Social Geography and Regional Development

The study program Social Geography and Regional Development (SGRD) focuses on the study of the spatiality of social life. The Faculty of Science at Masaryk University is a traditional specialization, whose content reflects the changing society and its manifestations in the area. The interpretation of this situation also reflects the deepening knowledge of geographic and related scientific disciplines as well as improving methodological approaches. The SGRD is characterized by a comprehensive view, allowing the interpretation of social, economic, environmental, political and cultural processes in their interrelationships and wider contexts. Another characteristic feature of the field is the sensitivity to scale of studied phenomena and processes, ie the interest in interpreting processes taking place at different hierarchical levels and respecting (accentuating the importance of relationships between these levels). Thematically, the research focuses on, for example, the spatio-temporal organization of society, transformation and developmental changes in the Czech environment, peripheral-rural-border regions, regional and sectoral policies, as well as political-geographical topics. Students are encouraged to communicate with specialists in related fields while retaining a synthesizing geographic perspective. At the same time, however, the study is significantly linked to the practice of regional development (public administration), where graduates often find employment. The study program is open to graduates with master's degree in geography or related fields, including from other faculties and universities. It is NOT a mandatory part of the SGRD doctoral program. Within the framework of studies, cooperation with relevant institutions can be established.