MSc Geographical Information Systems

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are a major component of information technology – and if you're interested in pursuing a career in this innovative, exciting field, our GIS Master's course will give you the tools to succeed.

In this applied course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of using geospatial data for real-world solutions through practical work and background theory. You'll use the same software tools employed by professionals in the field and find out how to apply practical GIS skills in various contexts.

The course covers all the essential areas of geospatial data analysis, including GIS, remote sensing and Earth observation, geodatabases, programming, and field techniques. You'll analyse spatial data through your project work and build on your previous studies and experience, applying data analysis methods and software tools to help solve real-world problems.

Once you graduate, you'll be well placed to pursue a career as a GIS and remote sensing specialist. Our graduates have enjoyed careers in the local and national government, healthcare, environment and conservation, construction, energy, transport, heritage, space and satellite technology, and university-based research.

Course highlights

• Get hands-on experience using Geographical Information (GI) instruments and emerging technologies, including GPS, Total Stations and 3D laser scanners.
• Learn from experts with extensive industrial and consultancy experience and strong research portfolios.
• Practise your GIS data collection skills, both in the field and in our GIS and remote sensing laboratory, with its own dedicated GIS technical team.
• Take part in three days of fieldwork data collection at a National Trust conservation site with the processed data shared with the Trust to help inform their management practices.
• Use licensed industry-standard software (Esri ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine), processing techniques and datasets.
• Learn image processing and spatial analysis techniques, including programming for GIS and remote sensing applications.
• Complete a research project on a GIS topic of your choice, applying the principles of research design, data collection and analysis.
• Hear from guest industry speakers, including GIS and remote sensing analysts, town and city planners, digital cartographers, coastal managers who use GIS, and representatives of the space and satellite technology sector.

We’re proud to be a breath of fresh air in the academic world – a place where everyone gets the support they need to achieve their best. We’re always discovering. We don’t fit the mould, we break it. Just as the world keeps moving, so do we.

We’re closely involved with our local community, and we take our ideas into the global marketplace. We partner with businesses, industry, and government to set the course for a better future. And we educate and transform the lives of our students to help them achieve their potential. We stand out, not just in the UK but in the world. We excel in research areas from cosmology and astrophysics to cybersecurity, forensics, and sport science. Since the first day we opened our doors, we've looked towards the future. And we're here to help you shape it.