Technology

Master of Science in Geo-informatics

The Master of Science in Geo-informatics is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in geographic information systems, remote sensing, spatial data analysis, and geospatial technology. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, mapping, and geospatial data management.

Core areas include geographic information systems, remote sensing, spatial data analysis, cartography, GPS and surveying, spatial databases, web GIS, digital image processing, geospatial modelling, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical geospatial technology applications.

The programme is offered by Multimedia University of Kenya, Kirinyaga University, and Kaimosi Friends University, with Taita Taveta University as a college. TTU offers MSc in Geoinformatics with entry from geology, hydrology, IT, engineering, remote sensing, natural science, or geography backgrounds.

Students develop competencies in GIS analysis, remote sensing image processing, spatial data management, cartographic design, GPS surveying, web GIS development, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, field work, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time study mode at TTU. TTU accepts Lower Second Class Honours with relevant work experience or PGDip in Geoinformatics. JKUAT offers related MSc in GIS and Remote Sensing at KES 362,000 total (~KES 181,000/year).

Graduates pursue careers as GIS analysts, remote sensing specialists, cartographers, spatial data managers, geospatial developers, and lecturers in government agencies, surveying firms, environmental organisations, mining companies, and universities.

Skills Required

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysis
Remote Sensing and Image Processing
Spatial Data Analysis and Modelling
Cartography and Map Design
GPS Surveying and Positioning
Spatial Database Management
Web GIS and Geospatial Web Development
Digital Image Processing
Geospatial Data Collection and Integration
Geo-informatics Research Methods

Key Subjects

Geographic Information Systems
Remote Sensing
Spatial Data Analysis
Cartography
GPS and Surveying
Spatial Databases
Web GIS
Digital Image Processing
Geospatial Modelling
Geo-informatics Research Methods

Certifications

KSGS Professional Certification
OGC Professional Certification

Specializations

Geographic Information Systems

Focuses on GIS, spatial analysis, GIS modelling, spatial data management, and using GIS for spatial problem-solving and decision-making.

Remote Sensing

Examines remote sensing, satellite remote sensing, aerial remote sensing, image processing, image classification, and acquiring and analysing remote sensing data.

Cartography and Visualisation

Covers cartography, map design, map production, spatial visualisation, and designing and producing maps and spatial visualisations.

Spatial Data Management

Focuses on spatial data management, spatial databases, spatial data infrastructure, data quality, and managing and organising spatial data.

Web GIS and Geospatial Web

Examines web GIS, web mapping, geospatial web services, online mapping, and developing and deploying web-based GIS applications.

