Studies – Master in Applied Geoinformatics

The Master’s Program titled “Applied Geoinformatics” of the Department of Planning and Regional Development at the University of Thessaly operates in accordance with the provisions of Law 4957/2022, as they have been formulated and are in force.

Aim and purpose

The program focuses on the theoretical approach and application of methods related to Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing in light of modern developments in the field of informatics. It specifically delves into the applied aspects of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing, drawing examples from contemporary issues related to spatial planning and the environment.

Learning outcomes

The program aims to provide students with learning outcomes and qualifications through the successful completion of the P.M.S., as described below:

• to train high-level professionals capable of effectively utilizing the modern capabilities offered by the sciences of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing to manage relevant information and methods for solving problems in the fields of geography and spatial planning. The P.M.S. also aims to educate and familiarize students with sources of geographic data, both in Greece and abroad.
• to prepare specialized scientists who will meet the needs for staffing public, social, and private organ- izations, as well as,
• to foster research and original knowledge production in various fields of applied Geoinformatics with the goal of improving interventions and studies on spatial planning issues. The program operates com- plementarily to the undergraduate studies provided by P.R.D, serves as an in-depth program, and pro- vides the scientific background and technical competence for further studies at the doctoral level.

Duration of Studies

The minimum duration required to obtain the Master’s Degree is three (3) academic semesters, while the maximum duration is five (5) academic semesters.
The program may also be pursued on a part-time basis for students who wish to do so. In this case, the 10 courses can be completed in 4 semesters, and the thesis in two (2) semesters. The maximum duration of studies under this arrangement is six (6) semesters. The choice must be made at the time of initial enrollment.
Each postgraduate student has the right to request a temporary suspension of their studies in the Master’s Program. The duration of the suspension cannot exceed two (2) consecutive academic semesters and is granted only in exceptional cases. The semesters during which the student status is suspended do not count towards the maximum allowed duration of study. Additionally, each postgraduate student has the right to request an extension, which cannot exceed one (1) academic semester.

Applications

Each year, the M.Sc. publishes the announcement for the upcoming academic year through a notice in the press and on the Department’s website. Applications from candidates must be accompanied by the required supporting documents and submitted to the M.Sc. Secretariat during the period of June – July (PHASE I). This deadline may be extended by a decision of the Steering Committee (PHASE II). Applications that are not accompanied by the necessary certificates or documents will not be considered during the candidate selection process.

The necessary documents accompanying the application for admission to the M.Sc. are
as follows:

1. Curriculum vitae.
2. Clear photocopy of the degree or diploma.
3. Clear photocopy of the transcript of records.
4. Clear photocopy of proof of English language proficiency. The level of English language proficiency must correspond to at least the State Certificate of Language Proficiency Level B2, as per Law 2740/1999, amended by paragraph 19 of Article 13 of Law 3149/2003. Holders of undergraduate or graduate degrees from English-speaking countries are exempt from this requirement. Enrollment of successful candidates holding a degree from a foreign institution is completed only upon submission of a certified copy of their degree (by any legal means).

In the case of candidates holding first-cycle degrees from foreign institutions, the Secretariat of the M.Sc., according to the provisions of applicable legislation, verifies whether the institution of origin is listed in the National Register of Recognized Foreign Institutions and whether the type of degree belongs to the National Register of Types of Degrees from Recognized Institutions, which is posted on the website of DOATAP.

If the degree from a foreign university is included in the list maintained by DOATAP under Article 307 of Law 4957/2022, the Secretariat of the M.Sc. must request a Certificate of Place of Study, which is issued and sent by the foreign university. Applications in which the place of study is certified as being within Greek territory are excluded, unless the studies conducted in Greek territory took place at a public higher education institution according to Law 3328/2005 (A’ 80).

Number of Admissions

The P.M.S. “Applied Geoinformatics” accepts graduates from the first cycle of higher education in￾stitutions in Greece or equivalent institutions abroad, with degrees from Schools of Engineering, Geog￾raphy, Environmental Studies, Informatics, Economic Sciences, Geology, Agriculture, Forestry, Mathematics, Statistics, graduates from Military Academies in Greece or recognized equivalent institutions abroad, graduates from the School of Officers of the Hellenic Police, and graduates from the School of Officers of the Fire Academy, as well as graduates from Departments of Technological Educational Institutions (T.E.I.) with relevant fields of study

The maximum number of admitted students per academic year in the P.M.S. “Applied Geoinformatics” is thirty (30) students. The P.M.S. cannot operate with fewer than ten (10) students.
The following may be admitted as additional candidates:
– one (1) scholarship recipient from the IKY,
– one (1) foreign scholarship recipient from the Greek state,
– one (1) active member of the Greek Armed Forces, Hellenic Police, or Fire Service, to whom the program grants a full scholarship covering tuition fees. The scholarship is awarded solely based on seniority, that is, to the oldest applicant among the staff,
– one (1) candidate to whom the program awards a full scholarship covering tuition fees, based on a justified proposal from the Selection Committee for Admittance, which is based on the evaluation of application files and submitted for approval to the Department Assembly along with the list of
successful candidates. The decision to activate or not the scholarship awarding process rests with  the Selection Committee for Admittance.

Selection Process

The evaluation of candidates and the selection of admitted students is based on the total  scoring (on a scale of 1 – 100) according to the following criteria:

Based on the overall criteria, the Assembly prepares and approves the evaluation table of the students. In the event of a tie, all tied candidates are accepted.

Successful candidates must pay the first installment of the tuition fees, which is €100 as a registration fee, immediately after the announcement of results, and send the corresponding proof of payment. Subsequently, they will pay €800 at the beginning of each of the 3 semesters. This is followed by their registration in the Secretariat of the M.Sc. “Applied Geoinformatics.” In the event that one or more successful candidates do not enroll, substitutes will be notified to fill the vacant spots if these are more than the number of tied candidates.

The enrollment of successful candidates holding a degree from a foreign institution is completed only upon submission of a certified copy of their degree (by any legal means).