The degree course combines natural sciences and social sciences perspectives and methods. Qualified personnel and good equipment make for scientifically demanding and practical training. The degree programme includes practical exercises, field internships and excursions and extends to the areas of Physical Geography/Geoecology, Anthropogeography, Didactics of Geography and Regional Geography – from a regional and global perspective to local case studies. Students can specialise in structures and developments in rural areas.

The interdisciplinary Master's degree programme in Transformation Management in Rural Areas is dedicated to the sustainable development of rural areas in the age of comprehensive cross-sectoral transformation. The degree course offers courses on spatial, economic and political dimensions of the transformation of rural areas. Globalisation and regional development are addressed under the guiding principle of sustainable development.

All degree programmes at the University of Vechta have a "mobility window" (Bachelor's degree: fifth study semester; Master's: fourth study semester); however, a stay abroad is not required. Blended intensive programmes are welcome at the University of Vechta.

Hochschule für Agrar- und Umweltpädagogik; VetAgro Sup - Campus Agronomique

Geography is strongly represented in the VISTRA Research Institute as well as in the Competence Centre for Regional Learning. The members of the VISTRA Research Institute conduct interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research into the various dimensions and dynamics of transformation processes in rural areas with a view to global challenges and the guiding principle of sustainability. The Department of Learning in Rural Areas examines the potential of rural areas for the realisation of lifelong learning processes.

The University of Vechta is certified as a family-friendly university and has successfully participated in the diversity audit.; As a "sustainable university", it has adopted sustainability guidelines, appointed a professorial sustainability officer, published a sustainability report in 2020 and anchored the topic of sustainability in the university development plan.