University of Tirana

The Department of Geography has been functioning since the establishment of the Faculty of History and Philology in 1959. This department led the group of geographic courses that were part of the History-Geography Branch, which consisted of three chairs (Geography, History of Albania, and General History). In this context, the Department of Geography carries a multi-year workload, continuous growth, and development, creating a very rich experience that has been a strong and necessary support for generations of educators over the years.

During the period from 1960 to 1985, educational plans and curricula were consolidated, textbooks for most university disciplines were drafted, and church-study work intensified. The political and socio-economic changes of 1990 created the necessary conditions for the reform of geography and Albanian geographical thinking. Contacts with Western geographical literature expanded, the presence of foreign scholars visiting Albanian university and academic environments, as well as Albanian students and researchers in Western universities, increased. Training sessions, conferences, and joint research projects began to be organized, where Western experience was conveyed, qualifying the staff of Albanian universities and departments. In these circumstances, the concept of geography evolved as a science, as a formative discipline at the pre-university level, and as one of the important branches of higher education.

Currently, the Department of Geography has a staff of 20 faculty members and offers 4 study programs: Bachelor’s, Professional Master in Teaching, Professional Master in Applied GIS, and Master of Science. The profession of geographer was consolidated, not only as an educator but also as a scientific researcher, creator, and implementer of significant projects on spatial planning and land use, observation, valorization, and sustainable management of natural and human resources for the development of the economy, infrastructure, services, etc. Scientific research in geography has entered a new phase, distinguishing itself from the past, especially regarding practical essence, applicable character, and utility. Albanian geographical thinking today is more specialized, broader, and deeper.