The doctoral study programme Geoinformatics offers a modern interdisciplinary study based on a combination of technical and natural science foundations. The PhD in Geoinformatics study programme provides highly erudite creative experts with career prospects in the areas of scientific research and development, state administration, or the industrial sphere.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree offered by the University of Otago. It is awarded on the submission of a thesis which must meet rigorous standards. It requires highly developed academic ability, independence and perseverance. Most students take between 3-4 years of full-time study to complete their PhD.

Students must elect to pursue a specialization in Geology, Geological Engineering, or Mining Engineering. Those interested in paleontology at the PhD level enroll in the Geology Specialization. Each specialization has different background and program requirements. The available coursework and current faculty expertise support the following areas of concentration.

Relevant MSc degree

The purpose of the Ph.D. in Geography is to provide qualifying students with an in-depth understanding and integrated knowledge of advanced applicable theory in the field of geography.

The Doctoral Program in History, Geography and History of Art, aims to complete the training needs of doctoral students, their methodological updating and initiation to research through the completion of the Doctoral Thesis. Doctoral students are offered training that enables them to carry out basic and applied research.

Our doctoral program in Geoinformatics and Remote Sensing (GIS & RS) links to the research and education expertise of the Institute of Geography, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice. The academic personnel and technology infrastructure of the Institute of Geography provides very favorable conditions to support the GIS & RS study. The ongoing and past research projects and published results provide evidence of our know-how and its scientific relevance.

Geoinformatics is a field of study involving the science and technology dealing with the acquisition, storage, processing production, presentation, and dissemination of geoinformation using the theory and practical implications of geodesy within information science infrastructure. The core of geoinformatics is geospatial analytics, a branch of data science that focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies supporting processes of acquiring, analyzing, and visualizing geospatial Big Data. Advances in various location-aware technologies, (e.g., GPS, the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile sensors, remote sensing), and ever-increasing time-stamped, location-based data from sensors as diverse as satellites, drones, and smartphones have created unprecedented demand and opportunities for code-savvy geospatial professionals with the ability to automate processing, visualizing and finding patterns in both structured and unstructured data.

The aim of the doctoral study program in Geodesy and Cartography is to provide outstanding graduates of master's degrees with specialized university education and scientific preparation in selected current fields of study. The study is focused on complex scientific preparation, the methodology of independent scientific work, and the development of knowledge in the field of geodesy and cartography theory. data, physical, engineering, and satellite geodesy, photogrammetry, and laser scanning further information systems and digital cartography. The scientific preparation in this study program is based on mastering the initial theoretical disciplines of the science-based basis and theoretical and scientific disciplines of the relevant focus.

The mission of the Ph.D. in Geospatial Information Sciences degree program is to cultivate innovative researchers capable of advancing the frontiers of knowledge in the geospatial information sciences through improved theories, new technologies, innovative methodologies, sophisticated quantitative analyses, and integrative applications.

The Geoinformatics PhD programme is a highly sought-after framework for top academic credentials. Doctoral research is an integral part of Z_GIS’ overall structure, linking advanced education with cutting-edge research. Doctoral students at Z_GIS equally emphasize the importance of excellent research as well as outstanding academic qualifications.

Geographers analyze and interpret spatial patterns and influence public policy or corporate decisions. Long-range climate predictions, population shifts and urban management, land use, animal migration patterns, and new retail siting maps are just a few examples of practical applications. Geographers seek to understand the planet’s impact on people and vice versa.

The purpose of the PhD in Geosciences (Geography) study programme is the development of science and education of professionals competent to do original and independent research and develop new technologies and procedures, thus contributing to the advancement of society in general, as well as to critically assess research of others in the field of Geosciences, i.e. Geography.

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is one of the world's leading environmental research centres and is responsible for the UK's national scientific activities in Antarctica.

The UCSB Department of Geography’s joint Ph.D. program with the Department of Geography at San Diego State University is distinctive. It brings together two outstanding departments that complement each other. California State Universities do not offer stand-alone doctoral programs.