Study

Master of Science degree course in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for

Water Resources and Environmental Management

Security and sustainable development of our water resources is one of the key problems of the 21st century. Improved water management can make a significant contribution to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Current international initiatives such as the Global Earth Observation System of Systems 10-Year Implementation Plan have identified earth observation as the key to helping to solve the world’s water problems. The availability of spatial information on water resources will enable closure of the water budget at river basin scales to the point where effective water management as requested by the EU Water Framework Directive is possible. Floods, droughts, water quality, water-ecosystem and soil-water-climate interactions, and the sustainability of water resources are important issues in water resources management and hydrology.

Course participants are exposed to developments in geo-information science and earth observation for assessment, monitoring and prediction purposes in the fields of water resources, hydrology and environmental management.

For whom is the course relevant?

The course is designed for young and mid-career professionals involved in water resources, agriculture, irrigation, civil engineering, hydrology, (agro-)meteorology and physical geography who are of BSc or MSc level and preferably have some years of professional experience. Most of our alumni work for ministries of water, irrigation departments, meteorological departments, water authorities, universities or international organizations such as IWMI and UNEP.

What is the course content?

The course introduces participants to the use of earth observation and geo-information for quantifying components of the water cycle. Specialization topics and specific modules are offered in three streams:

• Environmental Hydrology,
• Surface Hydrology, and
• Groundwater Assessment and Modelling.

Each stream focuses on a different aspect of water resources and the environment. Participants can also focus on one of these application fields in the MSc research part.

Earth observation techniques can be used for water resources assessment and management. In the course, the concepts related to the acquisition of hydrological data from satellite images are explored. The applications of earth observation in flood, recharge, drought, water quality monitoring and climate studies are demonstrated. The Groundwater Assessment and Modelling stream focuses on subsurface processes and the use of spatial models for groundwater assessment and management. The Surface Hydrology stream focuses on water quantity aspects (flooding, agricultural water use, climate) from local to regional scale. Participants with an Environmental Hydrology orientation study freshwater, wetland and coastal zone interactions and the environmental impacts of water resources projects. Important topics include optical remote sensing of water quality and the modelling of hydro-geochemical data. An option exists to take several modules in the field of water engineering and management at the Faculty of Engineering Technology.

The MSc degree course concludes with a research project that is carried out over a period of six months.

What will be achieved?

Participants will develop skills in methods and techniques relevant to integrated watershed hydrology, groundwater, surface water and/or environmental hydrology. Case studies and fieldwork play a crucial role, enabling participants to acquire a working knowledge of advanced tools and methods. Through real-life problem-oriented case studies, the course participants will be exposed to problem-solving techniques. Earth observation, GIS and modelling software are provided, so participants will be able to apply their skills in their home organizations.

Why choose this course?

This course provides a unique opportunity for hydrologists, water resources managers, decision makers and practitioners to combine their experience and (field) knowledge with recent advances in the use of space technology and computational methods for water resources and environmental management. Knowledge gained in the courses can directly support activities in the area of water resources management, environmental monitoring, environmental security, disaster management and sustainable development.

Admission 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.

Computer skills

Although introductory lessons on computer skills are scheduled in the Master of Science (MSc) degree programme, applicants lacking computer experience are strongly advised to follow basic courses in their home countries.

Notebook requirements

From September 2011, participants that 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.

To make the purchase of notebook computers easier and more affordable, ITC introduces the ITC Notebook Programme through which students can purchase discounted notebooks that meet ITC's standards and have the peripherals needed to connect to the ITC networks.

When studying at ITC your notebook has to meet a minimum set of requirements. This is to ensure that you will be able to run most of the programs and the “software manager” (a program developed by the IT department that enables you to download, install programs, license software, make connections to network drive and enable you to print.)

The minimum requirements for a privately bought notebook are:

Please make sure the operating system is the same or higher and in English or else we cannot provide you the adequate service when experiencing problems with your notebook. It is also important that the operating system is genuine.