Masters Geomatics and MADE both rated well by review committees
In 2024, both Master Geomatics and Master MADE were assessed. Both have a positive assessment. For Geomatics, it is stated that this programme is unique because of its focus on modelling the built environment. And at MADE, challenges of contemporary metropolitan problems are assessed as very positive.
Review report Master Geomatics for the built environment: ‘unique for its focus on modelling the built environment’
Well-defined objectives and technical depth, in line with practical urban challenges, commitment to open science principles, strong links with industry through internships and alumni feedback, and impressed by the high quality of graduation theses. Just some of the comments in the review report of the Master Geomatics for the built environment. Bastiaan van Loenen, programme director of the master, is very pleased with the outcome and report of the visitation committee.
The master's programme Geomatics for the built environment is concerned with the collection, modelling, analysis, and visualisation of geographical data with the aim of gaining knowledge and a better understanding of the built environment. Rapid digital progress requires innovative ways to interact with design and modelling of our built environment. This master's programme is small but unique of its kind. Every year, around 30 students pour in from all over the world, but also from our own Bachelor's programme.
The report
The review report gives a positive assessment of all aspects of the programme. With regard to intended learning outcomes, it concludes that the intended learning outcomes are in line with the level and orientation of the programme; they are in line with the expectations of the professional field, the discipline and international requirements. About the learning environment, the committee concludes that the curriculum, the learning environment and the quality of the teaching staff enable incoming students to achieve the intended learning outcomes, partly due to a very solid assessment system. The committee appreciates the mix of dedicated core teaching staff and support teachers and the way student feedback is organised and taken into account when making adjustments to the programme. And regarding the student assessment, the report states that students express very positive views on the quality of teaching and lecturers, which is confirmed by the high scores students have given in the final evaluation of the programme on topics such as professional expertise, guidance from the thesis supervisor and the academic level of the programme. Geomatics students have very positive job prospects. A focus for the future is the visibility of the programme within the faculty and general awareness outside.
Review report Master MADE: ‘ innovative approach to contemporary metropolitan problems’
The programme's innovative approach, comprehensive interdisciplinary perspective and valuable skills for students. A highly qualified core of teachers and programme management and students are effectively prepared for a wide variety of academic positions with an interdisciplinary perspective on urban challenges. These are the keywords from the review report on the Master MADE.
The Master's programme in Metropolitan Analysis, Design and Engineering (MSc MADE) focuses on sustainable development. Students learn to create innovative solutions to the challenges metropolitan regions face in securing environmental change, urban sustainability and quality of life in cities. MSc MADE is a transdisciplinary programme of both TU Delft and Wageningen University & Research (WUR). The programme is run at AMS Institute in Amsterdam and works with multidisciplinary teams thinking about smart urban mobility, climate resilience, and circularity, among others. They work on solutions to questions such as: How do we keep our metropolises connected? How do we strive for the circular city? And, how can we ensure its vitality in close cooperation with local stakeholders?
The report
The review report praises the innovative approach of the programme, which focuses on real-life challenges and contemporary metropolitan problems with Amsterdam as a living lab. The programme provides valuable skills to identify, analyse and design sustainable solutions using inter- and transdisciplinary socio-technical research, design and engineering. MADE draws on the unique strengths of both TU Delft and WUR. Regarding the learning environment, the committee states that the programme's thematic approach effectively integrates theoretical knowledge and academic skills. Recommendation is to support students with introductory courses to introduce them to new concepts and encourage exploration across disciplinary boundaries. This is especially important for students without a technical background.
The careful admission procedure attracts highly motivated students with the required knowledge and skills. Students themselves indicate that the programme is manageable and feel sufficiently supported to adapt their study path. In addition, the committee states that the AMS Institute and the programme has a dedicated, highly qualified core of teachers and programme management. As for the labour market, students are well prepared for a wide variety of academic positions that require an interdisciplinary perspective on urban challenges. The programme may communicate this even better in its recruitment and to the professional community.
More information
The programme director of the master's in Geomatics is Bastiaan van Loenen. Read more about the Geomatics master's programme.
Stefan van der Spek is programme director of the MADE master's programme. Read more about the MADE master's programme.