GPS and Surveying

Covers GPS, GNSS, surveying, positioning, geodetic surveying, and using GPS and surveying for spatial data collection and positioning.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 531,500
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Geographic Information Systems
Remote Sensing
Spatial Data Analysis
Cartography
GPS and Surveying
Spatial Databases
Web GIS
Digital Image Processing
Geospatial Modelling
Geo-informatics Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Geographic Information Systems Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines GIS principles, spatial data models, spatial analysis, GIS modelling, spatial data management, and using GIS for spatial problem-solving and decision-making.
Remote Sensing Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers remote sensing principles, satellite remote sensing, aerial remote sensing, sensor systems, electromagnetic radiation, and acquiring and understanding remote sensing data.
Spatial Data Analysis and Statistics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines spatial data analysis, spatial statistics, spatial analysis methods, interpolation, spatial autocorrelation, and analysing spatial patterns and relationships.
Cartography and Map Design
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers cartography, map design, map projections, map production, cartographic communication, visualisation, and designing and producing maps and spatial visualisations.
GPS and Surveying
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines GPS, GNSS, positioning, surveying, geodetic surveying, field data collection, and using GPS and surveying for spatial data collection and positioning.
Spatial Database Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers spatial databases, spatial data models, spatial indexing, spatial SQL, spatial data infrastructure, and managing and querying spatial databases.
Web GIS and Geospatial Web Services
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines web GIS, web mapping, geospatial web services, web GIS development, online mapping platforms, and developing and deploying web GIS applications.
Digital Image Processing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers digital image processing, image correction, image enhancement, image classification, feature extraction, and processing and analysing remote sensing images.
Geospatial Modelling and Simulation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines geospatial modelling, spatial modelling, suitability analysis, network analysis, terrain analysis, and building and applying geospatial models.
Geo-informatics Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for geo-informatics, experimental design, field methods, data analysis, and conducting geo-informatics research, preparing students for their thesis.
Geospatial Data Integration and Quality
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines geospatial data integration, data quality, data standards, metadata, interoperability, and integrating and ensuring quality of geospatial data from multiple sources.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a geo-informatics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and geo-informatics knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Geographic Information Systems
Focuses on GIS, spatial analysis, GIS modelling, spatial data management, and using GIS for spatial problem-solving and decision-making.
Remote Sensing
Examines remote sensing, satellite remote sensing, aerial remote sensing, image processing, image classification, and acquiring and analysing remote sensing data.
Cartography and Visualisation
Covers cartography, map design, map production, spatial visualisation, and designing and producing maps and spatial visualisations.
Spatial Data Management
Focuses on spatial data management, spatial databases, spatial data infrastructure, data quality, and managing and organising spatial data.
Web GIS and Geospatial Web
Examines web GIS, web mapping, geospatial web services, online mapping, and developing and deploying web-based GIS applications.
GPS and Surveying
Covers GPS, GNSS, surveying, positioning, geodetic surveying, and using GPS and surveying for spatial data collection and positioning.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Geo-informatics programme begins with morning lectures on GIS, remote sensing, or spatial data analysis. Students engage in theoretical discussions on spatial data, geospatial technology, and spatial analysis methods. GIS sessions cover GIS principles, spatial analysis, GIS modelling, spatial data management, and using GIS for spatial problem-solving. Remote sensing sessions examine satellite remote sensing, aerial remote sensing, sensor systems, electromagnetic radiation, and acquiring and understanding remote sensing data. Spatial data analysis sessions cover spatial statistics, spatial analysis methods, interpolation, spatial autocorrelation, and analysing spatial patterns and relationships. Cartography sessions involve map design, map projections, map production, cartographic communication, and designing and producing maps. GPS sessions cover GPS principles, GNSS, positioning, surveying, geodetic surveying, and using GPS for spatial data collection. Spatial database sessions examine spatial databases, spatial data models, spatial indexing, spatial SQL, and managing and querying spatial databases. Web GIS sessions cover web mapping, geospatial web services, web GIS development, online mapping platforms, and developing and deploying web GIS applications. Digital image processing sessions involve image processing, image correction, image enhancement, image classification, feature extraction, and processing remote sensing images. Geospatial modelling sessions cover spatial modelling, suitability analysis, network analysis, terrain analysis, and building and applying geospatial models. Laboratory sessions provide extensive hands-on experience with GIS software, remote sensing software, GPS receivers, and spatial data processing. Field work provides hands-on experience in GPS surveying, field data collection, ground truthing, and spatial data acquisition. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering geo-informatics research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from RCMRD specialists, KSGS professionals, KNBS statisticians, and industry experts provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

Kenya's mining sector, land management, environmental monitoring, agricultural mapping, urban planning, and census needs create high demand for qualified geo-informatics professionals.
TTU accepts diverse backgrounds including geology, hydrology, IT, engineering, remote sensing, natural science, and geography, making it accessible to many graduates.
RCMRD headquartered in Nairobi provides unique opportunities for geo-informatics professionals in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Programme combines IT skills with spatial analysis, providing highly transferable skills for growing geospatial technology market.

