International Programmes 2026/2027

Remote Sensing, geoInformation, and Visualisation (RSIV) Remote Sensing, geoInformation, and Visualisation (RSIV)

University of Potsdam • Potsdam

Degree
Master of Science
Course location
Potsdam
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

All courses are taught in English (100%), and the Master's thesis is written in English only.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Mode of study
Less than 50% online
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
until 15 August
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

This English-language Master’s degree programme focuses on the gathering, processing, analysing, and presentation of geoscientific spatial data by using remote-sensing technologies and data-processing methods. The programme uses models and theories to assess geoinformation, and then to prepare and communicate our findings with modern means of visualisation.

In the Remote Sensing, geoInformation, and Visualisation Master's degree programme, you will develop an advanced understanding of remote sensing in theory and in practice. The programme begins by addressing fundamental principles in the recording and processing of spatial data as they are typically gathered by remote sensing devices. The programme teaches advanced scientific principles of geosciences, computer sciences, physics, chemistry, and biology to quantify environmental processes, the recording of remote sensing data and their interaction with the environment. The programme also teaches practical skills in the application of modern data processing methods, especially machine learning methods and big data approaches. It will grant you an overview of the broad range of available remote sensing technologies and data-processing methodologies. You will learn how to apply these technologies and methods to specific problems in (geo)scientific and applied scenarios.

We use modern data visualisation tools to analyse and prepare our data, for example, in the generation of prognoses, scientific communication, and the comprehensive presentation of data to representatives from other disciplines as well as non-specialist decision-makers. The programme thereby offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary understanding of geoscientific questions.

Current information

Join our online Master's Info Day on 12 March 2027 to learn about the Master’s programmes of the University of Potsdam, career prospectives, and life in Potsdam. For more information about studying with us, please visit our website, where you can also discover the UP through our image film.

Course organisation

All information on course organisation and programme structure can be found here.

PDF Download
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • Content-related regional focus
  • Training in intercultural skills
Integrated internships

You can take two elective internships (not mandatory) to strengthen your skills in research, practical experience, or other fields.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Pace of course
Instructor-led (Specific due dates for lectures/assignments/exams)
Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire programme)
Yes, compulsory
Tuition fees per semester
None
Semester contribution

No tuition is charged for studying at the University of Potsdam (with the exception of a few continuing education courses). However, there is an administrative fee that includes a semester ticket entitling you to free use of public transport all over Brandenburg and Berlin as well as regional/local trains all over Germany.
More information here

Costs of living

The average monthly living expenditures of students at the University of Potsdam are 941 EUR, but this can vary between 600 and 1,100 EUR, largely depending on accommodation. A more detailed list of the average monthly expenditures of our students can be found here.

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

All information about the academic admission requirements can be found here.

 

German language skills
A2 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • telc Deutsch: telc Deutsch A2
  • ÖSD Zertifikat: A2
  • Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD): Deutsches Sprachdiplom A2
  • Reading: A2
  • Listening: A2
  • Speaking: A2
  • Writing: A2
English language skills
B2 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • UNIcert® English: UNIcert® II
  • TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 75
  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition (before 2026): 75
  • PTE Academic: 59
  • IELTS Academic: 6
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First
Language requirements exemptions
Please find details on the course website.
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
until 15 August
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Submit application via
Please check this website.
Possibility of finding part-time employment

Job opportunities for students alongside their studies are numerous. Depending on personal and professional skills, students can find jobs in the service sector (e.g. in restaurants, supermarkets, cinemas, museums, theatres, etc.) or work as student research assistants at the University of Potsdam or at one of the many non-university research institutions located in the area. Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is located just around the corner, and students can also find jobs there. Please see this website for further information.

Accommodation

There are several student dormitories in Potsdam. These are administered exclusively by Brandenburg's Association for Student Affairs ("Studierendenwerk West:Brandenburg"). You can apply for a room in one of these dormitories if you are under the age of 30. If you are a Master's student, you can only apply if the degree at the University of Potsdam is your first Master's programme. Additionally, there are also a few private dormitories in Potsdam, to which these conditions do not apply. However, many students prefer to find an apartment in Potsdam or Berlin, which they often share with fellow students. The housing market is very tight, so please start looking for an accommodation as early as possible.

For information on how to register for a dorm room or find accommodation elsewhere, please click here.

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

The Career Service of the University of Potsdam supports students and graduates who want to actively shape their careers. The aim is to ensure comprehensive career orientation and to provide opportunities for the development of professional skills. The Career Service offers workshops, seminars, and individual counselling. There are information pages on a wide range of occupational fields as well as a database of internships and jobs. Many of the services are also available in English. For more info, visit https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/career-service.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Tutors
  • Specialist counselling
  • Visa matters
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The International Office and the Central Student Advisory Service support international students in preparing for and during their studies and life in Potsdam.
More information here

Support available to students with disabilities

More information here

Support available to students with dependants or children

More information here

University of Potsdam

Content Bild
Drone's view of the Golm campus, including the Institute of Geosciences © Bodo Bookhagen

Founded in 1991, the University of Potsdam (UP) is a modern and dynamic institution thoroughly focused on innovative teaching and research. In the 2025 Young University Ranking compiled by Times Higher Education (THE), the UP earned the spot at the top and was ranked number 1 in Germany and number 17 worldwide.

Situated in the multicultural area of Berlin-Brandenburg, the UP attracts more than 20,000 students from 127 countries. We offer a broad range of degree programmes in various fields, including a large number of English-language Master’s degree programmes. Moreover, you can choose from a number of specialised programmes, such as short-term summer courses or a preparatory year.

Students at the University of Potsdam benefit from our co-operations with more than 40 internationally renowned research institutes in the region, such as the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) or the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics. In fact, Potsdam is the city with the highest density of scientists and academics per capita in Germany.

With its many charming castles, surrounding woodland and lakes, Potsdam is the perfect choice for studying in an inspiring and history-soaked environment.

University location

A city of royal residences and enchanting park landscapes, the centre of the German enlightenment, a hotspot of international film production: Potsdam is all of this – and much more.

Potsdam can boast 17 royal palaces and grand buildings. It all started when the enlightened King Frederick the Great dreamt up the Sanssouci Palace and its magnificent park in 1745. Today, the palaces and parks of Potsdam form one of Germany’s biggest UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

But living in Potsdam is not only about connecting with its historical heritage; there is also a rich cultural scene to discover. In the town centre, one can find lots of inspiring theatres, concert halls and museums. Potsdam is also home to one of the world’s oldest film studios, Studio Babelsberg. Famous films like Nosferatu, Metropolis, Inglourious Basterds or The Grand Budapest Hotel were filmed and produced here.

The city also has a lot in store for nature addicts. Situated alongside the Havel River and surrounded by lakes and greenery, Potsdam is the perfect spot for long strolls, running, swimming and paddling outdoors. One can easily explore the city and its surroundings by bike.

As a young and medium-sized city, Potsdam offers good conditions for families, providing lots of childcare and family support facilities. Moreover, it provides a very safe living environment.

If you’re someone who enjoys big cities, then just hop on the next train and within only 30 minutes, you’ll reach Germany’s bustling capital of Berlin.

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