Study Surveying, Geodesy in Germany

During the early stages of your degree programme, you will learn the mathematical, physical, and legal basics that will form the foundation for your studies. This includes modules in surveying, surveying calculations, land management, and CAD, which build a comprehensive basic knowledge in surveying technology. Building on these acquired skills, you will then learn more about sensors used in surveying, photogrammetry, and remote detection as well as physical geodesy and satellite geodesy. You will also learn about the procedures for evaluating and visualising the recorded data. The field offers opportunities for specialisation in areas such as web-based GIS, documentation and planning in civil engineering, and mobile 3D surveying.

Data acquired in this way is used for maps and topographic plans as well as location-based mobile services or navigation systems.

Bachelor’s programmes with their standard period of study of six to seven semesters are mostly offered as single-subject programmes. In some cases, however, it is possible to combine the subject with another major or a minor. Following an orientation phase in the first semesters, students usually have to decide on their major.

An internship or obligatory practical semester is required at several higher education institutions. In other degree programmes, on the other hand, project work and practical experience are essential parts of the course of study.

In order to apply for a Master’s programme, a first recognised degree in a subject-related field must be presented. The Master’s programme usually lasts between three and four semesters. Here, too, the theoretical studies are accompanied by practice-related course formats.

In Germany, Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are now considered standard, as in many other countries. In the case of surveying or geodesy, however, there are still a few higher education institutions that offer the option of studying for a German Diplom degree. Such a programme has a standard duration of ten semesters and is completed with a Diplom thesis.

A special feature of this field of study is that many alternative modes of study are offered. In addition to the most common full- and part-time study modes, there is a choice of extra-occupational as well as job-integrating formats. Furthermore, the study of surveying, geodesy can also be completed as a dual study programme.

In a dual study programme, your employer is actively integrated into the curriculum and its content through cooperation agreements. There are weekly or monthly block models as well as alternating between work and study on different days of the week. In part-time and other formats, the course of study can be completed parallel to a full-time job. In this case, the standard period of study is usually doubled.

Most courses of study in the field of surveying and geodesy are not subject to admission restrictions in Germany. In order to enrol, you therefore usually only need the general or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, an university of applied sciences entrance qualification or an equivalent qualification.

Subject-specific or personal prerequisites are not required. However, some higher education institutions describe their programmes as being very practice-oriented, which is why you should have an interest in practical work. As early semesters are heavy on in-depth learning of scientific subjects, it will be advantageous for your studies to have a certain technical understanding and spatial awareness.

Studying is free of charge at most public higher education institutions in Germany. Most students have to pay a so-called semester contribution of between 100 and 400 euros twice a year to cover administrative costs and costs for the student union. Sometimes your semester contribution covers a ticket for local public transport or you can purchase a discounted ticket. Depending on where you study, this may be valid for the city, the region or even for all of Germany. Ask your higher education institution whether such an offer is currently available.

Living expenses will take up a considerable amount of your budget. Rents vary depending on the city you want to study in. In large cities, housing is often scarce and expensive, while in smaller cities it is comparatively affordable. In any case, student halls of residence are usually your cheapest option. As soon as you have decided on where you want to study, you should start looking, as halls of residence can fill up quickly. Here, you can find information on local halls of residence and the respective application process for most cities.

To finance your studies in Germany, you should also find out about scholarships. There are many different scholarship programmes and excellent grades are not the only deciding factor. You can learn more about scholarships here and find suitable programmes directly on My GUIDE.

Graduates of a degree programme in surveying, geodesy have a wide range of exciting career options open to them. Depending on their specialisation, they can work in surveying or planning offices, in software development or in public authorities. A civil service career, for example in a surveying agency, is also possible, depending on the federal state. You can also start an academic career including doctoral studies.

Just like the job opportunities, the salary options also vary widely. With a permanent salaried position as a geodesist you can expect a much higher average starting salary than in a civil service career or during doctoral studies.

Find out more information on the current labour market in this field by searching job listings on the website of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency). By selecting the subject of your degree programme here, you can use the career perspectives listed to find out what jobs are available and where you can apply (only available in German). Take a look around! Learn more about your opportunities as an international skilled worker in Germany and the requirements on the Make it in Germany website.