Master of Science (MSc) degree programme
in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation
For whom is this 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 | Modules | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-3 | GI Science and earth observation: a process-based approach Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Earth Observation (EO), relation to 'System Earth' and the user |
| 2 | 4-10 | Application of geo-information science and earth observation in the domain of interest Learning in the domain |
| 3 | 11-15 | Research orientation Research methods, advanced subjects of choice, engagement in a research team, and proposal writing |
| 4 | 16-23 | Individual research Executing research and writing an MSc thesis |
A programme bases 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 courses 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
GEM MSc degree programme
ITC is a partner in the MSc programme Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for Environmental Modelling and Management (GEM).
GIMA MSc degree programme
ITC is a partner in the MSc programme Geographical Information Management and Applications (GIMA).
