New Study and Examination Regulations 2026 – Guidance on the Transition #

From the winter semester 2026/27, the new subject-specific study and examination regulations for the Bachelor’s degree in Geography (fachspezifische Studien- und Prüfungsordnung, AMB No. 47/2026 of 4 August 2026) come into effect at the Geography Department. They apply to the single-subject Bachelor’s programme (Monostudiengang) as well as to the major and minor subject in the combined Bachelor’s programme with a teaching-qualification component (Kombinationsstudiengang mit Lehramtsbezug).

This page is addressed to everyone studying under the 2018 regulations. The key message first: in principle, you do not need to do anything.

Please note: This English version is provided for information only. The legally binding texts are the German regulations published in the Official Gazette (Amtliches Mitteilungsblatt, AMB) and the decisions of the Examination Committee.

The essentials #

• You can complete your studies under your existing regulations (2018) as planned. There is nothing to apply for and nothing to sign.
• The new regulations will be introduced gradually from the winter semester 2026/27. Courses under the old regulations will therefore be phased out step by step.
• Still missing a module that is no longer offered in that form? Not a problem: almost all modules under the old and the new regulations are mutually recognisable. Our equivalency tool shows you which module replaces which.
• Only in a few places is the transition not entirely seamless. This concerns modules F5 and F6 in the combined programme, and — for all students — the scheduling of the two modules Physische Geographie I (F1, B1) and II (F2, B4). Details below.
• Good news regarding the Hauptexkursion (major field trip): it is no longer compulsory for you and can be replaced by a field project.
• Switching to the new regulations is not required, but is possible on a voluntary basis.

Is it worth switching? #

Yes, particularly if you are at the beginning of your studies. Unless you have completed your degree by then, you will in any case be transferred to the new regulations on the cut-off date of 30 September 2028.

Cut-off date: 30 September 2028. The 2018 regulations expire at the end of 30 September 2028. Anyone still studying at that point continues under the 2026 regulations; credits already earned are taken into account in accordance with § 110 ZSP-HU. For everyone who completes their degree as planned within the next few semesters, this has no practical relevance.

If you decide to remain under the old regulations, the following continue to apply to you for the time being:

• Single-subject programme: AMB No. 56/2018
• Combined programme with teaching-qualification component: AMB No. 82/2018

A switch can be declared in writing to the Examination Office (Prüfungsbüro) using this form: Erklärung des Wechsels der SPO. A switch always covers the study regulations and the examination regulations together, and is irrevocable.

How does recognition work? #

Because teaching is being converted to the new regulations step by step, individual courses under the 2018 regulations will no longer be offered in their familiar form. For this purpose there is an equivalency table adopted by the department: you simply take the corresponding module under the new regulations, and it is credited towards the missing module under the old regulations.

An extract of the most important equivalencies:

Module titles are given in German, as this is how they appear in the course catalogue (AGNES) and on your transcript.

The full table, including the reverse direction (recognition of credits already earned if you switch to the 2026 regulations), is available in the equivalency tool. Recognition is confirmed by the Examination Committee (Prüfungsausschuss); in the standard cases listed here this is handled without red tape.

The four special cases in detail #

1. Module F5 Regionale Geographie (combined Bachelor’s) #

The previous module F5 consisted of the lecture Einführung in die Geographie and a thematic-regional lecture with an accompanying seminar. The lecture “Einführung in die Geographie” no longer exists under the new regulations.

If you have not yet taken F5, proceed as follows:

1. Take one of the two modules offered on (thematic-)regional geography: course catalogue WS 2026/27, module F5.
2. In addition, take the methods lecture from module 2 (“Geographisch wissenschaftliches Arbeiten – Einführung in grundlegende Methoden und Arbeitsweisen der Geographie”). It takes the place of the former introductory lecture.

F5 is then fully covered.

2. Module F6 – Mensch-Umwelt-Systeme und Geoinformationsverarbeitung (combined Bachelor’s) #

In winter 2026/27, module F6 will be offered under the old regulations for the last time: module F6 (AGNES).

In future, module 2 “Mensch-Umwelt-Systeme” under the new regulations takes the place of F6. Note that module 2 no longer contains a geoinformatics component.

3. Shift in timing: Physische Geographie I and II #

The content of the two foundational modules in physical geography has been reorganised — and as a result now falls in a different semester than before.

What this means in practice: part of the content moves from the summer to the winter semester and vice versa. The content previously taught in Physische Geographie I in the winter semester is now largely found in module 6 (Phys. Geo. II, offered in the summer semester), while the content previously taught in Physische Geographie II in the summer semester is now largely taught in the winter semester (Physische Geographie I). Accordingly, the equivalency rules provide for module Physische Geographie II under the new regulations to be recognised as Physische Geographie I under the old regulations — and vice versa. Please note, however, that the modules are not identical in content, as the following table shows:

If one of these modules is still missing from your record, you may have to wait a semester longer for it than the old course schedule suggested — or, conversely, you may be able to take it earlier than expected. When registering, please go by the content rather than by the Roman numeral in the module title. If in doubt, ask the academic advising service.

One practical consequence: if you combine a module from the 2018 regulations with a module from the 2026 regulations among the compulsory modules in physical geography, certain content components will be missing from your studies. You can then take these components additionally on a voluntary basis.

4. Hauptexkursion: a more flexible arrangement #

Until now, the Hauptexkursion (major field trip, B10 or F7) was a compulsory module. Under the 2026 regulations it belongs to the elective subject area. The Hauptexkursion is no longer compulsory and can be replaced by module 9 “Geländeprojekt” (field project).

Students under the 2018 regulations benefit from this as well: if B10 or F7 is still missing from your record, you can fulfil it either through a Hauptexkursion or through a field project. This is a particular relief for anyone for whom a multi-day field trip is difficult for financial, health-related or family reasons.

Equivalency tool and equivalency table #

We have built an interactive tool to help you plan. You select your degree programme and the modules you have already completed, and see which modules you still need — both if you remain under the 2018 regulations and in the event of a switch to the 2026 regulations.

👉 Go to the transition and equivalency tool (interface in German)

The tool is a planning aid without legal force. What is binding are the regulations as published in the Official Gazette and the decisions of the Examination Committee.

Advice and support #

Unsure what applies to you? Do ask — now is exactly the right time:

• Academic advising Geography – for all questions on your study path, module choice and the “stay or switch” decision
• Examination Office – for the declaration of switching and for questions on examination registration
• Examination Committee of the Geography Department – for recognition of credits and individual cases

Legal bases #

• Subject-specific study and examination regulations for the Bachelor’s degree in Geography, AMB No. 47/2026 of 4 August 2026
• Study and examination regulations, single-subject Bachelor’s programme Geography, AMB No. 56/2018, last amended by AMB No. 26/2020
• Study and examination regulations, combined Bachelor’s programme with teaching-qualification component, AMB No. 82/2018, last amended by AMB No. 70/2019
• General regulations governing admission, study and examinations at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (ZSP-HU)