadlines).
Repeat exams must be taken by the dates mentioned above; otherwise, matriculation for the upcoming semester is mandatory.
Failed assessments can be retaken once, and the second attempt is the one that counts. The number of allowed insufficient grades is detailed in the study plan.
Die Kompensationsregeln sind im Studienplan festgelegt. Kompensation bedeutet: die ungenügenden Noten werden ECTS-gewichtet mitgerechnet und der Durchschnitt aller Noten muss immer mindestens 4.0 betragen. ECTS-gewichtet heisst: Jede Note wird multipliziert mit den ECTS der entsprechenden Lehrveranstaltung. Alle derart ECTS-gewichteten Noten werden zusammengezählt und das Ganze durch die Summe der ECTS geteilt. ECTS-weighted means: Each grade is multiplied by the ECTS credits of the corresponding course. All such ECTS-weighted grades are added together, and the total is divided by the sum of the ECTS credits
The "Examiners List" document shows who is authorized to supervise Bachelor's, Master's theses, dissertations, and to serve as examiners for Master's presentations and dissertations at the Institute of Geography.
Bachelor's theses are typically written in a "research internship." Each research unit offers a research internship each semester, with topics available on their websites. Students may also propose their own ideas and contact instructors directly. To record the grade, the directorate of studies needs the confirmation and a digital version (PDF) of the thesis.
Details on the Master's thesis are in the Geography study plan and summarized in the "Master's Thesis from A to Z" leaflet. Participation in relevant colloquia is mandatory. The start of the thesis must be reported to the directorate of studies using the "Start of the Master's Thesis" form. Unregistered students are not entitled to a workspace or expense reimbursement. Research-Units offer their topics, among other things, on their websites. However, students can also develop their own ideas and contact instructors directly.
In the BSc major, up to 15 ECTS from external geography courses can be recognized upon written request to the program management (Directorate of studies, Hallerstrasse 12, 3012 Bern). In the MSc mono, up to 15 ECTS, and in the MSc major, up to 6 ECTS earned at other institutes can be credited as elective coursework. Usually, only Master's level courses can be credited. For non-CTS (KSL) courses, proof of performance is required by the directorate of studies.
The GIUB has agreements with various European universities (Erasmus) and also outside Europe (USA, Japan). More information is available on the Mobility page.
Courses taken in Fribourg or Neuchâtel are considered external, as there are no coordinated BeNeFri geography courses. See Recognition of External Coursework.
You began your studies at another university and would like to continue at the Institute of Geography in Bern.
The directorate of studies can assist with preliminary clarification in all cases.
Bachelor's and Master's degrees are applied for in the CTS (KSL), following the guidelines in the corresponding leaflet. Different regulations apply for the PhD, also described in a separate leaflet and on the website of the faculty.
In order to switch to the MSc major in Geography, at least 60 ECTS from a Bachelor's minor in geography are required, plus additional coursework of around 30 ECTS. Submit a request to the Phil.-nat. Faculty for a switch to the Master's program. Further information can be obtained from the directorate of studies.
Admission to a PhD program requires a Master's degree or equivalent recognized by the faculty (Art. 54, Sec. 1 RSL Phil.-nat.). More information is available here.
There is no attendance requirement for lectures. However, attendance is mandatory for tutorials, proseminars, seminars, and block courses.
Upon immatriculation, you will receive a personal email address. You can access it here using your campus account. Important information from instructors, the institute, and the university is sent to this address. It is crucial to check your email regularly, preferably daily during the semester.
The campus account remains active until the end of January (for fall semester exmatriculations) or July (for spring semester exmatriculations).
