Study

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

Applied Earth Sciences, with specialization in Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk Management

The sustainable use of land and earth resources is a key factor in economic development. In our daily life we are continuously confronted with situations that have a direct link with earth resources and related processes. The buildings in which we live and work are constructed of materials from the earth, the soil produces our daily food, and mineral resources provide fuel for transport and cooking.

The course on Natural Hazards and Disaster Risk Management analyses the processes within a landscape setting (and the drivers behind them) that lead to disasters. GIS and remote sensing are used in the analysis procedures. The course concentrates more specifically on the assessment of geological and hydrological hazards and on the determination of the vulnerability of elements-at-risk for multidisciplinary disaster risk management.

For whom is the course relevant?

The Postgraduate diploma course is designed for practitioners who are active in environmental, engineering or planning organizations and who are dealing with hazard and disaster management.

Participants of the MSc degree course have a specific interest in an academic career, and in applied research concerning the tools and techniques taught in the course.

Participants of both courses have a specific interest in spatial information, and want to learn state-of-the-art GIS and earth observation techniques. They are mid-career professionals with a university background (BSc), or recent university graduates in a field relevant to earth sciences.

What is the course content?

Postgraduate diploma programme consists of three distinct blocks.

The course will deal with the following topics (among others):

• principles of GIS and remote sensing techniques
• image analysis for hazard monitoring, susceptibility and assessment
• spatial modelling of hazards
• dynamic modelling concepts and software tools
• mapping of elements at risk
• vulnerability assessment
• risk assessment and risk reduction planning
• project skills; individual final project assignment.

What will be achieved?

The course teaches how to apply GIS, remote sensing and modelling techniques in the analysis and assessment of natural hazards, and in disaster risk management. Participants will be able to use remotely sensed data to identify natural hazards and assess susceptibility to these hazards. They will learn how to apply process-based modelling, GIS and remote sensing in multi-hazard and risk assessment.

The Postgraduate diploma course is oriented towards the practical application of methods and techniques, and includes a challenging hazard modelling/risk assessment project and a final practical assignment.

Why choose this course?

This course will transform you into a skilled and knowledgeable expert in the field of natural hazards who can identify the both risks they pose to society and what can be done to reduce these risks. The course offers the opportunity to experiment with spatial approaches and techniques for hazard assessment, and integrate the modelling of the physical processes involved into multi-hazard risk assessment.

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.

As all courses are given in English, proficiency in the English language is a prerequisite. Those who have English as their mother tongue, or were taught in the English language up to university level, 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.

Only internationally recognised test results are accepted.

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.