There are several distinguishing features of the MSc GIMA programme.

First of all the MSc GIMA programme is targeting three different groups of participants:

• dutch bachelors
• foreign bachelors
• professional workers

The combination of these groups and the adjustment of the programme to the needs of the different groups make the MSc GIMA programme special.

The MSc GIMA programme is offered as blended learning. At the beginning of each module there are 3 contact days in which the lectures are being held and the assignments explained. After that there is a period of distance learning of approximately 12 weeks. At the end of the module there are two tentamination days at one of the four universities. See also Programme structure

The cooperation of four universities is another distinguishing aspect. Each university has its own traditions:

• Utrecht University focuses on geography and planning and offers a wide spectrum of urban and regional application oriented GIS programs.
• TU Delft is more technically oriented and focuses on the technical aspects of geo-information management and applications.
• The faculty of ITC Enschede from the University of Twente focuses on technical and application oriented programmes for developing countries
• Wageningen UR in general is more oriented towards agricultural and rural applications.

These different approaches will provide the MSc GIMA student with an optimal mix of GIS knowledge and skills and a high degree of flexibility and knowledge on demand.