Geodesy and Geoinformatics

The Geodesy and Geoinformatics Master’s program at Leibniz University Hannover offers students an in-depth education in the fields of geodetic science and geoinformatics, preparing them for diverse professional roles within the rapidly evolving spatial data industry. This interdisciplinary program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to acquire comprehensive knowledge of the measurement, analysis, and management of spatial information. The curriculum emphasizes modern geodetic techniques, satellite positioning systems, remote sensing technologies, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and spatial data infrastructure development. Throughout the program, students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, field projects, and the use of industry-standard software and hardware, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle real-world challenges. The program also explores topics such as digital terrain modeling, geostatistics, geospatial data management, and the legal and ethical issues surrounding geoinformation. Collaboration with industry partners and research institutions provides valuable insights into current developments and future trends. Graduates are prepared for careers in urban planning, environmental monitoring, surveying, disaster management, and the development of smart cities. Numerous opportunities for international exchange and research projects further enhance the educational experience, fostering innovation and a global perspective. The Leibniz University Hannover’s strong research environment, combined with its commitment to sustainability and technological advancement, ensures that students receive a forward-looking education in geodesy and geoinformatics. This program aims to produce skilled professionals capable of contributing to sustainable development, resource management, and spatial data solutions that address the needs of society and the environment in a digital world.

Educational organisation

To do justice to the broad spectrum of the subject and constantly changing needs and methods, the geodesy and geoinformatics programme at Leibniz Universität 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, students pursue independent research and development activities in industry or research institutes. In the first semester, there are activities which serve to summarise the basics in six disciplines:

• Engineering geodesy
• Physical geodesy
• Positioning and navigation
• Photogrammetry and remote sensing
• GIS
• Space and Real Estate Management

Building on the compulsory modules in geodesy and geoinformatics, students can specialise in one or more specialist area(s) whereby one entire subject area (geodesy and geoinformatics) can never be completely deselected. In parallel, there is a one-year project seminar where a complex research-oriented task is tackled in small groups.
In an optional module, students are given the opportunity to attend courses from the Leibniz Universität Hannover's entire selection of courses. The submission of a Master's thesis completes academic studies.

Study abroad unit(s)

Not compulsory
Study abroad possible at numerous partner universities worldwide, internships abroad possible

Internships

Internships are possible 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 individually. Support is given by the faculty.

Forms of assessment

Mostly oral exams (2, 3, 4, 5 ECTS), project work with essay and presentation (12 ECTS), presentation (2 ECTS), Master's thesis (30 ECTS)

Course objectives

The Master of Science in Geodesy and Geoinformatics imparts a comprehensive specialists knowledge in both fields as well as in additional soft skills such as presentation techniques or project management.
Graduates work for suppliers of geodetic measuring and evaluation systems, for software producers and geoinformation service providers, in manufacturing control, and in the construction industry. In the public sector they are employed in the fields of town and country surveying, in real estate land registry and rural development or in transport and planning authorities. The Master of Science qualification is an entry requirement for the higher technical administrative service. Moreover, graduates are employed at research facilities both within universities and externally.

Language requirements

Applicants must provide proof of either German or English language.
German: TestDaF 4 or DSH 2 or equivalent
English: TOEFL 87 (Internet based), 550 (paper based) or 213 (new scale), IELTS (score: 6.0), Cambridge Certificate (FCE) Grade A, or be native speakers, or have had prior education with English as teaching language.

Academic requirements

Bachelor's or equivalent degree in Geodesy and Geoinformatics or similar studies. Please contact staff for details.

Enrolment fees

Unless otherwise noted by the faculty, on enrolment, students have to pay approx. 370 EUR as an administrative fee incl. semester ticket (free public transport for six months in Hannover and on local trains within Lower Saxony).

Costs of living

Expenses per month:
Rent, additional costs: 282 EUR
Food: 148 EUR
Health (health insurance, medicine, consultations): 60 EUR
Clothing: 49 EUR
Telephone, internet, etc.: 43 EUR
Other (cultural events, sports, leisure activities): 81 EUR
Total costs of living: 663 EUR
Administrative/semester fee: 84 EUR
Other study costs: 45 EUR
Total study costs: 129 EUR
Total costs: 792 EUR
http://www.international.uni-hannover.de/lebenshaltungskosten.html?&L=1

Job opportunities

There are many opportunities to work as a student assistant (Hiwi) or outside of the university:
http://www.international.uni-hannover.de/jobben_hannover.html?&L=1

Funding opportunities within the university

The university has a scholarship programme for excellent students (Deutschlandstipendium and Niedersachsenstipendium). Recipients receive 300 EUR per month, the scholarship is for two semesters.
http://www.uni-hannover.de/en/studium/stipendien/

Arrival support

The International Office offers a variety of services and support for international students.
It helps students in finding suitable accommodation, offers a pick-up service from the airport or railway station, provides newly arrived students with a "study buddy" and helps them deal with administrative issues. Moreover, it organises an orientation week at the beginning of each semester.
http://www.international.uni-hannover.de/

Services and support for international students

Every semester, the International Office organises a variety of events, workshops, and trips specifically for international students. They range from cultural, political, or historical topics to BBQs and rowing events.
http://www.international.uni-hannover.de/events.html?&L=1
In addition, the International Office offers financial support for students in a situation of need.
http://www.international.uni-hannover.de/finanzielle-beihilfen.html?&L=1

Accommodation

The International Office, in cooperation with the "Studentenwerk" (Student Services), offers an accommodation service for all newly incoming international students and scholars. This free service can help you find a suitable room or apartment. In the case that you don't need your accommodation for a certain period of time, we can try to help you to rent out your room.
Please contact: zimmervermittlung@io.uni-hannover.de