Who is the Distance Learning Surveying Course at HTW Dresden Suitable For?

The distance learning course in Surveying (Diplom-Ingenieur/in (FH)) at the Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Dresden is primarily aimed at professionals who wish to further qualify themselves or reorient their careers in the fields of geodesy, surveying technology, or geographic information systems. This includes individuals with a technical interest and an affinity for mathematics, as well as those who want to independently manage projects in engineering or cadastral surveying and acquire in-depth knowledge in handling geodata. Particularly addressed are applicants who want to study alongside their job and appreciate the flexibility of distance learning without having to forgo attendance phases and interaction with lecturers.

What Educational and Formal Requirements Must Be Met?

• For German applicants and domestic students:
  • General university entrance qualification (Abitur) or
  • Advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife) or
  • Completed qualification as a master craftsman, technician, or another qualification according to § 18 Saxon Higher Education Act
• German applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification must have it recognised by the competent authority (e.g. Saxon State Office for School and Education).
• For international applicants:
  • A recognised university entrance qualification (e.g. equivalent to the German Abitur), verified by uni-assist e.V.
  • Proof of German language skills at least at level C1, e.g. through DSH (level 2 or 3), TestDaF (at least level 4), DSD2, ZOP, Große/Kleine Deutsches Sprachdiplom, Goethe Certificate C1, telc German C1 Hochschule or equivalent certificates.
  • Application via uni-assist by no later than 15 June for the winter semester

Which Personal Requirements Are Recommended?

• Interest in technical, mathematical and scientific contexts, especially in the fields of surveying, geoinformation and engineering
• Self-motivation and good self-organisation to manage self-study in the framework of distance learning
• Willingness to invest time in studies alongside work (standard period of study 10 semesters)
• Basic computer skills, as part of the content (e.g. geographic information systems, CAD, computer science) is delivered digitally
• Ability to work in a team as well as willingness to communicate for attendance sessions and project-related tasks
• Perseverance and resilience to successfully manage the balance between work, study and private life

Study Content and Structure of the Distance Learning Surveying Programme

The distance learning Surveying programme at the University of Applied Sciences Dresden imparts comprehensive skills in the acquisition, processing, and presentation of geoinformation. The focus is on theoretical fundamentals as well as application-oriented specialised knowledge related to surveying and its core areas.

• Geodetic Calculations: Introduction to calculation methods for surveying tasks.
• Surveying Technology: Handling and application of classical and modern surveying instruments.
• Mathematics and Physics: Solid knowledge as a foundation for technical and scientific issues.
• Descriptive Geometry and CAD: Visualisation of spatial relationships and CAD-supported work.
• Cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Creation and analysis of maps as well as working with digital geodatabases.
• Land Registry and Administrative Law: Conveying economic, legal, and administration-specific aspects in surveying.
• Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing: Evaluation of images and remote sensing data for geodata acquisition.
• Engineering Surveying: Application of measurement techniques in construction and technical projects.
• Business Administration and Management Training: Complementary knowledge for project management and team leadership in the surveying technical environment.

Additionally, modules such as Computer Science (basics and programming), Adjustment Computation, State Surveying, Rural Land Consolidation, as well as elective modules for individual specialisation are included in the curriculum.

Course Progression: From the Basics to Specialisation

The diploma distance learning course is designed for ten semesters. Knowledge transfer takes place primarily through self-study, accompanied by on-site sessions. The programme is structured into the following phases:

• Basic Studies (1st–4th semester): Conveying subject-specific and scientific foundational knowledge. This includes modules such as Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Surveying Technology, as well as basics in Geometry and legal aspects.
• Advanced Studies (5th–9th semester): Students acquire application-oriented specialised knowledge in areas such as Engineering Surveying, Geographic Information Systems, State Surveying, and project implementation. From the 8th semester onwards, it is possible to choose a specialisation according to personal interest.
• Final Thesis (10th semester): The course concludes with the writing of the diploma thesis, in which an independent, practice-relevant topic is scientifically examined.

The standard period of study is ten semesters, including all theoretical and practical training components as well as the preparation of the diploma thesis.

Career Prospects after Studying Surveying

The degree as a Diplom-Ingenieurin or Diplom-Ingenieur (FH) opens up a wide range of activities in the field of geodesy and geoinformation. Graduates possess the necessary expertise and practical experience to independently plan and execute geodetic projects.

• Surveying Engineers: Employment in surveying, engineering, and planning offices.
• Geodata Managers: Collaboration in official surveying administrations as well as in environmental and energy companies.
• Specialists in Geographic Information Systems: Work at the interface between measurement technology, data analysis, and digital map production.
• Career in the Public Sector: Positions at authorities and administrative offices in the fields of surveying, cadastre, and state surveying.
• Further Studies: Opportunity to pursue a subsequent master’s degree, for example in the field of Geoinformatics/Management.

The range of employment opportunities extends from classical land surveying to the development and application of cutting-edge GIS technologies in research, administration, and business.

Costs and Financing of the Distance Learning Programme

For the distance learning Surveying programme at the University of Applied Sciences Dresden, a semester fee of 195 euros is charged. The total cost for the standard study period of ten semesters amounts to 1,950 euros. Additional expenses may arise, for example, through specialist literature, travel costs to on-site sessions, and work materials.

• Semester fee: 195 euros per semester
• Standard period of study: 10 semesters
• Additional costs: individual expenses for learning materials, on-site events, and examinations

Various options are available for financing the course, including scholarships, education funds, or support programmes – depending on personal circumstances and the target group.