The fields of earth observation and geo-information science are gradually moving away from the traditional mapping or “inventory” type of science towards the understanding of the processes that shape our environment, predict future effects and provide reliable information to support planning and policy making.
This ten-week course focuses on solving problems within a specific application field. You can choose from a selection of fields and enables you to apply geo-information science and earth observation knowledge in a local (international) context, through Spatio-temporal analysis and the development of models while taking into account socio-environmental drivers.
For whom is the course relevant?
This ten-week course is designed for international young and mid-career professionals, that perform, or aspire to perform, tasks predominantly in applied research, or require academic knowledge and skills to enhance the execution of their work.
You will be able to share your knowledge and experiences in group work, in discussion groups and during assignments.
If you have only a limited knowledge of the principles of GIS and earth observation you could opt for the ten-week course Principles of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation.
choice of content
You will choose one of the topics below. Each topic consists of two 10-weeks (7 EC) courses.
Why choose this course?
By studying in an international and multicultural environment, you will become acquainted with ready-to-use GIS and earth observation tools and methods. Through the application of this knowledge and skills, you will be able to leverage informed decision making within many organizations.
About your diploma
The short course Applications of Geographic Information Systems and Earth Observation is part of the accredited Master's Geo-information Science and Earth Observation. If you decide to take the full Master’s at ITC, this course counts as part of a full programme; therefore upon successful completion, you will be granted an exemption for the second quartile of the two-year Master’s programme.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a Certificate which will include the name of the course.
Along with your Certificate you will receive a Course Record providing the name, and if applicable, all the subjects studied as part of the course. It states: the course code, subject, EC credits, exam date, location and the mark awarded.
This certificate course is part of the accredited Master’s Geo-information Science and earth Observation at ITC. If you decide to take the full Master’s Geo-information Science and Earth Observation at ITC, the Examination Board will give you in principle exemption from the course you followed successfully as a certificate course.
Admission requirements
Academic level and background
Applicants for the Certificate programme should have a Bachelor degree or equivalent from a recognized 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.
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.
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.
TOEFL Paper-based Test (PBT) | 550 |
TOEFL Internet-based Test | 79-80 |
British Council / IELTS | 6.0 |
Cambridge | C2 Proficiency / C1 Advanced |
Online English tests during COVID-19 for academic year 2020-2021 and academic year 2021-2022
We acknowledge the difficulties experienced worldwide in taking the compulsory language test, due to the Covid-19 situation. An alternative English test can be:
- the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test (valid for the September 2020 and February 2021 intake) an online test, available everywhere that TOEFL iBT testing is normally available, with the exception of Mainland China and Iran,
- the TOEFL iBT Home Edition test (valid for the September 2020, February 2021, September 2021 and February 2022 intake),
- or the TOEFL ITP Plus for China.
Please note that other online English language tests (i.e. IELTS Indicator test, Cambridge online test, etc.) will not be accepted(!)
Computer skills
If you lack computer experience we strongly advise you to follow basic courses in your home country.