Technology

Master of Science in Geoinformatics

The Master of Science in Geoinformatics provides advanced training in geographic information systems, remote sensing, cartography, GPS surveying, and spatial data analysis. Students learn GIS, remote sensing, photogrammetry, spatial databases, and geospatial data management. The programme is designed for surveying, geomatics, geography, and IT graduates seeking advanced geoinformatics qualifications.

Students develop advanced competencies in GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, photogrammetry, GPS, cartography, and geospatial data management. The curriculum covers geoinformatics theory, GIS applications, remote sensing, research methods, and a research thesis. Practical skills are developed through laboratory work and geospatial projects.

Geoinformatics expertise is critical for Kenya's land management, environmental monitoring, and spatial planning sectors. Surveying firms, government agencies, mining companies, and environmental organisations require trained geoinformatics professionals. Kenya's growing need for spatial data infrastructure and land management creates demand for geoinformatics expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced geoinformatics training.

The programme combines classroom lectures with laboratory work, field surveys, and research. Students study geoinformatics concepts, analyse spatial data, process satellite imagery, and conduct research. Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory sessions, field work, and research supervision. The programme is offered in full-time and part-time modes.

Graduates find employment as GIS specialists, remote sensing analysts, surveyors, or geospatial data managers in government, mining companies, environmental organisations, and surveying firms. The master's degree supports careers in geoinformatics, spatial analysis, and land management.

This programme is ideal for surveying, geomatics, geography, and IT graduates seeking advanced geoinformatics qualifications. The programme provides advanced skills for GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial data management.

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

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Master

What you study

10 subjects

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Remote Sensing and Image Processing
Photogrammetry
GPS and Satellite Positioning
Cartography and Visualisation
Spatial Database Management
Spatial Analysis and Modelling
Research Methods
Geospatial Data Quality
Thesis Research

Modules

8 in the programme

GIS Theory and Applications
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
GIS theory covering spatial data models, coordinate systems, spatial analysis, and GIS applications in various fields including land management, environment, and planning.
Remote Sensing and Image Processing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Remote sensing covering satellite and aerial remote sensing, electromagnetic spectrum, image acquisition, image processing, and image classification techniques.
Photogrammetry and GPS
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Photogrammetry covering aerial photogrammetry, digital photogrammetry, and GPS covering satellite positioning, GPS surveying, and GNSS systems.
Research Methods and Statistics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, statistical analysis, spatial statistics, and research ethics.
Spatial Database Management
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Spatial database management covering spatial database design, spatial SQL, geodatabase management, and geospatial data storage and retrieval.
Spatial Analysis and Modelling
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Spatial analysis covering spatial statistics, spatial modelling, terrain analysis, network analysis, and spatial interpolation techniques.
Cartography and Geovisualisation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Cartography covering map design, cartographic communication, geovisualisation, web mapping, and modern cartographic techniques.
Thesis Research and Defence
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A research thesis on a geoinformatics topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to geospatial knowledge and practice.

Specialisations

Remote Sensing
Focus on satellite remote sensing, image processing, and applications in environmental monitoring and agriculture.
GIS and Spatial Analysis
Focus on GIS applications, spatial analysis, spatial modelling, and geospatial data management.
Photogrammetry and Surveying
Focus on photogrammetry, GPS surveying, and precision positioning for land management and engineering.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on GIS theory or remote sensing with afternoon laboratory sessions and geospatial project work. Students study geoinformatics concepts, analyse spatial data, process satellite imagery, design GIS databases, and conduct research. Laboratory work provides hands-on experience with GIS software, remote sensing tools, and GPS equipment. Field surveys develop practical surveying and data collection skills. Research projects connect students with real geospatial challenges. The programme emphasises geospatial competence, analytical skills, and research capabilities.

The trade offs

In its favour

Geoinformatics skills are in demand across multiple sectors including mining, environment, agriculture, and government.
TTU is located in a mining region, providing unique opportunities for geospatial applications in mining.
Combines IT skills with spatial science, providing versatile career options.

Against it

The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility.
Specific fee data is not publicly available; estimate based on comparable programmes.
Requires strong background in mathematics and computing.

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 but fees unpublished. No private uni found.

HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. TTU may offer institutional scholarships for qualifying students. Geospatial organisations may offer research grants.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities

Getting in

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

What you need

Alternative entry: Bachelor's degree with at least Upper Second Class Honours in Surveying, Geomatics, Cartography, Geology, Remote Sensing, Photogrammetry, IT, Engineering, or related field from a recognised university.

How you are assessed

3 components

Coursework and Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, written examinations, and assignments evaluating understanding of geoinformatics concepts.
Laboratory Work and Projects
Practical30% of the mark
Laboratory assessments, geospatial project evaluations, and practical assignments evaluating GIS and remote sensing skills.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A research thesis demonstrating research competence in geoinformatics, defended before an examination panel.

Accreditation

TTU is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MSc programme is accredited by CUE. Surveying professionals may seek registration with the Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK).

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
TTU is chartered by CUE. MSc programme accredited by CUE.
Institution of Surveyors of Kenya
Professional
Surveying professionals may seek registration with ISK.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

GIS Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 100,000 to Ksh 350,000
Develops and manages GIS systems in government, mining companies, environmental organisations, or consulting firms, providing spatial analysis and mapping services.
Remote Sensing Analyst
Moderate demand
Analyses satellite and aerial imagery for environmental monitoring, agriculture, mining, or land management in research institutions or private sector.
Surveyor
Moderate demand
Conducts land surveys and geospatial data collection using GPS and modern surveying equipment in surveying firms or government.
Geospatial Data Manager
Moderate demand
Manages geospatial databases and spatial data infrastructure in government agencies, IT companies, or geospatial organisations.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find employment as GIS specialists, remote sensing analysts, and geospatial data managers in government, mining companies, environmental organisations, and surveying firms, with opportunities for spatial analysis and land management.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Geoinformatics is just about making maps.
Geoinformatics covers GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, photogrammetry, GPS, and geospatial data management, not just cartography.
GIS skills are only useful in surveying.
GIS skills are valuable in urban planning, environmental management, agriculture, mining, logistics, public health, and many other sectors.
Geoinformatics is becoming obsolete with Google Maps.
Google Maps is a consumer application; professional geoinformatics involves complex spatial analysis, data management, and custom applications that go far beyond consumer mapping.
You need to be a surveyor to study geoinformatics.
Geoinformatics is relevant for graduates from IT, geography, geology, engineering, environmental science, and many other backgrounds.