About GEM MSc
What is GEM?
The aim of the GEM programme is to deliver top-class graduates from the EU and around the world, with the skills and networks to better manage socio-ecological systems for sustainable and equitable growth. Management of the Earth’s resources requires easily accessed, up to date, and detailed data and the knowledge to acquire it, process it and generate actionable information from it.
New Earth observation data services, such as the European Union’s Copernicus Programme – provide access to the data. GEM provides the technical knowledge and professional skills to use it, communicate it, and act upon it.
GEM is a prestigious, integrated, international study programme, jointly delivered by an international consortium of four higher education institutions. Each partner brings expertise in different aspects of human-environment interaction challenges with applied geospatial science:
- Natural resources management at ITC-University of Twente, the Netherlands (and GEM coordinating partner)
- Ecosystems and the environment at Lund University, Sweden
- Agriculture and Land Use Planning at UCLouvain University, Belgium
- Socio-ecological systems and urban planning at the University of Tartu, Estonia
Why choose GEM?
GEM is an innovative, international education programme from four European university partners that:
- Builds upon our strategic partnerships between universities and industries so that you become a skilled professional in the use of GI and EO science. As a GEM student, you will use EO data and information services provided by Copernicus, NASA Earth Data and other sources of diverse geodata to address global challenges.
- Bases its innovative teaching approaches on collaborative studies to address real socio-ecological challenges. As a GEM student, you will understand the scientific process and be able to apply it in your future career, both inside and outside academia, to meet sector skill needs.
- Brings diverse groups of students, staff, and stakeholders together for interdisciplinary learning. As a GEM student, you will interact with stakeholders in different sectors, and be comfortable doing so.
- Builds capacity by providing equal access to top-tier education. This diversity increases access to education and develops your language and culture skills, broadening minds to new ways of thinking.
What degree will you obtain?
Graduates of the Erasmus+ Master of Science Degree (MSc) Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation for Environmental Modelling and Management (GEM) Programme will be awarded a double degree (in English):
Track 1:
UT: Master of Science in Geoinformatics for Urbanised Society
ITC: Master of Science in Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation with a specialisation in Environmental Modelling and Management
Track 2:
UT: Master of Science in Geoinformatics for Urbanised Society
UCLouvain: Master in Agriculture and Bio-industries, Professional focus: GIScience & EO for Environmental Modelling and Management
Track 3:
LU: Master Programme in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for Environmental Modelling and Management
ITC: Master of Science in Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation with a specialisation in Environmental Modelling and Management
Track 4:
LU: Master Programme in Geo-information Science and Earth Observation for Environmental Modelling and Management
UCLouvain: Master in Agriculture and Bio-industries, Professional focus: GIScience & EO for Environmental Modelling and Management
Career perspectives
The GEM programme was first established in 2005 within intakes up until 2017. During that time over 260 students graduated from the programme.
There is a high demand for GEM graduates globally, as evidenced by alumni employment rates: 11% work in government, 9% in NGOs, 27% in private companies, 29% in academic organisations, 2% are entrepreneurs (22% are unaccounted, meaning we do not know their current employment details).
Our alumni, who are 55% male and 45% female, work globally: 38% in Europe, 28% in Asia, 15% in Africa, 15% in the Americas and 4% in Oceania. 50% of GEM graduates have moved onto PhD programmes in the EU and the US.
