Study

Postgraduate diploma course in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for

Land Administration

Land is at the basis of all societies. Land policy regulates the access to land and the management of land. A sound land policy is a critical success factor in economic growth, food security, nature conservation, the protection of vulnerable groups, poverty reduction and housing.

Land policy and land policy instruments determine how a government can provide access to land, offer tenure security, regulate the land market, implement land reform, protect the environment, and levy land taxes. Such tasks become even more challenging in post-conflict or post-disaster areas, and where government systems are in transition.

Applying relevant principles of business administration and information technology, the course provides theoretical and practical knowledge and expertise in building a viable land administration organization.

For whom is the course relevant?

The course is designed for young and mid-career professionals involved, or likely to be involved, in developing land administration systems from an academic, managerial, technical and operational perspective.

A substantial part of the course is dedicated to information technology and information management for land administration systems and spatial data infrastructures. The ultimate aim is to ensure that participants become respected and valuable land administration experts in their own countries.

From diploma to degree

Participants who have successfully completed the Postgraduate diploma course are eligible to pursue the MSc degree course at a later stage.

What is the course content?

The Postgraduate diploma course in Land Administration consists of three distinct blocks.

What will be achieved?

On completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• analyse land administration components and land administration systems to serve society
• understand the concepts of land policy and policy instruments regarding access to land, tenure security, land markets, land reform, land use planning and land taxation
• formulate institutional, operational and technological requirements for operating land administration procedures in a transitional environment
• specify and operate (geo-)information technology relevant to the functioning of land administration systems.

Why choose this course?

The cooperation between ITC and the Netherlands Cadastre provides a unique foundation for the course. The international networks of both institutions afford access to academic developments and the latest policies and guidelines of international donors and UN agencies. ITC is an associated institution of the United Nations University within the context of land administration.

The links to academic and operational environments distinguish this course from education offered elsewhere in the world. The strength of this course lies in the combination of the institutional aspects of land administration and the development of sound information systems operated by viable land administration institutions.

If you are interested in developing viable land administration systems within the context of your own country’s land management and legal framework, this is the right course for you.

Career perspective

Graduates of the land administration course will be able to work in advisory, operational, technical and executive functions related to land administration and land management. This includes functions such as land information manager, system manager of land databases, land policy analyst, land registration or land adjudication officer.

Admission requirements

Academic level and background

Applicants for the Postgraduate diploma 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.

Computer skills

Although introductory lessons on computer skills are scheduled in the Postgraduate diploma programme, applicants lacking computer experience are strongly advised to follow basic courses in their home countries.

Notebook requirements

Participants who start an ITC course of nine months or longer (MSc, Master and Diploma courses), are required to have a notebook computer that meets ITC’s requirements. If you do not own a notebook that meets the minimum requirements as described below then you can purchase a notebook through the ITC Notebook Programme. Notebooks purchased through the ITC Notebook Programme will have at least the recommended specifications as described below and will be fully supported and serviced by the ITC Notebook Service Centre. When repairs take more than an hour you will be able to borrow a notebook for the duration of the repair. Of course you are free to buy a laptop somewhere else, but then you cannot make use of these benefits.

If you are planning to bring your own notebook then please check the requirements carefully. Only notebooks that meet the minimum requirements can be serviced by the Notebook Service Centre. Note that only limited service on a best effort base (software issues only) can be provided when you bring your own notebook.

Student notebooks have access to the wireless and wired network at ITC and wired network in the ITC hotel. This provides access to the network disks and printers.

Software that is required for your study is provided by ITC for the time that you are studying at ITC. Microsoft Office you will need to buy yourself.

Hardware and operating system requirements

Notes:

1. If your computer has a different language installed then you can install the free English language pack from the Windows Update site. Notebooks that do not have an English operating system or language pack installed will not be serviced by the Notebook Service Centre. Supervised practicals also rely on an English user interface.
2. Make sure you have a genuine installation of your operating system. Non genuine windows versions cannot be updated with the latest security updates. (Test it here.)
3. Remove unnecessary software from your notebook before you come to ITC. Demo or trial software can conflict with full software versions provided during the ITC course.
4. Bring your installation DVD’s and license numbers in case your notebook has to be reinstalled.
5. Windows 7 student license can be purchased (approximately 55 Euro) at ITC if your notebook does not have the minimum Windows version.
6. You will need Microsoft Office 2010, which you can purchase when you arrive at ITC for less than 50 Euro.
7. Make sure not to bring or install illegal software, because this will not be tolerated, access to the network and ITC software will be denied and support on your notebook will not be given any longer.