The Geography (English) undergraduate program at Istanbul University – Faculty of Letters delivers a comprehensive education in human and physical geography, environmental studies, spatial analysis, and geographic information systems. Designed for students passionate about understanding Earth’s landscapes, human societies, and their interactions, the program combines theoretical courses with fieldwork, map-based studies, and practical applications — preparing students for academic research, urban and regional planning, environmental management, and geographic consultancy. The program spans eight semesters and is taught in English.
Located in Istanbul — a city bridging continents and cultures, with rich historical and environmental diversity — this program offers students a unique vantage point to study geographic processes both locally and globally. With access to laboratory facilities, mapping and GIS tools, and coursework spanning physical geography, human geography, and spatial technologies, students build strong analytical, ecological, and societal understanding. This makes the program suitable for those interested in environment, planning, demography, urban studies, and related fields.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science (B.A. / B.Sc.) in Geography
- Standard period of study: 4 years (8 semesters)
- Location: Istanbul
- Study Type: Undergraduate (full-time, English-taught)
- Admission semester: Fall semester
- Area of study: Physical Geography, Human Geography, GIS & Environmental Studies
- Admission modus: National university entrance exam (YKS)
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations: Introduction to Geography & Basic Sciences
- Introduction to Geography & Geographic Concepts
- Physical Geography Fundamentals
- Human & Economic Geography Foundations
- Basic Cartography / Map Reading & Map Skills
- General Education / Language / Supporting Courses
Semester 2 – Natural Systems & Human Geography Basics
- Climatology / Meteorology / Atmospheric Geography
- Geomorphology / Earth Surface Processes
- Population & Settlement Geography / Human Geography I
- Regional Geography / Area Studies
- Basic GIS / Spatial Analysis Techniques
Semester 3 – Advanced Physical & Human Geography
- Biogeography / Ecology & Land Use
- Economic Geography / Regional Development & Geography of Economy
- Urban & Rural Settlement Studies / Urban Geography
- Geographic Data & Statistical Methods / Quantitative Geography
- GIS & Remote Sensing Fundamentals
Semester 4 – Environment, Society & Spatial Analysis
- Environmental Geography / Environmental Management
- Cultural Geography / Social Geography
- Cartography & Advanced Map Analysis
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) II / Spatial Data Analysis
- Elective courses (e.g. GIS applications, regional studies, language, social sciences)
Semester 5 – Specialization & Applied Geography
- Urban Planning & Regional Planning Fundamentals
- Disaster Geography / Natural Hazard & Risk Management
- Population Dynamics / Migration & Demography Studies
- Environmental Impact Assessment / Sustainable Development
- Applied GIS / Spatial Modelling
Semester 6 – Interdisciplinary & Research-Oriented Geography
- Climate Change & Global Environmental Change Studies
- Tourism Geography / Cultural & Heritage Geography
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS) / Remote Sensing Applications
- Research Methods in Geography / Fieldwork Preparation
- Elective courses (e.g. social sciences, ecology, economy, regional geopolitics)
Semester 7 – Fieldwork, Projects & Regional Studies
- Field Geography & Regional Case Studies / Fieldwork Practice
- Regional Geography (e.g. Middle East, Europe, Asia, Global South)
- Urban & Economic Geography / Regional Development Projects
- Seminar or Research Project in Geography
- Electives: environmental management, GIS, urban studies, social geography
Semester 8 – Final Projects, Thesis & Graduation Preparation
- Graduation Project / Thesis / Capstone Seminar in Geography
- Advanced GIS & Spatial Analysis / Applied Geography Project
- Contemporary Issues in Geography & Global Challenges Seminar
- Elective or specialization courses
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for careers in urban and regional planning, environmental consultancy, GIS & spatial data analysis, environmental management, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), research institutions, academia, surveying, cartography, tourism planning, disaster management, demographic and social research, and international development agencies.
Why Choose This Program
Choosing the Geography (English) program at Istanbul University offers a multidisciplinary education combining physical and human geography, environmental awareness, spatial technologies, and societal studies — all in a globally oriented English-taught setting. The curriculum’s balance of theory, practical GIS/map work, and field-based geography equips students with analytical and applied skills relevant to contemporary environmental, urban, and social challenges.
With Istanbul’s unique geographical and cultural setting, access to academic staff and research infrastructure, and opportunities in diverse fields from environmental management to urban planning and GIS, the program stands out for those interested in studying Earth, society, and spatial relations in a dynamic and globally connected context.
Contact Information
Istanbul University – Department of Geography
Faculty of Letters, Istanbul University
Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 455 57 00
Email: geography@istanbul.edu.tr
Faculty of Letters – Student Affairs Office
Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 455 57 00
Email: lettersoffice@istanbul.edu.tr
International Office – Istanbul University
Beyazıt Campus, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 440 00 00
Email: international@istanbul.edu.tr
