Geospatial Technologies (MSc) University of Münster

Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal; Universitat Jaume I, Spain

English only

The Master's programme in geospatial technologies is aimed at holders of Bachelor's degrees in application areas of geographic information such as environmental sciences, geosciences, ecology, regional planning, computer science.

Geospatial technologies is an innovative professional area that bridges the gap between informatics and geosciences. Graduates of the international Master's programme apply and develop methods for computer-supported solutions for spatially related problems (global, regional, local). Therefore, graduates receive the following specialised knowledge in:

• Geospatial technologies and geographic information
• Informatics and mathematics

You can find some impressions from students here: https://mastergeotech.uji.es/about-us/testimonials/.

Start: beginning of September
Duration: two semesters of courses + one thesis semester

• 15 January for ERASMUS Mundus scholarship application (to be confirmed)
• 31 May for non-funded students outside EU
• 31 July for EU nationals, earlier application recommended

The programme consists of three semesters (90 ECTS credit points), including two semesters of courses (30 ECTS credit points each) and the Master's thesis in the third semester (30 ECTS credit points).

The Master's programme will be held with up to 32 students. Half of them attend their first semester at the University Jaume I (UJI), half at the New University of Lisbon (UNL). UJI and UNL offer courses with a different focus in order to address the different backgrounds and requirements of the incoming students. Both partners offer basic modules in geographic information (GI), although with different intensity. The programme at UJI stresses the computing aspects of GI, such as computer graphics and web services, whereas the programme at UNL is more oriented towards the processing and modelling aspects of geographic information, including topics such as remote sensing and geospatial data mining. As for the other modules, UJI is more informatics-oriented (informatics, mathematics and new technologies modules). UNL provides modules in mathematics, statistics and data modelling. UNL offers different paths within its modules through alternative courses so, for example, a student with a background in social sciences, such as geography, and little previous know-how in informatics should choose descriptive statistics and data analysis, whereas a more informatics-related student should choose mathematic statistics and data mining.

For the second semester, all students attend the courses at the University of Münster (WWU). The first module conveys fundamentals in GI science. The second module, Advanced Topics in GI Science, delivers knowledge on ongoing research and research projects, thus preparing the students for their own research in the Master's thesis. Optional courses on this module can be replaced by an annual summer school conducted at WWU, UJI, or UNL, or by work in ongoing research projects in one of the partners' research groups. The third module covers additional core competencies, which students will need for their Master's thesis as well as for their future professional careers: research methods in GI science and project management in GI projects.

In the third semester (Master's thesis), students can choose one of the three universities, wherein the applicants will be distributed equally to the three partners. If a student has not attended courses at one of the three partner universities, one of the supervisors or co-supervisors has to be from that university. With the Master's thesis, the candidate shows that they are capable of independently handling a defined scientific problem within a defined schedule, and in a way that is ready to publish. Typically, the Master's thesis will be integrated into an ongoing research project at one of the partner universities.

A joint degree is awarded by the University of Münster, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal, and Universitat Jaume I, Castellon, Spain.

Joint study programme with a joint degree by University of Münster, New University of Lisbon, University Jaume I

Students will study at two of the universities, and the third university will be involved in the Master's thesis.

There is a mandatory mobility path including at least two countries. The first semester is either in Spain or Portugal. The second semester is in Germany for all students. The third semester is at one of the three locations. 

Not applicable

1,700 EUR

Students must pay a semester contribution fee of approx. 330 EUR per semester. This includes a "semester ticket" covering public transportation in the greater Münster area as well as all of Germany.

You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/studieninteressierte/en/einschreibung/semesterbeitrag.shtml.

We recommend that students budget at least 1,000 EUR per month to meet personal expenses (accommodation, living, health insurance).

You can find more information here:
https://www.uni-muenster.de/international/en/studierende/general-information/cost-and-funding.html.

Bachelor's degree in an application area of geoinformatics

English (TOEFL 500 paper-based or equivalent)

• 15 January for ERASMUS Mundus scholarship application (to be confirmed)
• 31 May for non-funded students outside EU
• 31 July for EU nationals, earlier application recommended

No

As in all popular university cities in Germany, accommodation is in high demand and is not easy to find in Münster – but it’s not impossible either!

Please contact the International Office (Bachelor's and Master's students) or the CERes (doctoral candidates) of the university for advice. Please also note that the University of Münster (like most German public universities) does not have its own student halls of residence.

Career development events organised by associated partners from industry

With about 42,500 students and 5,000 academics, the University of Münster is one of the largest universities in Germany. It enjoys an outstanding reputation in the region and far beyond for its excellent research opportunities, high-quality teaching and promotion of junior researchers. Fifteen faculties with more than 120 subjects, over 280 degree programmes and some 30 research centres comprise the institutional backbone of the University. Besides its academic opportunities, the University of Münster offers a wide and varied range of extracurricular activities. Follow your interests in the student societies, the university theatre, the choirs, orchestras or bands, the sports courses, and visit the university’s museums and gardens.

Münster is located in north-west Germany, close to the border with the Netherlands. The city is a lively student town, famous for its bicycle-friendly atmosphere and student pubs. Of Münster's total population of approx. 322,000 inhabitants, over 61,000 are students at the different universities. Münster is a thriving centre of science and academia. It is a great place to live, learn and teach.