Since 2014, the postgraduate study program in 'Human Geography, Development and Spatial Planning,' leading to a Master's degree (MSc), has been a core component of the strategic planning of the Department of Geography at the University of the Aegean. This program has a clear scientific orientation, aiming to promote knowledge and the development of research. The objective is to achieve a high level of expertise and specialization for graduate students in both theoretical and applied research areas. The program focuses on specific topics of knowledge, particularly contemporary thematic issues and research subjects relevant to the Department of Geography.

The Main Objective of 'Human Geography, Development and Spatial Planning'
The strategic objectives of the postgraduate study program in 'Human Geography, Development and Spatial Planning' aim to provide specialization in the fields of Human Geography, Development, and Spatial Planning. The main targets of this Master’s program are to:
    • Enhance the education and training in relevant scientific fields.
    • Produce highly qualified scientists and researchers.
    • Contribute towards the spatial integration and sustainability goals.
    • Ensure equal participation opportunities, in line with the main European target goals.

The Particular Objectives of 'Human Geography, Development and Spatial Planning'
Furthermore, the specific targets of the Master’s Program in ‘Human Geography, Development and Spatial Planning’ can be summarized as follows:
    • Promote scientific knowledge and research in relevant socio-economic subjects.
    • Secure and provide knowledge that aligns with international research directions in contemporary scientific fields and specialties.
    • Produce highly qualified graduates in the above scientific fields with competitive stance in the labor market.
Moreover, graduates of the Master’s Program in ‘Human Geography, Development and Spatial Planning’ will gain new competitive skills, enhancing their employability in relevant scientific and professional areas. The graduates will also be equipped to work in a wide range of research organizations and public bodies, including:
    • Organizations promoting research in relevant scientific fields.
    • Educational institutions.
    • Ministries and public organizations involved in the development and planning of urban and regional activities.
    • European Union organizations focusing on development and spatial policies and programs.
    • Technical services, planning, and development within regional administration.
    • Research offices and organizations specializing in urban planning and spatial planning studies, regional development programs and studies, local development programs, etc.
    • Private sector business consultants and organizations dealing with the relocation of activities, producer services, market research, real estate evaluation, and related studies.
    • Companies and bodies producing materials on human geography, development, and design issues.

Organization of the educational process:
The teaching method for the Master’s program in ‘Human Geography, Development and Spatial Planning’ primarily utilizes distance-learning education. This method will cover up to one hundred percent (100%) of the total teaching in the program. The Master’s courses will include lectures, seminars, workshops, preparatory research, teaching, and other relevant educational activities.
The distance-learning courses will also incorporate remote student participation through a Moodle platform, allowing all participating postgraduate students to engage with the material. Remote participation and monitoring will be facilitated using modern techniques, methods, and tools, such as electronic platforms like Moodle and eClass.
The total number of hours dedicated to the distance-learning education method will be carried out at a maximum rate of 100%, distributed over a duration of 10-13 teaching weeks per semester. This schedule will also include seminars for thesis preparation.
Furthermore, the duration of the academic year for distance education will be organized into 10-13 teaching weeks per semester. This schedule will be defined by the relevant committee of the Master’s program in ‘Human Geography, Development and Spatial Planning’ at the beginning of each academic year and communicated to all postgraduate students and staff members.

Facilities 
The Master’s program in ‘Human Geography, Development and Spatial Planning’ is situated within the University of the Aegean campus, specifically in the new, modern building facilities of the Department of Geography at University Hill (Lofos Panepistimiou), just outside the city of Mytilene, Lesvos. The training of postgraduate students will be supported by cutting-edge tools and excellent technological infrastructure available in the Geoinformatics laboratory, as well as other relevant laboratories within the Department of Geography.
For further information regarding student welfare and additional support services, please visit the student welfare website of the University of the Aegean.