Geodetic Engineering University of Bonn

The Master's programme Geodetic Engineering is dedicated to students with a BSc in Geodesy and Geoinformation or related topics, such as Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Geosciences or Electrical Engineering.

It is a full-time programme taught entirely in English. The standard period of study is four semesters, including the Master's thesis. The programme offers three profiles, which cover the main research fields of our institute:

• Mobile Sensing and Robotics
• Geodetic Earth System Science and Data Analysis
• Geoinformation and Spatial Development

Each student will choose one area as a major and a second area as a minor topic. Depending on the student's interests, the curriculum allows the student to focus almost entirely on one main topic or on a broader range of topics.

Graduates will be equipped with skills and tools to recognise and solve geodetic engineering problems. During their studies, they will participate in current research projects. The Master’s programme provides an entry qualification for PhD programmes.

The Geodetic Engineering programme is extended over 24 months and is structured into mandatory modules and compulsory elective modules, including teaching units with a duration of one semester. An exam completes each module. Three different types of modules are offered: lectures, seminars and projects. Credit points (CP) are the basis of evaluation.

By the beginning of the first semester, the students are required to choose a major and a minor profile out of the following options:

• Mobile Sensing and Robotics
• Geodetic Earth System Science and Data Analysis
• Spatial Information and Development

The curriculum of the MSc programme Geodetic Engineering is structured as follows:

• The first semester offers mandatory advanced modules covering the basic knowledge that will be required for the remaining programme. Lectures and exercises cover the following topics: Coordinate Systems, GNSS, Statistics and Adjustment Theory, Geoinformation Systems and Earth Observation. For each student, an individual study plan will cover topics that were not provided by the student's prior education. Chosen profiles will be introduced via two mandatory modules.
• In the second and third semesters, students intensify their knowledge by taking one mandatory and three to five compulsory modules from their major profile. From the minor profile or from external offers, they may choose up to three compulsory elective modules. Two project modules introduce the students to current research topics and train them to be able to do self-sufficient research. These topics are meant to be preparation for the Master's thesis and therefore should only be selected from the major profile.
• The last study semester is devoted to the Master's thesis.

The Master's programme will be successfully completed once 120 CP have been obtained. Of these 120 CP, students will obtain 15 CP from advanced modules, 3 CP from the individual study plan, 30 to 42 CP from modules out of the major profile, 6 to 18 CP from modules out of the minor profile and/or external offers, 24 CP from the projects modules, and 30 CP from the Master's thesis.

Applicants must have a three-year Bachelor of Science degree in Geodesy, Geoinformation or related topics, such as Geoscience, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or Electrical Engineering.

In detail, applicants must have

• a total of at least 24 credits from at least two of the following three subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Programming
• a total of at least 48 credits from at least two of the following six research areas
• Physical Geodesy, Space Geodesy, Geodynamics and Earth System Research
• Data Analysis, Modelling and Scientific Computing in the context of Geoscience
• Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, Computer Vision and Robotics
• Geodetic Measurement Technology, Engineering Geodesy and Satellite Measurement Technology
• Algorithmics, Spatial Databases, Geo-Information and Geo-Information Systems
• Urban Development, Land Readjustment and Real Estate Evaluation and Land Management

Based on your application documents, the examination board will decide your eligibility for the Master's programme.

Before you apply, please check the requirements carefully.

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the semester fee of about 350 EUR per semester, which covers a Deutschlandsemesterticket (student transit pass for public transport) and statutory accident insurance, among other things.

Students in Bonn can expect to pay around 1,000 EUR a month, with rent accounting for the largest share of their living costs.

The University of Bonn has a central Career Service (www.uni-bonn.de/careerservice), which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. International students can also join the iStart career programme (www.uni-bonn.de/istart), which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies and thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

Students at the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory owned by the Studierendenwerk Bonn (see www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation for more details).

For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit our website at www.uni-bonn.de/living-in-bonn.