Geographische Informationssysteme MSc

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have become a crucial part of society, benefitting a wide range of industries. From supply chain management to insurance, and urban planning to government agencies, the scope of GIS software is huge – and is only going to keep growing. This is why corporations worldwide are looking for qualified GIS experts to bring together the geospatial data that’ll help inform their future strategies and decision-making.

Our Geographical Information Systems MSc focuses on the scientific, technical and computational aspects of GIS and Geographical Information Science (GIScience), with particular reference to the socioeconomic and environmental sciences. We’ll introduce you to GIS and the packages and database systems available to use in business, health and planning settings, whilst offering optional modules that’ll allow you to expand your career prospects into the areas that interest you and are informed by the world-leading research we conduct across the university.

The holistic design of the course means that, once you graduate, you’ll have a specialist yet extensive skill set that covers all bases and will be sought after by employers in this sector. You'll also be equipped with an in-depth understanding of topical and relevant subjects in this field, enabling you to pursue a wide range of exciting career opportunities in both the private and public sectors.

Learning and teaching

Teaching will be through workshops, seminars, presentations, practicals and lectures, depending on the modules you choose. We have a dedicated postgraduate computer lab to which you will have 24-hour access and this is the lab used for workshops and practicals.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Required equipment

You'll need a laptop or PC capable of running standard applications (such as Microsoft Word/Excel etc). The packages we will use shouldn’t need anything more than a moderate spec’d machine running Windows. Software is typically made available to you as a download. Take a look at the ArcGIS Pro system requirements and use these as the basis for your laptop/computer.

Active research environment

You'll be taught by a team of academics and researchers who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research and are part of the Centre for Spatial Analysis and Policy research group and the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics.

Other study options

This course is also available part-time, allowing you to combine study with other commitments. You can work to fund your studies, or gain a new qualification without giving up an existing job. We aim to be flexible in helping you to put together a part-time course structure that meets your academic goals while recognising the constraints on your study time.

If you are interested in studying online, we offer a part-time distance learning Geographical Information Science course. Modules of this course are available to study online as short courses.

Programme Team

The Programme Leader, Dr Paul Norman, is an Associate Professor in Population and Health Geography whose research interests include the harmonisation of small area-level socio-demographic, morbidity and mortality data to enable a time-series analysis of demographic and health change.

In this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

We bring together experts in computer science, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics and astronomy to deliver outstanding student education and research within the following schools.

Our schools

• Chemical and Process Engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Computing
• Electronic and Electrical Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics and Astronomy

Research and innovation

The range and scope of our research are extensive and cover all of the major engineering disciplines, mathematics and physical sciences, integrating fundamental science and mathematical modelling with the development of processes, devices and technologies that can address challenges of national and global importance.

Research areas

• Explore our multidisciplinary research areas which bring together engineers and scientists to work on challenges of global importance.
• Robotics - An interdisciplinary network driving innovation in robotics research.
• Materials - The Bragg Centre aims to discover, create and design new materials.
• Data Analytics - The Leeds Institute for Data Analytics ensures a new understanding of health and behaviour from vast data collections
• Fluid dynamics - The Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics brings together cross-disciplinary expertise to maximise the impact of fluids research
• Medical technologies - The Medical Technologies IKC develops innovative technological solutions for improving health and restoring body function
• Functional surfaces - Scientific and engineering expertise in tribology, corrosion and surface engineering