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Education embedded in cutting-edge research

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Connecting Disciplines

Computer Science meets Geosciences

Study at ifgi

M.Sc. in Geoinformatics and Spatial Data Science

The study program

Our goal is to educate students in the most advanced techniques in geographic information processing. Building on a Bachelor of Science in Geoinformatics or a related discipline, the Master of Science in Geoinformatics and Spatial Data Science program will further develop the student’s problem-solving skills, analytic capabilities, and teach innovative and creative scientific research methods. As one of the leading places for exploring new frontiers in geospatial information science, the Institute for Geoinformatics Münster provides Master students a chance to get personally involved in cutting-edge research projects. This opens opportunities to conduct Master theses on new and emerging technologies. Obtaining a Master’s degree from the Institute for Geoinformatics will prepare you for a leading position in industry and academics. Medium of instruction is English.

At a glance

Degree: Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Type of study: full time

Duration: 4 semesters

Credit Points: 120 ECTS

Start: winter or summer

Application deadline:

Non-EU applicants: November 30th (summer semester), May 31st (winter semester)

EU applicants:  January 15th (summer semester), July 15th (winter semester)

Language: English

Fees: no tuition fees for the study program, you only pay the university´s semester fee

Quick info

The study plan

Starting in winter / Starting in summer:
Starting in winter
Starting in summer
Bachelor’s degree from ifgi / External Bachelor’s degree:
Bachelor’s degree from ifgi
External Bachelor’s degree
Modules:
Research Methods in GI Science
Location in GI Applications
Spatial Data Science
Interdisciplinary Aspects
Fundamentals in Geoinformatics
Electives
Practicals
External Studies
Internship in Industry, Government or Research
Master Thesis

Semester 1

31 CP

Geoinformatics Forum
C | 1 CP
Wayfinding and Navigation
S | 5 CP

You may choose to replace either this course or “Location Based Services” with an eligible elective course. Courses offered in this module in winter 2024/2025: click here.

Analysis of Spatio-Temporal Data
S+E | 5 CP

You may choose to replace either this course or “Machine Learning for Visual Spatio-Temporal Data” with an eligible elective course. Courses offered in this module in winter 2024/2025: click here.

Geoinformation in Society
S+E | 5 CP

Instead of this course, you may choose “Spatial Cognition” or “Geoinformatics in Transdiciplinary Education” (both offered in the summer semester)

Elective Course
L/E/S/P | 5 CP

Click here to see an overview of courses offered in this module in the winter term 2024/2025.

Study Project
P | 10 CP

Click here to see an overview of courses offered in this module in the winter semester 2024/2025.

Semester 2

29 CP

Core Topics in GI Science
L | 5 CP
Advanced Research Methods and Skills
S | 3 CP
Geoinformatics Forum
C | 1 CP
Location Based Services
L+E | 5 CP

You may choose to replace either this course or “Wayfinding and Navigation” with an eligible elective course. Courses offered in this module in summer 2024: click here.

Machine Learning for Visual Spatio-Temporal Data
L+E | 5 CP

You may choose to replace either this course or “Analysis of Spatio Temporal Data” with an eligible elective course. Courses offered in this module in summer 2024: click here.

Elective Course
L/E/S/P | 5 CP

Click here to see an overview of courses offered in this module in the summer semester 2024.

Study Project
P | 5 CP

Click here to see an overview of courses offered in this module in the summer semester 2024.

Semester 3

30 CP

External Studies + Wrap-up Seminar
| 30 CP
Internship in Industy, Government or Research + Wrap-up Seminar
| 30 CP

Semester 4

30 CP

Master thesis including disputation
| 30 CP

Abbr.: CP = Credit Points (ECTS), L = Lecture, E = Exercise, S = Seminar, P = Project Course, C = Colloquium

Blue boxes indicate courses that are mandatory and offered once a year only. These courses need to be taken in the semester indicated in this study plan.
Green boxes indicate courses that can be chosen from an agreed course program. The current course offering can be found in the corresponding modules.

Insights into the study program

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Perspectives

Career prospects

Our study program will prepare you for a leading position in industry, administration or academia. If you wish to further deepen your scientific qualification after completing your MSc, you can pursue a PhD in Geoinformatics.

PhD in Geoinformatics

The Graduate School for Geoinformatics offers a structured doctoral programme encompassing a variety of allied disciplines. Please follow the link for more information.

International Experience

Study Abroad

Depending on previous experience and professional goals, you can program your external study semester individually. It is typically an exchange semester at a university abroad, involving an individualized study program and/or project work in a local research group. A learning agreement defines the goals and contents as well as the relative work load of course and project work. Here you further develop your professional profile including soft skills like independent and self-organized work, multi-cultural awareness and competencies, communication skills, networking, career planning and preparation of scientific (thesis) work.

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