Program Overview

Cartography MSc Program

The Cartography MSc program at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE) aims to train cartographers with a professional cartographic approach based on high-level theoretical and practical knowledge. This program is recommended for applicants who want to manage and coordinate cartographic and geoinformatic research projects, as well as solve traditional cartographic or information technology-based problems.

Program Details

• Title: Cartography MSc
• Degree: Master of Science (MSc) in Cartography
• Type: Degree program
• Level: Master
• Accreditation number: FNYF/201-1/2016
• Faculty: Faculty of Informatics
• Institute: Institute of Cartography and Geoinformatics
• Language: English
• Duration: 4 semesters (2 years)
• ECTS credits: 120
• Minimum number of students: 1
• Maximum number of students: 12

Program Description

The program provides students with a broad scale of knowledge in Cartography and Geoinformatics, combined with geography, other earth sciences, information technology, database management, web-based mapping services, and more. Students acquire theory and methodologies in the development and implementation of the latest visualization techniques.

Strength of Program

Cartography has become a modern and practical science again with the development of computerization. However, only a few higher education institutions offer this training at the master's level. The high standard of the training is guaranteed by the highly qualified academic staff.

Obligatory Courses

• Cartographic Software
• Geoinformatics
• Geovisualization
• Introduction to Cartography
• Map Design and Editing
• Map Projections 1
• Operating systems
• Photogrammetry and Remote sensing
• Processing of Remote Sensing Data
• Cartographic Visualization (lecture + practical)
• Complex Work Placement (min. 3 weeks)
• Geodesy and Topography (lecture + practical)
• Introduction to Programming
• Map Projections 2
• Spatial Databases
• Thematic Cartography (lecture + practical)
• 3D modelling in GIS
• Digital History of Cartography
• Geovisualization-based solutions in cartography (lecture + practical)
• Individual Cartographic Project
• Individual Geoinformatic Project
• Open Source Web GIS Programming
• Spatial System Design

Optional Courses

• Digital Cartography
• Geovisualization
• Scripting Languages in Webcartography
• Web Cartography
• Coordinate Systems on the Earth Ellipsoid and on the Maps
• Navigation Systems
• Terminology of Cartography

Career Opportunities

Government offices, administration in local governments, research institutions, mapping agencies, archives, and private firms need a growing number of cartographers with a solid background in geoinformatics. Business companies involved in various visualization problems (in print or in three-dimensions) are interested in employing young cartographers.

Job Examples

• Cartographer at national mapping agencies
• Cartographer in land registration
• Cartographer at private companies
• Cartographer at publishers
• Cartographer at geoinformatical firms

Tuition Fee

• EU/EEA students: 3,200 EUR per semester
• Non-EU/EEA students: 3,200 EUR per semester
• Application fee: 150 EUR (non-refundable)

Admission Requirements

• Entry requirements: Acceptable BSc degrees include cartography, geoinformatics (GIS), geomatics, geography, earth sciences. Partly acceptable BSc degrees: environmental science, computer science, surveying.
• Language requirements: Minimum level of language proficiency (oral) (A1-C2): B2; Minimum level of language proficiency (written) (A1-C2): B2
• Documents to submit with application:
  • Online application form
  • Bachelor-level degree
  • Transcript of records
  • Proof of application fee transfer
  • CV
  • Copy of the main pages of the passport (needs to be valid)
  • Passport photo
  • Medical certificate
  • Copy of application fee transfer

Application Procedure

The application starts on the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents, and follow the instructions during the application process.

Entrance Examination

• Type of entrance examination: By email
• Procedure of the entrance examination: The applicants receive test questions by email, which include figures or maps to evaluate, analyze, or make calculations. The answers should not be more than a few sentences.

Program Leader and Coordinator

• Program leader: Prof. Dr. László ZENTAI, Head of Department, Vice-Rector for Education
• Program coordinator: Edina HAJDÚ, Program Coordinator

Additional Information

• Offered for the next academic year: Yes
• Start program: 01, Sep, 2026
• Deadline for applications - September intake: 30, Apr, 2026
• Is there a February intake: No