Geodata Science Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences

Geodata Science reveals what remains hidden at first glance. It helps us better understand our planet and develop solutions to current challenges — for example, in identifying suitable locations for wind turbines, in the early detection and monitoring of wildfires, in the planning of transportation routes, or in flood protection. Through the interplay of geosciences and computer science, a wide variety of data can be integrated to understand and model its dynamics.

International and Interdisciplinary
The international Master’s programme in Geodata Science combines theoretical knowledge with practical application in small groups. The programme focuses on projects involving various types of big geodata, such as satellite data, social media data, statistical data, sensor/IoT data, and data from simulation models. In addition, “Free to Choose” credits allow students to take courses in other disciplines at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences, thereby receiving an interdisciplinary education.

Extensive Experience — Up-to-Date Curriculum
The study of geodata has a long tradition at at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences: For 25 years, the university has offered an international Master’s programme in this field. Starting in the winter semester of 2027, the programme will launch under the new name of “Geodata Science” with a revised curriculum that puts current topics such as artificial intelligence and climate impacts at the centre.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

What to expect:

• Practical training in small, international groups
• A curriculum focused on current topics such as AI, climate impacts, the Internet of Things, social media data, and various fields of application (climate, satellite imagery, etc.)
• Direct contact with professors and faculty
• Master’s theses in research and development or industry, either domestically or abroad, are possible
• A region with many employers in relevant fields — for a work-study position during your studies or a direct transition into a job afterwards
• International exchange programmes with other universities via our International Office
• Support and guidance for students provided by the Central Student Advisory Service or the International Office, for example, when facing challenges during the studies

What you should bring:

• A strong interest in geoscience topics, (geo)informatics, and physics
• Openness and willingness to collaborate in international teams
• The ability to work independently, critical thinking, and a critical approach to AI
• Good English skills (B2)
• 6 CP each in programming, GIS, and statistics from your Bachelor’s degree

See: https://www.h-ka.de/en/geodata-science/content#c20824

Internships are optional.

• English skills (level B2 of CEFR or certificate confirming English as language of instruction during your first-degree programme)
• From your Bachelor's degree:
  • 6 CP in statistics or similar AND
  • 6 CP in programming AND
  • 6 CP in GIS

All students pay semester fees (student services fee, registration fee, student union membership fee) amounting to approx. 215 EUR per semester.

The cost of living is approximately 900 EUR per month for general expenses, including rent, utilities, food, household items, transport, entertainment, clothing, insurance, books, the semester contribution (not included in the above-mentioned tuition fee for non-EU nationals), etc.

International students who come from outside the EU or the EEA are allowed to work outside of the university for 120 full or 240 half days per year. Therefore, students may work full-time during the lecture-free period or part-time during the semester. As the Karlsruhe region has a very low unemployment rate, chances of finding student jobs are generally quite good.

The Centre of Competence at Hochschule Karlsruhe offers a wide range of services for future professionals, e.g. counselling and workshops, including a programme for international students.

Students can apply for student housing through student services ("Studierendenwerk") at https://www.sw-ka.de/en/wohnen/. However, there is usually a waiting list for dormitory accommodation.

The "Studierendenwerk" website also provides information about its extensive private accommodation service.

Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) is all about technology and business. The university offers degree programmes in engineering and IT as well as business management and media. There are six faculties:

• Architecture and Construction Engineering
• Computer Science and Business Information Systems
• Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
• Information Management and Media
• Management Science and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics

Small classes and an excellent student-teacher ratio ensure that individual students are well taken care of.

Applied Teaching and Learning

The majority of German engineers have graduated from universities of applied sciences such as HKA, where teaching and learning are geared towards practical application.

Important elements of this are as follows:

• mandatory experience in business and industry of all professors
• seminars accompanied by lab classes
• mandatory internship semesters and thesis work in industry
• hands-on project work from day one

Applied Research

At HKA, teaching is complemented by research, which equally focuses on its practical application. Close links to industry ensure the university’s high quality standards and ensure that its graduates are well prepared for the labour market, both nationally and globally. This is borne out by numerous university rankings, which rank HKA among the top of German universities of applied sciences.

The Campus

The university’s main campus is located in the centre of Karlsruhe, on the southern edge of the spacious Hardt forest. It is a green campus that is equally suited for studying and recreation. The city of Karlsruhe, with a population of 310,000, including a combined student population of well over 45,000, is the centre of one of Germany’s prime technology regions.