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.
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 4 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 programme.
Specializations
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 specializations to choose from. Each specialization contains a number of core courses that reflect its central concerns, and a Final Assignment project that reflects the specialization’s inherent nature.
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:
- A 3.0 or higher Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) on a 4.0 scale, or
- Upper Second Class standing or higher
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.
English language (minimum) requirements:
- British Council / IELTS 6.0 (with a minimum sub-score of 6.0 for speaking and writing)
- TOEFL Paper-based Test (PBT) 550
- TOEFL: internet-based 80 (with a minimum sub-score of 20 for speaking)
- Cambridge C2 Proficiency / C1 Advanced
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.
Online English tests during COVID-19
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 (online test). This test is accepted by UT and is available everywhere that TOEFL iBT testing is normally available, with the exception of Mainland China and Iran.
Please note that the only online English language test that is accepted at UT is the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition. Other online English language tests (i.e. IELTS Indicator test, Cambridge online test, etc.) will not be accepted(!).
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 with a duration of nine months or longer (Master’s and Postgraduate diploma programmes), 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 specialization 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.