Location:

Enschede, Netherlands

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Doctorate

Specialty:

Geographic Information Systems

Program Overview

Program Description:

Between 60 to 80 percent of all political, economic and private decisions are space oriented. Are you keen to explore how geo-information can help you to make better decisions in every field? Geo-information is a rapidly growing industry worldwide. Geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools can be used for solving real-world problems and complex issues. This may involve determining places at risk for landslides, mapping forest fires and biodiversity, planning urban infrastructure, implementing land administration systems, monitoring and analysing food and water security, designing an effective wildlife management system or detecting environmental pollution. The uses are many and varied and have already made their appearance in our daily lives to some extent. GIS and remote sensing were traditionally used by governments, ministries, research institutes, provinces and municipalities. In recent years, however, they have expanded to all organizations where spatial information plays an important role - from public service corporations and telecommunications companies to water authorities and retailers. Skilled personnel with the appropriate expertise are needed to effectively manage the information and opportunities provided by these new technologies. A master's degree in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation enables you to put your skills and expertise to excellent use. For whom is this master's programme relevant? This 18-month programme (118 credits) leading to an Master of Science (MSc) degree in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation is designed for young and mid-career professionals who perform, or aspire to perform, tasks predominantly in applied research, or who require academic knowledge and skills to enhance the execution of their work. Successful completion of the MSc degree programme provides graduates with a qualification that enables them to continue to PhD level, either in the Netherlands or abroad. What will you learn? Important elements of the programme include academic skills such as developing a critical understanding of appropriate tools; exposure to new methods and techniques; gaining competence in developing tools for the acquisition, processing, transformation, analysis, modelling, storage and presentation of spatial data; using geo-information in identifying and responding to development problems and in drafting development policies; and developing research skills. What is the programme structure? The MSc programme consists of four distinct blocks. Block 1 GI Science and earth observation: a process-based approach Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Earth Observation (EO), relation to 'System Earth' and the user Block 2 Application of geo-information science and earth observation in the domain of interest Learning in the domain Block 3 Research orientation Research methods, advanced subjects of choice, engagement in a research team, and proposal writing Block 4 Individual research Executing research and writing an MSc thesis A master's programme based on research The MSc degree programme is based on research. The development of research skills is given attention throughout the entire course. Each MSc candidate is required to design, undertake and report on research where geo-information science and earth observation is used to develop techniques and/or deal with a specific application problem connected with the field of interest of the course. The precise focus of the research will be determined by the candidate and supervising staff in dialogue, and will fall within the scope of the research themes of the Institute. Where relevant, MSc research topics are related to the topics of candidates following other courses. The MSc research phase (six months) concludes with the presentation and defence of the MSc thesis. Distance supervision There is an option whereby MSc programme participants can spend five months of the six-month thesis period in their home country under distance supervision (the tuition fee for the total programme remains the same). Participants have to meet the requirements set by the ITC programme management, and are selected on an individual basis. Courses in the MSc degree programme Six specializations are offered in the MSc degree programme in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation: • Applied Earth Sciences • Geoinformatics • Land Administration • Natural Resources Management • Urban Planning and Management • Water Resources and Environmental Management

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

Higher education in the Netherlands enjoys a worldwide reputation for high quality. This is achieved through a national system of regulation and quality assurance. The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) is responsible for legislation pertaining to education. The master and master of science degrees awarded by the University of Twente are formally recognised by the Ministry of OCW, based on accreditation of the programmes by the Netherlands-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO), and are listed in the Central Register of Higher Education Programmes (CROHO), with number 75014 for the Master of Science and number 70043 for the Master programme

Financial Aid:

No

Requirements:

Academic level and background Applicants for the Master of Science (MSc) degree programme should have a Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised university in a discipline related to the course, preferably combined with working experience in a relevant field. English language As all courses are given in English, proficiency in the English language is a prerequisite. If you are a national of one of the countries in this list (PDF), you are exempted from an English language test. Please note: the requirements when applying for fellowships may vary according to the regulations of the fellowship provider. English language tests: minimum requirements Only internationally recognised test results are accepted. TOEFL Paper-based Test (PBT) 550 TOEFL Internet-based Test 79-80 British Council / IELTS 6.0 Cambridge CPE/CAE

International Requirements:

Academic level and background Applicants for the Master of Science (MSc) degree programme should have a Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognised university in a discipline related to the course, preferably combined with working experience in a relevant field. English language As all courses are given in English, proficiency in the English language is a prerequisite. If you are a national of one of the countries in this list (PDF), you are exempted from an English language test. Please note: the requirements when applying for fellowships may vary according to the regulations of the fellowship provider. English language tests: minimum requirements Only internationally recognised test results are accepted. TOEFL Paper-based Test (PBT) 550 TOEFL Internet-based Test 79-80 British Council / IELTS 6.0 Cambridge CPE/CAE