M.Sc. Geodesy - For prospective students

General information on studying

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Building on the broad engineering and geodetic basic skills from a previous relevant Bachelor's degree, students on this Master's degree course acquire in-depth and more research-related skills in geodesy and its applications. The Master's course is scientific and at the same time practically and professionally oriented. Students acquire methodological knowledge and analytical skills as well as specialist knowledge based on current geodetic research questions and geodetic practice.

Contents of the program

The Master's degree program has a modular structure. The courses are spread over 4 semesters. Part-time study is possible in accordance with the regulations for part-time study at TU Dresden. The course comprises 6 compulsory modules and a wide range of compulsory elective modules, from which students can choose to pursue their individual interests and develop their professional profile. The Master's thesis is completed and defended in the fourth semester.

The course is characterized by the research strength of the participating Chairs. These are primarily

• Chair of Geodesy (Fundamentals)
• Chair of Optical 3D-Metrology
• Chair of Land Management
• Chair of Photogrammetry
• Chair of Environmental Remote Sensing
• Junior Professorship in Geosensor Systems
• Chair of Geodetic Earth System Research
• Chair of Geoinformatics
• Professorship for Cartographic Communication
• Research Group for Astronomy

As a student, you will be involved in their research work, be it in the research-oriented modules with coursework and examinations in project form, in your Master's thesis or additionally as a Research Assistant.

What can I do after graduation?

The degree program covers all fields of activity in geodesy and this breadth allows for great professional flexibility. Graduates are able to work on diverse and complex tasks in a targeted and responsible manner.
After an appropriate training period in professional practice, they are qualified to work as engineers in public authorities, companies or independently where geodetic expertise is required. They are also able to carry out research and development tasks in geodesy. The specialist and key competencies that go beyond the bachelor's level enable graduates of the master's degree program to take on leadership positions in various professional fields.

Occupational fields for geodesists include, for example, industry and the private sector:

• in the use of satellite navigation in cars, ships and airplanes,
• in the processing and analysis of aerial photographs and satellite image data,
• in the construction and monitoring of engineering structures and routes,
• in the use and processing of basic geodata in geoinformation systems,
• in industrial metrology

or in public administration and research:

• in urban and rural development,
• land planning and real estate valuation,
• in environmental monitoring,
• at universities, colleges, technical colleges or research institutes,
• as a publicly appointed surveying engineer

Why study Geodesy (M.Sc.) at the TU Dresden?

There are many reasons to study at the TUD Dresden University of Technology. study. With over 30,000 students, it is one of the largest technical universities in Germany and has been one of the German Universities of Excellence since 2012. Studying at TU Dresden is characterized by the diversity of the courses on offer, internationality and family friendliness. At the same time, university teaching builds on a long tradition. The Geodetic Institute, whose roots go back to 1852, is one of the oldest of its kind.

The number of students on the Master's degree program in Geodesy is smaller than on other engineering degree programs. As a result, the student-teacher ratio is very good - both in terms of numbers and quality. As a student, you will also experience research activities at first hand. Intensive contacts are also easy to make among students.

Dresden is considered one of the most liveable cities in Germany:

• Whether graceful baroque buildings in the old town or the charming trendy district in Dresden Neustadt - criss-crossed by the bends of the River Elbe, Dresden's beautiful city center captivates with a wealth of cultural impressions.
• The large number of parks and green spaces make Dresden one of the greenest cities in Europe.
• Numerous bars, pubs and clubs offer plenty of opportunities to turn night into day and have a good time.
• The area surrounding the city offers spectacular natural landscapes, such as the Dresden Heath or Saxon Switzerland.
• Other cultural cities such as Prague, Berlin, Görlitz or Wrocław are within easy reach of Dresden.

Our campus - the place to study

In the Department of Geosciences, you will study on the main campus of TU Dresden in the Südvorstadt district. Chairs, the Department Office and the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences are located in the Hülße Building. The majority of your courses take place there, as well as in the adjoining Georg Schumann Building and the Auditorium Center. The PCs in the geopools in the Hülße-Bau and the adjacent Tillich-Bau can be used before taking a break in the cafeteria "insgrüne coffeebar". Our picture collection provides a small insight for you.

If you are curious, you can find further important information and conditions for the degree program, such as study requirements, deadlines and the application link in our central study information system.
Geodesy (M.Sc.)

If you are already studying Geodesy (M.Sc.) at TU Dresden, you will find all relevant information under Information for students.

Contact and advice

Do you have any questions about studying or applying? Our contact persons will be happy to help you.

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Short Facts