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Welcome to the Department of Geography at Marburg University!
Discover the Department of Geography as an incoming student
The Department of Geography offers a wide variety of courses open to all incoming students, regardless of program type. Many courses are taught in German, but a substantial number of courses are already available in English at both the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. The Department is continuously expanding its English-language offerings, making it easier than ever for international students to study at the Faculty of Geography in Marburg.
Open to all kinds of international students
We welcome students from a wide range of international programs:
- ERASMUS+ and other bilateral exchange programs — join classes just like local students do. More information here and here.
- Marburg International Exchange (MIX): a unique interdisciplinary platform that lets exchange students mix and match courses across departments, build their own study plan, and earn credits that count toward their degree. MIX supports flexibility and academic exploration by opening up modules across many fields — beyond your home discipline. MIX info.
- MO:VE – MarburgOnline Virtual Exchange: if you’d love an international experience but can’t travel right now, MO:VE lets you take courses online (in English and German!) with students from Marburg and beyond, earn credits and even participate in virtual orientation and cultural activities. More information MO:VE info.
- European Track for EUPeace Alliance Students: this exciting initiative offers a special track focused on peace, justice, and inclusivity — and as an incoming student you can earn certificates and stack ECTS credits from courses tied to this track. More information EU Track info.
- Freemovers: if you’re coming independently (not through an exchange partner), you’re also warmly welcomed — with flexible options to design your own academic path in Geography and beyond. Freemover info.
No matter how you arrive — whether through an official exchange, virtual program, or as a freemover — flexible study arrangements mean you can shape your semester to your interests and your needs.
Course offerings for incoming students
Curious about which courses you can actually take as an incoming student at the Department of Geography? Good news: you’ll find a wide and diverse range of courses open to international students every semester — at Bachelor’s and Master’s level, in German and increasingly in English.
All current course offerings at Marburg University are published in the online course catalog (MARVIN). To explore the courses specifically available to incoming students at the Department of Geography, please visit the course catalog here: MARVIN – Online Course Catalog of Marburg University
Within the catalog, courses open to incoming students are listed under the following sections:
- Marburg International Exchange (MIX)
→ then select “FB19 Department of Geography” - MarburgOnline: Virtual Exchange (MO:VE)
→ then select “FB19 Department of Geography”
Please note: While MO:VE courses are generally listed in the MARVIN course catalog, the information provided there may not always be fully up to date or complete. For this reason, Marburg University maintains an additional, carefully curated overview of its current MO:VE course offerings. We strongly recommend checking this page for the most reliable and detailed information on available Geography courses within MO:VE. - European Track
→ Geography courses (on-campus and online) are usually listed under Topics 2 to 7, so be sure to check these sections carefully.
All courses listed in these sections are open not only to MO:VE, MIX, or European Track students, but also to students coming to Marburg through ERASMUS+, as freemovers, or via other international exchange programs.
The Department of Geography offers a large number of courses every winter and summer semester, giving you plenty of flexibility to design a study program that matches your academic interests, language skills, and personal goals. Whether you want to deepen your knowledge in human geography, physical geography, GIS, sustainability, or interdisciplinary topics — you’ll find exciting options to choose from.
Support for incoming students
We know that studying abroad is not just about lectures — it’s about feeling supported and at home. That’s why the Department of Geography offers you access to key contact persons who will help you plan your studies and support you in Marburg:
- Prof. Dr. Maaike Bader – International Exchange Coordinator
- Dr. Dietrich Göttlicher – Study Program & Learning Agreement Contact (for both incoming and outgoing students)
- Nils Jansen – Information on Arrival and Living in Marburg
From course planning to everyday life — you’ll have people ready to help every step of the way.
Life in Marburg
Marburg itself is a wonderful university town. With its historic old town, lively student scene, central campus location, and open international atmosphere, it’s a place students from around the world fall in love with. You’ll find a perfect blend of academic life, cultural experiences, and a welcoming community in this charming city — all within walking distance of your classes.
The Department of Geography is ideally located in the very center of Marburg:
- Just one minute’s walk from the historic old town and right next to the medieval Elisabethkirche.
- Surrounded by cafés, pubs, and restaurants, and right next to the new University Library and the Old Botanical Garden.
- The main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is only 10 minutes on foot, and public transport (public transport bus stops) are right outside the door.
- The picturesque Lahn River flows directly beside the institute buildings, and a weekly market takes place in front of the faculty every Wednesday and Saturday.
- During the Christmas season (usually from late November until December 23), the area right in front of the institute around the Elisabethkirche turns into a charming and cozy Christmas market, offering traditional German Christmas pastries, mulled wine (Glühwein), international food specialties, and a wide range of handcrafted gifts and festive decorations.
- For nature lovers, forests, fields, and the surrounding hills are just a 5-minute bike ride away, perfect for relaxing or exploring after classes.
The combination of central city life and immediate access to nature makes the Department of Geography’s location in Marburg both idyllic and cozy, ideal for study, research, and leisure.
For essential information about studying and living in Marburg (orientation, housing, services, and more), visit the Welcome & Orientation pages for incoming students and the and the study information page, which provides a wealth of guidance and resources for your stay in Marburg.
Don’t forget to check out these videos to get a feel for student life here:
Come study with us!
The Department of Geography at Marburg University is not just a place to study — it’s a place to grow, explore, and connect. We look forward to welcoming international students from all corners of the globe, helping you take full advantage of a rich academic and cultural experience.
Let your adventure in Marburg begin here!