Against it

Programme requires access to GIS software, remote sensing software, and GPS equipment, which may vary across institutions.
TTU programme is full-time only, which may not accommodate working professionals.
If applicant's background in geoinformatics is insufficient, audit of undergraduate units is required, extending study time.
Specific fee structures could not be independently verified from all official websites, making cost planning challenging.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 191 technology courses

Public532k to 532k

532k at UoN532k at UoN

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

UoN MSc GIS ~531,500/yr (uonbi.ac.ke). TTU also offers. MUK/Kirinyaga don't offer MSc Geo-informatics.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. RCMRD supports geospatial training and capacity building in Eastern and Southern Africa. ISPRS supports remote sensing research. OGC supports geospatial standards development. The programme's geospatial technology focus attracts regional and international organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
RCMRD Training Funding
ISPRS Research Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate geo-informatics studies at recognised universities.
RCMRD Training Funding
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
RCMRD provides geospatial training and capacity building, supporting training in GIS, remote sensing, and mapping for Eastern and Southern Africa.
ISPRS Research Grants
GrantKsh 300,000
ISPRS supports remote sensing and photogrammetry research, providing funding for research and training in remote sensing globally.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts graduates from geology, hydrology, IT, engineering, remote sensing, natural science, geography, and related fields. If applicant's background in Geoinformatics or Informatics is insufficient, satisfactory audit of some undergraduate units as advised by the Department will be required. Two-year full-time programme at TTU. TTU accepts Lower Second Class Honours with relevant work experience or PGDip in Geoinformatics.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, GIS lab exercises, remote sensing practicals, spatial analysis projects, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and cartography, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory and Field Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory work, field work, GIS projects, remote sensing projects, GPS surveying, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a geo-informatics topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and geo-informatics knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). TTU offers MSc in Geoinformatics through its School of Mines and Engineering. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate geo-informatics training. KSGS regulates surveying and geospatial practice in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. TTU offers MSc in Geoinformatics through its School of Mines and Engineering. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate geo-informatics training.
Kenya Surveying and Geospatial Society (KSGS)
Professional accreditation
KSGS supports surveyors and GIS professionals in Kenya. Graduates working in surveying and geospatial practice may benefit from KSGS membership and professional certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

GIS Analyst
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Analyses spatial data using GIS, conducting spatial analysis, GIS modelling, map production, and supporting spatial decision-making in organisations.
Remote Sensing Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Processes and analyses remote sensing data, conducting image processing, image classification, feature extraction, and supporting remote sensing applications.
Cartographer
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 400,000
Designs and produces maps, overseeing cartographic design, map production, spatial visualisation, and creating maps for organisations and publications.
Spatial Data Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages spatial data, overseeing spatial databases, data quality, spatial data infrastructure, and ensuring effective spatial data management.
Geospatial Developer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Develops web GIS applications and geospatial software, overseeing web mapping, geospatial web services, and building geospatial technology solutions.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches geo-informatics and GIS in universities, conducting research and training future geo-informatics professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as GIS analysts, remote sensing specialists, and spatial data managers in government agencies, surveying firms, environmental organisations, and mining companies.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

ArcGIS
SoftwarePrimary
Industry-standard GIS software for spatial analysis, map production, GIS modelling, spatial data management, and geospatial analysis.
QGIS
SoftwarePrimary
Open-source GIS software for spatial analysis, map production, GIS modelling, and geospatial data processing.
ERDAS Imagine
Software
Remote sensing and image processing software for satellite image processing, image classification, and remote sensing analysis.
Python
Software
Programming language for geospatial scripting, spatial data processing, GIS automation, and geospatial data analysis with libraries like GDAL, Fiona, and GeoPandas.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Geo-informatics is just about making maps.
The programme involves spatial analysis, remote sensing, databases, web development, modelling, and research, far beyond simple map-making.
GIS is outdated technology.
GIS and geospatial technology are rapidly growing fields with applications in agriculture, mining, urban planning, environmental management, disaster response, and business intelligence.
There is limited demand for geo-informatics professionals in Kenya.
Kenya's mining sector, land management, environmental monitoring, agricultural mapping, urban planning, and census needs create high demand for qualified geo-informatics professionals.
This programme is only for geography graduates.
TTU accepts graduates from geology, hydrology, IT, engineering, remote sensing, natural science, geography, and related fields, making it accessible to diverse backgrounds.
Geo-informatics is not a real IT field.
Geo-informatics involves databases, programming, web development, spatial algorithms, and data science, making it a legitimate IT and computing specialisation.
A master's in geo-informatics is redundant after a bachelor's in IT or geography.
The master's provides specialised geospatial technology skills, research capability, and career progression to senior GIS and geospatial positions.