Geodesy and Geoinformatics – Specialisation in Geomatics Leibniz University Hannover

The programme is open to German-speaking and international students. All mandatory courses are given in English language and it is possible to complete the degree programme with knowledge of the English language only. Depending on the choice of elective courses, German might be useful.

Geodesy and Geoinformatics (specialisation Geomatics) is an engineering and geoscience subject based on mathematics and physics and a close affinity to computer science, environmental science, law, and social sciences. Typical questions include engineering and geodetic monitoring of structures, capturing and use of environmental information, guidance of machines and vehicles, and remote sensing and researching of the system Earth. For geodata captured by modern measurement technology, there are many applications, for example, in regional planning, for location-dependent mobile services and navigation systems.

This wide variety of tasks requires thorough knowledge in individual disciplines that are encountered in the broad spectrum of subjects in the programme of Geodesy and Geoinformatics at Leibniz University Hannover. Building on the broad content of the Bachelor's degree, the Master's programme offers students the chance to study numerous specific fields at an advanced level and to specialise in certain disciplines. In particular, current aspects of research and their advanced applications on the basis of selected projects are at the heart of the Master's programme.

Besides the specialisation Geomatics being one optional track of the Master's programme in Geodesy and Geoinformatics, we also offer the specialisation in Navigation and Field Robotics (the teaching language is mostly English, but with mandatory German parts). It is intended to start a third specialisation, Remote Sensing and GIS, in winter semester 2025/26. Any specialisation has to be chosen at the beginning of the application process.

Application from students from non-EU countries (VPD from uni-assist is required)

• 15 April to 31 May of the year for the winter semester
• 15 October to 30 November of the previous year for the summer semester

Application from students from Germany and the EU

• 1 June to 15 July of the year for the winter semester
• 1 December to 15 January of the year for the summer semester

Prospective students applying from outside the EU must request a Preliminary Examination Documentation (VPD) from uni-assist before applying to the Master's programme. The processing time for the VPD takes up to eight weeks. Therefore, please allow enough time before applying for the programme. More information about applying for the VPD can be found on the central application pages.

To do justice to the broad spectrum of the subject and constantly changing needs and methods, the Geodesy and Geoinformatics programme (specialisation in Geomatics) at Leibniz University Hannover covers a wide range of subjects.

This programme is distinguished by its practical relevance. Alongside research-oriented theory, projects and seminars are deliberately designed to develop key competencies such as teamwork and problem-oriented actions. This combination makes it possible for graduates to choose from a broad spectrum of employment opportunities.

In the Master's programme (specialisation Geomatics), students pursue independent research and development activities in industry or research institutes. In the first two semesters, there are activities which serve to summarise the basics in six disciplines:

• Engineering geodesy
• Physical geodesy
• Positioning and navigation
• Photogrammetry and remote sensing
• Geographic information systems
• Land and real estate management

Building on the six compulsory modules in Geodesy and Geoinformatics, students can specialise in one or more specialist area(s) whereby one entire subject area (Geodesy or Geoinformatics) can never be completely deselected. In parallel, there are two project seminars, in which a complex research-oriented task is tackled in small groups.

In an elective module, students are given the opportunity to attend courses from the Leibniz University's entire selection of courses. The submission of a Master's thesis completes academic studies.

Possibility to integrate studies abroad with one of our several partner universities

Internships are not a part of the curriculum. However, it is possible to undertake them individually at all study levels, usually during semester breaks. Due to close relations to industry and to the public sector, internships can be planned by students independently. Support is given by the faculty.

No tuition fees

Approx. 400 EUR semester fee ("Semesterbeitrag")
The semester fee includes the following:

• Contribution to the "Studentenwerk Hannover" (student services organisation)
• Contribution to the student government (Student Union, AStA)
• Semester ticket
• Contribution to administrative costs for the Federal State of Lower Saxony

http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs

Compared with other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are basically in line with the EU average. You will need around 850 EUR a month to cover your living expenses. The largest expense will be your monthly rent. In Hannover, the rent amounts to between 300 and 500 EUR per month.

