Home Blended Learning Become MSc Geographical Information Sciences (UNIGIS)

Become MSc Geographical Information Sciences (UNIGIS)

The MSc (Uni)GIS program at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam focuses on Geographic Information Science, emphasizing spatial analysis, geodata management, and visualization. It’s a mostly online program that combines theoretical foundations with practical, real-world applications in GIS and remote sensing. Graduates develop the skills to use geospatial technologies to address environmental, social, and urban challenges worldwide

MSc Degree Preparation

The MSc (Uni)GIS program at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam focuses on Geographic Information Science. The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Geo-ICT Training Center, the Netherlands, collaborate on this unique GIS program that leads to an MSc degree. The program is mostly delivered online, with students attending two on-site workshops per academic year in Amsterdam.

Combining professional work with academic study offers great advantages, as both reinforce each other — but it’s also a demanding program that requires discipline and perseverance from its students.

Good preparation is therefore essential, and depending on your prior education and experience, a pre-master’s program may be required.

What will you learn?

Here’s what you will learn in the pre-master for the MSc Geographical Information Sciences (UNIGIS) programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam:

  • Preparation for the academic skills. How to write a research proposal, perform literature reviews, engage in critical thinking, and choose appropriate research methodologies. This is the preparation.  This is the preparatory part of the Academic Skills module, which is taught and examined by the VU itself.
  • The Introduction to GIS which gives you foundational knowledge in GIS theory and terminology, and develops your practical skills in GIS software (either open-source like QGIS or proprietary like ArcGIS).
  • Introduction to Geo-spatial Python Scripting

Why choose this course?

Upon completion, you will receive an official certificate in QGIS and Python Scripting from Geo-ICT, which is recognized by VU Amsterdam as valid for admission to the UNIGIS pre-master.

This blended learning approach combines online flexibility with personal guidance and practical assignments. You receive structured support from Geo-ICT trainers while building the academic and technical foundation required for the VU pre-master. This method helps you balance work and study effectively and ensures you’re fully prepared for the MSc UNIGIS program.

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Enroll

€475,- (VAT included)
  • Start: 2-hour online session
  • Self-study: Review course materials
  • End: 1-hour online session
Register for this course

You’ll receive 1-on-1 guidance. After signing up, our course coordinator will contact you to schedule your first session.

Learning Outcomes

  • Prepare for Advanced Studies and Career Opportunities – Build the professional and technical foundation needed for employment in the fast-growing geo-information sector. This program also serves as excellent preparation for the MSc UNIGIS course, with certificates that are acknowledged by Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam.
  • Apply GIS Software Proficiently – Gain hands-on expertise in using ArcGIS and QGIS for spatial data analysis, visualization, and geoprocessing tasks.
  • Analyze and Interpret Spatial Data – Develop the ability to collect, manage, and interpret geographic data to support decision-making in various sectors.
  • Design and Implement GIS Projects – Learn to plan, execute, and present GIS-based projects from start to finish using industry-standard workflows.
  • Integrate GIS with Other Technologies – Understand how to connect GIS with databases, remote sensing, and web-based mapping application

More Information?

Do you have questions about the course content? Not sure if the course aligns with your learning objectives? Or would you prefer a private session or in-company training? We’re happy to assist—feel free to get in touch.

Frequently Asked Questions for the UNIGIS programm

Anyone with a relevant bachelor’s degree or work experience in IT, geography, or related fields who wants to qualify for the UNIGIS MSc program at VU Amsterdam can apply.

The program combines online lessons, self-study, and live sessions with Geo-ICT trainers. You’ll also participate in practical GIS and Python scripting exercises to build hands-on experience.

After successfully completing the preparation, you’ll receive a Geo-ICT certificate in GIS and Python Scripting, which is recognized by VU Amsterdam as valid for entry into the UNIGIS pre-master program.