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Rikkert Harink
Rikkert Harink

Master Geo-information Science and Earth Observation

Become a high-skilled geospatial professional

INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN GIS / SPATIAL DATA SCIENCE AND BECOMING A GEOSPATIAL PROFESSIONAL?

Geo-information and spatial data science are diverse fields that can lead to many different career paths. At ITC you will learn the necessary skills to excel in the public or private sector. We will provide you with the advanced knowledge and critical skills needed to lead in the field.

Geospatial information and technologies and spatial data science are required for different specialisations across all sectors and industries today. This field offers an incredible variety of possible applications, from traditional map-making to developing data-driven solutions to real-world problems using a range of geospatial, data science and AI skills. You will learn a variety of methodologies, technologies and skills that will enable you to seamlessly fuse data and technology.

Experts who can effectively manage the information and opportunities provided by these new developments are in high demand – skilled professionals with a drive to use the latest technologies to make the world a better place.

What will you learn

During the Master’s Geo-information Science and Earth Observation, you will interact and learn from expert scientists in the field and have access to our state-of-the-art labs and centres. You will develop and enhance your technical competencies but also develop soft skills that include academic and professional competencies so that you can excel and be a leader in this field. Not only will you learn skills relevant for GIS and the Earth observation sciences but also the data sciences so that you can collect, transform and integrate data and use these for developing, innovative and sustainable solutions useful for tackling real-world problems and improving our understanding of the world we live in. In other words, you will gain the relevant skills that will enable you to translate technical knowledge into policies and actions and make information actionable and informative.

Jorge Nofulla (Albania), Studies Geoinformatics

I have the advantage of studying in a multicultural classroom. Because coming from different backgrounds, we all have different ideas, and we can bring something different to the table. If we combine all of those ideas, we can come to better solutions.

Jorge Nofulla (Albania), Studies Geoinformatics

Apply for our master's in Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation

The Master’s in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation starts in September.

Master's Geo-information Science and Earth Observation

Go to registration!

Courses

We offer a variety of courses that contribute to the well-being of the planet with an emphasis on achieving many sustainable development goals while at the same time developing the necessary geospatial skills needed across different industries.

  • Check out some of the courses we offer
    • Spatial Data Science: Fundamentals to advanced
      • Geospatial data: concepts, acquisition and management
      • Geospatial analysis and interpretation
      • Geospatial solutions
      • Global challenges, local action
      • Space for ethics: locating information privacy
      • Python solution
      • Data-driven modelling
      • Geodata visualisation
      • Spatial statistics for spatial and temporal data analysis
      • Spatio-temporal analytics and modelling
      • Big geodata processing
      • Entrepreneurship: a bridge towards geospatial innovation
      • Geo-journalism
    • Earth Observation: Image analysis fundamentals to advanced
      • Image analysis
      • Advanced image analysis
      • Spectral data and geologic remote sensing
      • Laser scanning
      • Radar remote sensing
      • Thermal infrared remote sensing
      • 3D modelling for city digital twins
      • Earth observation with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)
      • Scene understanding for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV)
    • Disaster resilience
      • Hazard and disaster risk management
      • Data-driven hazard modelling
      • Analysing changing multi-hazard risks
      • Weather impact analysis
      • Participatory planning: decision rooms, web applications, and serious games
    • Food, water, energy security
      • Spatio-temporal analysis of remote sensing data for food and water security
      • Earth observation of water resources
      • Earth observation for wetland monitoring and management
    • Planetary health: geo-health, climate change
      • Environmental modelling: causes and impacts of changing resources
      • Environmental niche modelling/species distribution
      • Ecosystem sciences: nature's benefits to people
      • Geo-health
      • The role of forests in climate change mitigation
    • Liveable land and cities: urban planning and land management
      • Land use and transport interaction
      • Intra urban spatial patterns and processes
      • Planning sustainable cities
      • Building inclusive and competitive cities
      • Water, climate and cities
      • Responsible land administration

You can Specialise

Our Master's programme will provide you with the necessary set of foundation courses from which you can build your personal programme, including one of seven specialisations.

Double-degree master's

Single and double-degree master's have an integrated curriculum and are coordinated and offered jointly by prestigious higher education institutes worldwide. Upon completion, you will have gained either a single or double Master's degree

Career perspectives

All over the world, in any industry, there is a growing need for experts in geographic information systems (GIS), spatial data science, and remote sensing. As a GIS specialist with in-depth knowledge and skills related to geospatial technologies, you will be a key player in developing and advancing data-driven sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing global issues, such as climate change and energy transition. You could work for a wide range of international non-governmental or corporate organisations, governments, consultancy agencies, research institutes, public service corporations, telecommunications companies, water authorities, and national mapping agencies, to name but a few. This is why 60% of graduates find a job within six months after graduation (90% within one year).

Job opportunities for Geo-Information Specialists

Experts in geo-information systems who can acquire, analyse, and visualise geo-information to develop innovative solutions are in high demand both in the private and public sectors. You can work as a policy advisor, geo-information consultant, GIS analyst, geospatial data scientist, environmental management consultant, remote sensing specialist, data engineer, and more. You can also opt for a career in academia and do a PhD at any university worldwide. Or you can start your own company!

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Facilities and laboratories

The Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) is internationally recognised for its research and capacity development in the field of geo-information science and Earth observation. As a student here, you will have access to first-class lab facilities and resources such as the GeoScience Laboratory, the Design and Interactive Space for Co-Creating, the ITC Satellite and Sensor Database, the Visualisation and Usability Lab, and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Centre. Also, you can work with leading scientists and other experts from the geo-information science and Earth observation domain. It is a great environment where you will expand your network and gain invaluable hands-on experience for your future career!

More about us

  • Video introducing ITC, rankings and the ITC community

    With over 70 years of geospatial experience, we continue to stay at the forefront of this changing field, educating professionals worldwide. We bring together students with different life experiences and cultural diversity to provide a dynamic multi-cultural learning environment that stimulates out-of-the-box thinking for tackling complex “wicked” problems by developing creative solutions.

    Top ranked

    ITC is a top-ranking research institute in Earth Observation, allowing the programme to build on the input of high-class research with over 70 years of experience in geospatial information and technology.

    The ITC community

    We provide an inclusive academic and social environment where students can achieve their full potential. We nurture an international community of graduates, students and teachers who remain in life-long contact through an active global alumni network of over 20,000 geo-professionals. This global network allows us to generate and exchange knowledge that inspires global developments. It empowers students with the knowledge and skills to address challenges that are central to (inter)national communities.

Student experiences

No matter who you are or where you're from, you can immerse yourself in a vibrant, integrated, multicultural community at the faculty ITC of the University of Twente. A community of individuals seeking to create their destiny and impact the world we live in.

Key information

Top rated programme
Degree
MSc
CROHO code
75014
Faculty
Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation
Diploma
Geo-information Science and Earth Observation
Duration
2 years
Language
100% English-taught
Application deadline
EU/EEA
1 July 2024
non EU/EEA
1 June 2024
Dutch
15 August 2024
Starting date
1 September 2024
End date
24 July 2026
ECTS
120
Tuition fees
Full period 2024 / 2025
full-time, non-EU/EEA
€ 17,000
full-time, EU/EEA
€ 17,000
Additional costs
Cost of living, year
€ 15.000
Insurance, full programme
€ 1.380
Visa, full programme
€ 270
Please note
Additional costs are subject to change, depending on the duration of your stay.