Masters Degree - 60 ECTS

For more information, please consult the Master of Science Research Project and Thesis study guide.
The Master programme has been officially accredited by the Dutch-Flemish ccreditation Organisation (NVAO).

1) What will I learn?

For the MSc you will first complete the same modules and workshops as the Diploma programme and in doing so obtain all the learning goals of that programme. In the third year of the MSc programme, you will carry out a research project in the topic of your choice.
Undertaking a research project gives you the opportunity to develop your skills in problem definition, research design and planning, data analysis and interpretation and presentation.
See examples of Msc theses written by our students.

2) Course structure

The first two years of the Master programme have a modular structure. Students will have to complete assignments of eight modules and attend at least two workshops at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. In addition to the generalised GIS option, the student can choose from several specialised pathways: GIS, GIScience, GIS and Management, GIS and Environment. The first four modules of the course are standard for all students, and give a solid foundation in the principles and issues of GIS. The remaining four modules can be selected (depending on the pathway chosen) from a growing list of optional modules, allowing each student to follow a path to completion of the modules which best suits his/her particular study requirements. In the third year, the student will carry out a master research project and write a master thesis. The programme can be completed in three years based on a schedule of studying approximately 10 hours per week.

Apply for the 3-year Master Programme?

You can directly apply for the 3-year Master Programme. However, if you are not yet determined to do the 3-year Master Programme, you can alternatively start with doing the 2-year Diploma Programme and then choose whether or not to continue with the Master Programme once you have finished the Diploma Programme. This is possible because the Diploma programme covers the same material as the first two years of the Master Programme.

Please visit http://www.unigis.nl, download and fill in the Master Programme application form.
If you need a letter of acceptance into the Master programme because you are, for instance, looking for scolarships or other external funding for an accredited Master programme, please just fill this in at the appropriate question on the form, so that the Examination Committee can take this into account when reviewing your application.

Before you apply, be sure to check if you meet the entry requirements for direct admission into the programme. As our programme has a modular structure, the same entry requirements apply to all programmes: Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Dilpoma and Master programme.