Cost of studying at Leibniz University Hannover:
http://go.lu-h.de/study-costs

General information on the cost of studying in Germany:
https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/finances/

Academic admission requirements include a Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree in Geodesy and Geoinformatics or similar studies. Students should be familiar with the concepts of linear algebra, statistics and adjustment theory. They should have a basic understanding of digital imaging/computer vision, satellite positioning, and the Earth's gravity field. Important: they need to have programming skills.

Prior to the final admission, the admission committee can invite applicants to a 20-minute online interview carried out by the lecturers of the degree programme. The interview helps determine if the applicant is capable of successfully completing the desired study programme and if additional courses have to be taken.

In the case of missing basic competences in one or more of the above-mentioned fields, admission may only be granted if additional courses covering these basics are successfully completed. Note that in the case that the student has to complete additional courses, the duration of achieving the desired degree will exceed the regular two-year study duration.

For more information regarding the application process, please refer to the course website: http://go.lu-h.de/gug-future-students.

Applicants must provide proof of either German or English language.
German: C1
English: C1

http://go.lu-h.de/language-certificates

Application from students from non-EU countries (VPD from uni-assist is required)

• 15 April to 31 May of the year for the winter semester
• 15 October to 30 November of the previous year for the summer semester

Application from students from Germany and the EU

• 1 June to 15 July of the year for the winter semester
• 1 December to 15 January of the year for the summer semester

Prospective students applying from outside the EU must request a Preliminary Examination Documentation (VPD) from uni-assist before applying to the Master's programme. The processing time for the VPD takes up to eight weeks. Therefore, please allow enough time before applying for the programme. More information about applying for the VPD can be found on the central application pages.

Although tuition fees no longer exist in Lower Saxony, costs are indeed incurred at university, such as the semester fee, accommodation and living costs, and costs for learning materials. You will find possibilities to help you finance your studies here:
www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/finanzierung-foerderung

Deutschlandstipendium:
go.lu-h.de/deutschlandstipendium

Niedersachsenstipendium:
go.lu-h.de/niedersachsenstipendium

There are many job opportunities for students on campus (in the different departments, the central administration, etc.) and off campus. About two-thirds of our students work at part-time jobs while pursuing their studies.

Internal job postings:
https://www.uni-hannover.de/en/universitaet/stellenangebote-arbeit-an-der-uni/jobboerse

Student jobs outside of the university:
jobbico Uni Hannover

Links on housing in Hannover (including a video about housing in Hannover for international students)

Leibniz University Hannover: Shaping the future with knowledge

As one of the nine leading institutes of technology in Germany, Leibniz University Hannover is aware of its responsibility in seeking sustainable, peaceful, and responsible solutions to the key issues of tomorrow. Our expertise for this stems from the broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from engineering and natural sciences to architecture and environmental planning, and from law and economics to social sciences and humanities.

The main building of the university is the Royal Welfenschloss (Palace of the Guelphs) at Welfengarten Park. In 1879, the Higher Vocational School, originally founded in 1831, moved into the palace. Later, it became the Königliche Technische Hochschule (Royal College of Technology). Only 64 pupils attended the vocational school at first, but now there are almost 30,000 students enrolled in the nine faculties of Leibniz University Hannover and some 3,100 researchers are working in more than 180 institutes.

Our key research areas

Leibniz University Hannover is among the world's leading institutions in its key research areas: biomedical research and engineering, quantum optics and gravitational physics, production engineering, and interdisciplinary studies of science and academia. These give us our innovative strength in developing precision measurement methods, optical technologies, novel materials, intelligent implants, and innovations in information technology or in the field of Industry 4.0.

The broad range of subjects at Leibniz University Hannover is entirely compatible with the overall university strategy of raising its profile, in particular in teaching and research, including the establishment and enhancement of research priority areas originating in the humanities and social sciences. Cooperation agreements with national and international partners strengthen our scientific expertise – our most important partner is Hannover Medical School.

By adopting the name of the polymath Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in 2006, the university committed itself to unity in diversity.

Leibniz University Hannover is very influential in shaping the image of the state capital of Lower Saxony. Not only structures like the “Welfenschloss”, the university's main building, but especially people contribute to this: approximately 30,000 students are currently enrolled. They have chosen one of the largest universities in Germany that is known for its international excellence in teaching and research. With nine faculties and a comprehensive range of study programmes, Leibniz University Hannover virtually covers the entire academic spectrum.

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