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Geo-information Science and Earth Observation

Postgraduate diploma Geo-information Science and Earth Observation

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This 1-year Postgraduate diploma programme (60 credits) caters for young and mid-career professionals who need to be proficient in applying geo-information science and earth observation in their field of interest, analysing problems and applying new methods and techniques, and managing (multi)disciplinary scientific teams.

Specialisations

Our Postgraduate Diploma course is offered with specialisations in Geoinformatics, Geo-Information Management for Land Administration, Natural Resources Management, Urban Planning and Management, and Water Resources and Environmental Management.

What will you learn?

Important elements of the programme include 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; and using geo-information in identifying and responding to development problems and in drafting development policies.

A programme based on the first year of the Master’s programme

The 1-year Postgraduate diploma programme is divided into four quarters of ten weeks each. The study load per quarter is 15 credits (ECTS), equalling 420 hours of study; the total study load for the programme adds up to 60 credits.

The programme structure equals the Master’s programme structure quartiles 1-3. In quartile four the Elective course is replaced by a Final assignment.

The Postgraduate diploma programme will have the same end qualifications as the first year of the Master’s programme. Successful completion of the Postgraduate diploma programme (quartile 1-4) serves as a basis for entering the second year of the Master’s Geo-information Science and Earth Observation.

Specialisations

As a Postgraduate diploma student of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation at ITC you will focus on a specific field of interest, with multiple specialisations to choose from. Each specialisation contains a number of core courses that reflect its central concerns, and a Final Assignment project that reflects the specialisation’s inherent nature.

  • Geoinformatics

    Geo-spatial data is the major driver of today’s information society. More Big Geo Data than ever is being created by smart phones, satellites, and sensors. This data is used for an increasing number of scientific purposes that aim to benefit the world. It’s a matter of gathering, analyzing, distributing and visualizing the data to make it fit for specific use, e.g. in systems for improving agricultural practice or creating healthy cities. The technologies supporting these processes are at the core of geoinformatics.

  • Geo-Information Management for Land Administration

    Land is at the basis of all societies. A healthy land administration means secure land tenure, and efficient land markets and land development. In the process it contributes to developing and supporting local economies as well as reducing poverty and helping to avoid related disputes. Unfortunately, less than a quarter of the world’s countries maintain a complete land administration system. Would you like to be a change agent helping countries achieve and sustain societal stability and prosperity? Then ITC’s specialization in Geo-Information for Land Administration is your perfect choice. 

  • Natural Resources Management

    By 2040, the world’s population will reach 9 billion, and we will share the world with an additional 1.4 billion people. This increase is more than the entire population of Africa. At the same time, living standards are improving, leading to a massive increase in demand for food, timber, water and other resources, which are already affected by climate change and a fragmenting environment. Without proper management, serious problems such as deforestation, overgrazing and biodiversity loss are inevitable. Would you like to help turn this situation around, as an environmental manager? Then ITC’s specialisation in Natural Resources Management is the way to go.

  • Urban Planning and Management

    How to make − and keep − the world’s modern cities healthy and attractive for the increasing multitudes living and working there? How to ensure that cities are sufficiently compact, sustainable, inclusive, competitive, and resilient? Realising these objectives requires a keen understanding of dynamic urban processes. In gaining such understanding geo-information science and technology constitute an indispensable source of information. Which is the very foundation for ITC’s specialization in Urban Planning and Management.

  • Water Resources and Environmental Management

    Many of the world’s major environmental concerns have to do with water. Potable water is getting increasingly scarce, which makes it a valuable resource to be managed wisely. Extreme weather causes excessive flooding which can often be prevented with proper by interventions. Pollution of valuable water resources and the status of precious wetlands deserve close monitoring. Would you like to contribute to tackling these issues caused by having too little, too much, or dirty water? Then ITC’s specialization in Water Resources and Environmental Management is what you’re looking for.

  • Free specialisation

    Do you have an area of expertise and/or career path in mind that is not quite covered by the specialisations as outlined by ITC? Not to worry, as you can also define your very own free specialisation by making a personal selection from the courses on offer in the different specialisations. An ITC team of mentors and research theme coordinators will be glad to help you compose an alternative integral programme of courses.

Find out more

Are you interested in this programme and do you want to know more about your study programme and how to compose it? For example, are you curious about the choice topics, or the learning outcomes? You can find out all about it in our Online Study Guide*. 

* You are looking at the Study Guide of the current academic year. We always have the desire to strive for improvement. Therefore the course structure is subject to change.

Study details

Admission requirements

Academic level and background

Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma Course Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (PGD) should have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized university in a discipline related to the course*, preferably combined with working experience in a relevant field.

The following average scores apply for the Postgraduate Diploma course:

NOTE: a Lower Second Class standing may be accepted based on evidence of relevant professional experience and/or other further academic development.

Documentation

The faculty accepts transcripts, degrees, and diplomas in the following languages: Dutch, English, German, French, and Spanish. It is at the discretion of the faculty to require additional English translations of all documents in other languages as well.

Language skills

Success in your studies requires a high level of English proficiency. Therefore, prospective students with an international (other than Dutch) degree must meet the English language requirement. As proof that you meet this requirement, you will be asked in the application procedure to upload one of the requested language certificates:

Only these internationally recognised test results are accepted. Without a valid certificate, we cannot process your application.  

Other requirements

Exemptions
You are exempted from the English language requirement if you hold:

Computer skills

You are expected to be familiar with basic computer skills. Basic knowledge of and skills in working with GIS and spatial data is strongly recommended.

Notebook requirements

When you study in an ITC programme, you should have a notebook computer that meets  ITC's technical notebook requirements.

If you do not own a notebook that meets the minimum requirements, you could consider buying one through our Notebook Project. The Notebook Project offers discounted notebooks that meet our standards and have the peripherals needed to connect to the ITC networks.

Technical requirements online education and assessment

For online education, we formulated guidelines to guarantee optimal performance. For online oral exams and proctoring during online assessments, the webcam and headset requirements need to be met.

About your diploma

Upon successful completion of this programme you will receive an (Academic Education) Postgraduate Diploma in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation, with the name of the specialisation from the University of Twente.

Along with your Diploma you will receive a Course Record providing all the subjects studied as part of the course. It states: the course code, number, subject, ECTS credits, exam date, location and the mark awarded.

Key information

Certification
certificate
CROHO code
75014
Diploma
Geo-information Science and Earth Observation
Duration
1 year
Language
100% English-taught
Application deadline
EU/EEA
1 July 2024
non EU/EEA
1 June 2024
Dutch
14 August 2024
Starting date
1 September 2024
End date
29 August 2025
ECTS
60
Tuition fees
Full period 2024 / 2025
full-time, non-EU/EEA
€ 17,000
full-time, EU/EEA
€ 17,000
Additional costs
Cost of living, full programme
€ 15.000
Insurance, full programme
€ 690
Visa, full programme
€ 270
Please note
Additional costs are subject to change, depending on the duration of your stay.