Geodesy and Geoinformation

The objective of geodesy is the documentation of the anthroposphere through the use of surveys and geoinformation, and the representation of both according to the task at hand. Geodata describe, order and register human habitats according to particular characteristics, and also contribute to shaping and changing these habitats.

In addition to classic measuring instruments such as theodolites, laser scanners, and cameras, geodata is used in information systems, modern satellite technology and digital remote sensors. Geodesists develop automatic, computer-based procedures for the collection, processing, analysis and visualization of spatial information. The diversity of surveys ranges from global satellite-based surveys of the Earth through surveys of regions using airplanes to the terrestrial surveys of construction works and machines performed by engineers onsite. The geoinformation extracted from geodata provides citizens with the basis for legal clarity in the context of administrative and planning authorities and is prerequisite for creative, organizational and planning measures. Geodetic measuring procedures now play an increasingly significant role in catastrophe management, the monitoring of environmental risk, as well as in the exploration of the Earth system and of planets.

The master's program in Geodesy and Geoinformation builds upon the fundamentals provided in the bachelor's program, deepening students' knowledge of the areas of construction surveying, photogrammetry and remote sensing, higher geodesy and satellite geodesy, cartography and geoinformation science, as well as land regulation and development. During the course of the program, students can specialize in one of the following three areas: higher geodesy and satellite geodesy, photogrammetry, remote sensors and cartography, as well as geodesy, geoinformatics and land management.

For a comprehensive description of the program, please refer to the degree program documentation:

• Degree program documentation for the master's program in Geodesy and Geoinformation (PDF, German)

In addition to a deepened knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies, as a graduate you are distinguished by your focus on quality and your sense of responsibility. You possess a distinctive understanding of spatiality and far-reaching knowledge of the planning, collection, storage, evaluation, efficient computer-based modeling, visualization, use and interpretation of spatial information on all scales, from the local to the global. With reference to specific tasks, you can determine the applicability of various sensors and evaluative processes. You are in a position to assess the input and steps required to deal with complex, discipline-specific problems, and to carry out these steps independently. You participate directly in current purely research projects, as well as research projects conducted in industry, which already provide you with practical experience of successfully completing complex projects.

You recognize interdisciplinary connections between the various branches of geodesy and neighboring disciplines and systematically broaden your knowledge beyond the boundaries of your discipline. Students specialize in the course of the program in one of three areas: higher geodesy and satellite geodesy; photogrammetry, remote sensors and cartography; or, geodesy, geoinformatics and land management.

Opportunities for graduates of Geodesy and Geoinformation arise in research, as well as in different areas of public administration. Further options arise in various branches of the private sector. In addition to engineering consultancies, banks and insurance companies, this includes the areas of computer science, geographic information systems, photogrammetry, and spatial informatics, or the automobile and automation industries.

During the first semester, the program advances your fundamental knowledge of all areas of the discipline of geodesy and geoinformation, i.e. in the areas of higher geodesy and satellite geodesy, photogrammetry, remote sensors and cartography, as well as geodesy, geoinformatics and land management.

In the second and third semesters, you develop your knowledge of the discipline and its methodologies based on your chosen area of specialization (higher geodesy and satellite geodesy; photogrammetry, remote sensors and cartography; or, geodesy, spatial informatics, and land management). In addition to your main area of specialization, you have further options in at least one of the other two areas of specialization. Additional options in complementary disciplines, together with research-oriented project work, allow further specialization.

The fourth semester is devoted to the master's thesis. It is here that your acquired knowledge and methodological competencies converge.

Further, within the context of the program you must also complete a five-week external internship.

• Overview degree program structure

Required language skills for admission:

You need sufficient English language skills if you wish to apply for this program. Evidence of your language proficiency has to be submitted before the end of the application deadline. Learn more about recognized certificates and other ways to prove your English language skills.

This evidence of your language proficiency confirms that you comply with the minimum language requirements for admission to the program. Depending on the program and your individual background, it may be necessary for you to keep working on your language skills during your studies. Be sure to take a look at the services of our Language Center.  

Language of instruction:

The language of instruction for this program is usually English. This means that most of the modules are offered in English. Some courses may, however, be taught in German. The language of instruction for each module is detailed in the module overview.  To learn more about the language of instruction for each module, contact the departmental student academic advisor of this program.   

• Information on exams
• Contact Examination Board
• Information on studying abroad
• Information on internships

The tuition fees for international students from third countries for this degree program are 6,000 euros per semester.

Many international students can have their fees waived or receive scholarships to finance them. You can find all information on waivers and scholarships here.

Please note: The semester fee as a contribution to the student union must be paid additionally. It varies depending on where you are studying. You can find all information on the semester fee here.

Minimum requirements to apply for a Master's program at TUM are a recognized undergraduate degree (e.g. a bachelor’s) and the successful completion of the aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment allows the TUM school or department to which you are applying the opportunity to evaluate your individual talents and motivation for study.

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents.

If you receive an offer of admission, you will additionally have to submit individual documents as notarized hardcopies by post to be enrolled.

Generally, applicants with a qualification for postgraduate studies (e.g. a bachelor’s) obtained outside of the EU / EEA must have their documents reviewed in advance through uni-assist.

In detail:

• Applying for a master’s program: Application, admission requirements and more  
• Important information about your application from the TUM school or department

• Degree Certificate and Diploma or Subject and Grade Transcript of Studies to Date
• Transcript of Records
• Proof of English Language Proficiency
• Letter of Motivation
• Complete and Current Résumé
• Passport
• if applicable: Proof of Internships or Professional Experience (optional)
• Preliminary Documentation (VPD) if the qualification for graduate studies (e.g. a bachelor's) is obtained outside the EU/EEA

We may require additional documents depending on your educational background and your country of origin. Complete the online application to receive a comprehensive list of the required documents. 

• Application for Enrollment (signed)
• Degree Certificate and Diploma (certified copy)
• Transcript of Records (certified copy)
• Most Current Photo (as for ID)

We may require additional documents depending on the type of educational background you earned and your country of origin. After accepting an offer of admission in TUMonline, you will receive a list of documents you must submit to TUM in hardcopy for enrollment.

Application period for the winter semester: 01.04. – 31.05. 

Information about applying for a higher subject semester

During the application period, you must apply through the TUMonline application portal and upload your application documents. Please be aware that we can only process your application if you upload all required documents within the application period.

We will review your application as soon as it is complete. Please check your TUMonline account regularly, to see if we have any queries to your documents or if you have to amend one or more documents.

After receiving admission, you will see in TUMonline which documents you have to submit for enrollment, and in which form. Please note that you always have to send the signed application for enrollment and all notarized hardcopies by post.

We recommend that you submit the documents for enrollment as soon as possible after receiving admission. If individual documents are not available by then, you can submit them up to 5 weeks after the start of the lecture period. You will, however, only be enrolled once we have received all documents.

You can check the status of your application at any time in your TUMonline account.

Selection takes place through an aptitude assessment procedure. Aptitude assessment is a two-part procedure after the submission of an official application to a program. In this procedure, the TUM school or department determines whether you meet the specific requirements for its master’s degree program.

In the initial stages, the grades you obtained during your bachelor's program, as well as your written documents, will be evaluated using a point system. Depending on the amount of points accumulated, applicants are either immediately admitted, rejected or invited to an admissions interview. 

• Aptitude Assessment for Master
• Description of the Aptitude Assessment (Appendix B2, German) (PDF 336 KB)