Study

Certificate course in

Principles of Land Administration and Information Infrastructure

Land is at the basis of all societies. Land policy regulates the access to land and the management of land through the land administration processes. Its instruments, however, determine how governments provide access to land, protect tenure security, regulate the land market, implement land reform, preserve the environment, and levy land taxes for economic growth, food security, nature conservation, the protection of vulnerable groups, poverty reduction and housing. Land information systems provide land information about the ownership, value and use of land and, consequently, are an essential tool when it comes to accomplishing these tasks.

For whom is the course relevant?

The course is designed for motivated academics and mid-career professionals involved, or likely to be involved, in developing land information systems, with the emphasis on land administration systems from the academic, managerial, technical and operational perspectives.

What will be achieved?

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

• analyse user needs and components of land administration systems to serve society
• design a land information system using information system tools and methodologies such as soft system methodology
• prototype a land information system using Unified Modelling Language (UML) and GIS software-based OGC and ISO standards
• carry out adjudication processes based on a GIS participatory approach
• integrate topographic data collection using high-resolution stereo photographs and remote sensing images with field survey for land administration purposes
• carry out dissemination via internet technologies
• explain institutional aspects, tenure concepts, legal pluralism, land registration, legislative frameworks, land use property values, land markets, land reform, land use planning and land taxation in a transitional environment.

Admission requirements

Academic level and background

Applicants for the Certificate 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.

Some courses in the Certificate programme or separate modules require knowledge of, and skills in, working with GIS and/or digital image processing of remotely sensed data.

Skills in taught or related subjects are a prerequisite for some courses in the Certificate programme or separate modules. Even if the applicant satisfies the overall admission requirements, acceptance is not automatic.

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

Applicants lacking computer experience are strongly advised to follow basic courses in their home countries.