Overview
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are now a major component of information technology – and if you’re interested in pursuing a career in this innovative, exciting field, our MSc Geographical Information Systems (GIS) degree course will give you the tools to succeed.
On this MSc Geographical Information Systems degree course, you’ll learn practical GIS skills using the same software tools employed by professionals in the field. You’ll analyse spatial data through your own project work and build on your previous geographical studies, creating distinctive methods of data analysis, algorithms and software tools.
Once you graduate, you’ll be well placed to pursue a career as a geographical information science specialist within the local and national government, health authorities, environment and conservation organisations, or in university-based research.
Entry requirements
MSc Geographical Information Systems Master’s degree entry requirements
Qualifications or experience
A 2:2 honours degree or equivalent in Geography or a related subject. Professional experience in a relevant area and other qualifications may be taken into consideration for applicants not meeting this requirement.
English language requirements
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Careers and opportunities
GIS has become an essential part of the world’s information infrastructure and the technology is now widely used in utility companies, telecommunications networks, civil engineering, retailing, local and national government, international charities, NGOs, the National Health Service, environmental organisations, banking and finance, and insurance.
What can you do with a Geographical Information Systems degree?
When you graduate, you’ll be in a strong position to pursue a career in any of these industries and organisations. Many of our previous graduates are now employed all over the world, working on GIS-related projects for organisations including:
The Environment Agency
Ordnance Survey
Environmental consultancies
We’ll provide you with as much support as possible in finding employment through close industrial contacts, careers events, recruitment fairs and individual advice.
Work experience and career planning
We’ll help you to identify voluntary roles and opportunities that will complement your studies.
When you complete this course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work in the field of geographical information systems.
After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.
What you’ll study on this MSc Geographical Information Systems degree course
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
You need to study modules worth a total of 180 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 30 credits and 1 module worth 60 credits.
Modules
Core modules include:
Applied Geographic Information Systems
Principles of Geographic Information Science
GIS and Database Management Systems
Research Skills and Projects
Options to choose currently include:
Geological and Environmental Hazards
Sustainable Blue Economy
Learning support
As well as support by faculty teaching staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
academic writing
note taking
time management
critical thinking
presentation skills
referencing
working in groups
revision, memory and exam techniques
Support with English
If English isn’t your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you’re here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Teaching
Teaching on this course includes:
lectures
seminars
tutorials
workshops
practical sessions
How you’re assessed
You’ll be assessed through:
practical exercises
projects