Study programme - MSc Geo-Information Science

The MSc Geo-Information Science is a two year programme taught in English. Starting in September, the first year consists of 40 weeks of course work, consisting of several compulsory subjects, restricted optional subjects and optional subjects from any relevant MSc course offered at Wageningen University or another academic institution. In the second year you work on your major thesis and an academic internship.

Outline of the programme

Tailor-made programme

Students with a background in environmental sciences, social sciences and ICT first follow basic geo-information and remote sensing courses. After that the programme has no formal specialisations. This allows students to, in consultation with the study advisor, tailor their programme to fit their own interests, wishes and needs. They can do that that by:

  • selecting advanced geo-information and remote sensing courses;
  • selecting geo data science oriented courses;
  • selecting advanced courses in their original or new domains;
  • choosing specific topics in the academic consultancy training part of the Remote Sensing and GIS integration course; and
  • selecting specific thesis subjects and internship locations.

Courses

The course work consists of several compulsory subjects, restricted optional subjects and optional subjects. As an optional subject you can choose any relevant master course offered at Wageningen University or another academic institution. The courses provide you with the knowledge and skills you need for your major thesis research , academic internship and future career.

Read more about the courses

Academic Consultancy course (12 credits)

At the end of the first year, you learn how to properly use GIS- and Remote Sensing concepts, methods and data when contributing to a geo-spatial project. In a team of 5 or 6 students with a multidisciplinary and multicultural background, you will execute a project in the geo-spatial domain for an external client. The project includes fieldwork, excursions, analysing and reporting, and requires synthesizing knowledge from different disciplines. The project is evaluated in terms of process, applied research methods, synthesis of the compiled information, and the resulting advice to the client.

Major Thesis

You end your personal Geo-information Science profile by completing a major thesis research  in one of the following fields:

  • Sensing & Measuring
  • Modelling & Visualisation
  • Integrated Land Monitoring
  • Human-space Interaction
  • Empowering & Engaging Communities
Programme of geo-information science

The Geo-Information Science major thesis research consists of 26 credits of research conducted under supervision of a staff member of the Laboratory of Geo-Information Science and Remote Sensing (GRS group). It is also possible to complete the major thesis at another Wageningen University Chair Group,  an external institute or company.

You choose your research subject in consultation with the thesis coordinator. The subject usually originates from topics proposed by the GRS group, however the subject chosen must reflect your own research interest.

During the research period you work on and write your thesis. This is graded by an examining committee including at least one independent internal or external examiner. You are also required to present your results during a seminar, the ‘colloquium’.

Internship

The 24 credits academic internship is a required element of the second year of the master's programme. You work at an institute or company outside Wageningen University, or even abroad for a period of 16 credits. Your internship is a unique learning opportunity, where you can apply your academic skills in a professional environment. You learn to focus on your field of interest and you gain work experience, preparing you for your future (academic) career.