Geographical Information Management and Applications (GIMA)

Overview

There are two aspects which make GIMA a unique programme: the blended learning concept and the co-operation between four renowned Dutch universities. GIMA is also an international programme. It does not only target Dutch bachelors, but also foreign bachelors and professionals with equivalent pre-education.

Blended learning

GIMA is a blended learning Master's programme, which means that most of the time you are studying from the place where you think you can study best (e.g. at home, or your local library). Students study full time (2 yrs.) or part time (4 yrs.). For the first half of the programme there are only four short contact periods per year, one at each partner university. During those contact periods (with a duration of two weeks) you are supposed to be present in person but for the rest of the year you can study through our electronic learning environment from wherever you are. Obviously, the same holds for the individual thesis research project and internship, each of 6 (full time) or 12 (part time) months length in the last half of the programme.

Joint venture

The Master’s programme of GIMA is the result of a unique joint venture between four Dutch universities, each with a good reputation in its field and with its own traditions:

• Utrecht University , with a focus on geography and planning;

• Delft University of Technology, with a focus on the legal, organisational and technical aspects of geo-information handling;

• University of Twente, with a focus on technical and application oriented courses for developing countries;

• Wageningen University, with a focus on agricultural and rural applications.

Careers

GIMA graduates have excellent career prospects. Especially the demand for managers and application specialists in geo-information in the professional market is still constantly increasing. 

Possible prospects

The GIMA programme aims at educating students to become;

• all-round managers of geo-information and/or

• all-round geo-information researchers and/or

• all-round geo-information application specialists.

GIMA alumni work in the private sector with for example energy or utility companies, or in the field of geo-marketing or consulting. Furthermore, graduates could start their career in the public sector, like in research institutes, municipalities, or other governmental services. Also a combination of both sectors would be possible.