The organization of the space in which we live results from the impact of man on his natural surroundings. It comes from a great many decisions, taken long ago or recently, which have shaped our environment by adapting it to our needs, for better and for worse. These decisions have stimulated development and also created imbalances : more productive world agriculture, industrial concentrations, urbanization, trade at every level, increase in average well-being, but also delocalization, pollution, damage to land, deforestation, the greenhouse effect or overpopulation. Geography studies the mechanisms which have led to all these effects, in order to control them better. 

The objective of the training is an introduction to the three fundamental aspects of the work of a geographer:

• to observe and describe the environment, especially with computerized databases and advanced satellite observation technology ;
• to understand and explain the processes that have been observed, especially by applying models which enable them to be simulated;
• to learn certain concepts in resource management through land development.

Students will develop skills in the field of geography and especially in the study of the interactions between human activities, geographical space and the natural environment. This is done from the perspective of both human and physical geography: it is important to bring them together. The training also provides students with the geographical techniques necessary for the study of this.

The Master in Geography (60 credits) is clearly different from the 120 credit Master in Geography ; although it only takes a year of study, it is inspired by the same objectives, but aims in a more modest way to build on and refine the geographical training in the bachelor’s degree.

It is also possible, in one year, to gain the 120 credit Master in Geography. This gives access to doctorates and Advanced Masters. Students’ attention is drawn to the fact that this progression will require the submission of two dissertations.  

The teaching strategy takes its inspiration from the idea of ‘taking responsibility for one’s own learning’ and offers a wide range of learning situations. The integration between human and physical geography is emphasized. The courses are focused on problems in society: environmental changes, mobility, urbanization, globalization and developing countries.

Activities such as seminars and integrated exercises are carried out in advanced areas of geographical research. Ability to use advanced methods of geographical analysis is an important objective of the training: geographical modeling, geographical information systems and satellite teledetection. Practical work gives students the opportunity of dealing with concrete problems and finding solutions to them, often in small groups. The computer rooms with special software for geographical analysis are always open to students. The Master includes at least a week of field work abroad (since the 60 credit course lasts only a year).