Geoinformatics courses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

Geoinformatics is an integral discipline about studying (and effectively using) data about our Earth and its interactions with its surroundings.

Geoinformatics courses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

Geoinformatics is an integral discipline about studying (and effectively using) data about our Earth and its interactions with its surroundings. This means that it has applications practically everywhere, from the environment to urban planning to renewable energy. As a massively growing field, there is a huge demand for qualified specialists in a wide range of roles, such as surveying engineers, something we’ve covered in our article about geoinformatics jobs

In light of this demand for professionals, this article looks at another crucial aspect of geoinformatics: the educational opportunities that will prepare you to enter any geoinformatics-related industry of your choice, from sustainable development to telecommunications. So let's dive in and find out more!

Look right here, if you are on the lookout for a geoinformatics job on GoGeoGo.

Table of contents:

List of geoinformatics courses in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

For an aspiring geoinformatician, there are many studying opportunities at the university level in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Their unique location within Europe combined with a cutting-edge and fast-growing technological landscape adds to the dynamism and popularity of the field.

Standard bachelor’s, master’s, and dual degree programs are generally focussed either purely on geoinformatics or on its intersection with other closely related fields such as geodata, geodesy, and surveying.

Bild von nebeneinander stehenden Globen
Geoinformatics collects, investigates and uses data about our earth and its interactions with its environment.

Bachelor of Geoinformatics

Geoinformatics is offered as a bachelor’s degree programme (both science and engineering) in many technical universities across the DACH region. While some offer the subject as a sole focus, Geoinformatics is widely studied in conjunction with other disciplines such as 

as you can see below. These degree programmes span six semesters and are often taught in German.

Prerequisites generally include a high school diploma (general or subject-specific) and, in some cases, a language certificate (German, English). One can expect to build a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, computer science, and legal foundations in the first two semesters. 

This is followed by a deep dive into engineering knowledge and concepts in all geoinformatics subjects such as surveying, photogrammetry or remote sensing in the third to sixth semesters. Finally, in addition to a bachelor's thesis, there is often a mandatory external internship that must be completed.

Master of Geoinformatics 

At the master's level, students also have the option of choosing a science or engineering degree with a unilateral or multidisciplinary focus. These programmes are 3 to 4 semesters long, depending on whether they have the optional study format of both studying and working in industry (dual master). Prerequisites include a bachelor's degree in a related field with good grades, German language skills, and relevant projects and internships.

While the details may vary by programme and region, the core modules generally focus on deepening knowledge in the overall field of geoinformatics, with an emphasis on spatial data infrastructure and the management of technology and innovation. Students can pick from a wide range of electives that cover more current topics such as GIS programming, mobile mapping, 3D measurement technologies, and cartographic data visualisation.

Lastly, students can build upon a specialisation in their master thesis and sometimes also have a mandatory industry internship of 3–6 months as part of their programme.

Now that we have established what to expect from these programs, you can move on to the next section to check out our (exhaustive!) compilation of all the geoinformatics programs offered in the field of geoinformatics. These programs are sorted by region and level to help prospective students like you find the right fit based on your interests and qualifications.

Nächtliches Satellitenbild von New York City
Geoinformatics uses a lot of geodata, for example in connection with urban planning

Geoinformatics in Germany

Bachelor of Geoinformatics

Bachelor of Engineering in Geoinformatics

Bachelor of Geodesy (Surveying/Geophysics) and Geoinformatics

Bachelor of Engineering in Geoinformatics plus other areas of focus

Master of Geoinformatics 

Master of Engineering in Geoinformatics 

Master of Geodesy and Geoinformatics 

Geoinformatics in Austria

Bachelor of Geoinformatics

Master of Geoinformatics 

Geoinformatics in Switzerland

Bachelor of Geoinformatics

Master of Geoinformatics 

Bild eines Autobahnkreuzes von oben
Geoinformatics as a discipline is required for a variety of applications, for example for mobility and infrastructure

Geoinformatics masters salary

Given its application in several industries, the average salary varies over a wide range, depending on industry, educational background, and professional experience. The starting salary for a geoinformatician with a masters degree is usually around 42,000 € and goes up to 75,000 € or higher for experts with several years of work experience.

Entry

Experienced

Senior

Lower end

42.100,00 €

48.400,00 €

54.000,00 €

Average

44.900,00 €

53.900,00 €

63.100,00 €

Upper end

47.800,00 €

61.400,00 €

75.100,00 €

Summary studying geoinformatics

To conclude, Geoinformatics is a multidisciplinary field that is central to understanding the Earth and all its processes. This article explored the education opportunities that exist in the dynamic DACH region for everyone interested in the field. 

These opportunities translate into very well-structured and popular bachelor’s and master’s programmes that are both uni-disciplinary and multidisciplinary, as well as academic or industry aligned.

Often taught in German, but often in English at the master's level, they equip students with skills in mathematics, computer science, engineering and more, and are complemented by mandatory internships and thesis projects. Finally, salaries range from €42,000 to €75,000, reflecting the importance and demand for this specialisation across industries.

If this has piqued your interest, and you want to get a headstart in this field, find your geoinformatics job on GoGeoGo!

FAQs

Can I pursue Geoinformatics as a profession even if I don’t have a technical background?

While most geoinformatics master’s programmes look for candidates with a bachelor’s in a related field, you can also find others that offer introductory courses to accommodate students with a non-technical background. This is based on you providing sufficient evidence of motivation and other transferable skills.

Are Geoinformatics programmes also available flexibly?

Several universities, especially post-pandemic, offer several study routes for people who need more time to study geoinformatics, either for caregiving or personal needs. This can be either through a hybrid or part-time format.

How do I decide if a Geoinformatics programme is right for me?

While some amount of uncertainty will always remain when studying geoinformatics (or anything for that matter), you should consider factors such as the focus of the curriculum and its alignment with your interests, research opportunities, industry connections, programme accreditation, and faculty expertise and research projects.

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