Geographical Information Systems MSc

This Masters degree focuses on scientific, technical and computational aspects of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Geographical Information Science (GIScience), with particular reference to the socioeconomic and environmental sciences. It provides highly qualified and motivated students sought by employers in the sector.

Core modules introduce GIS, a rapidly evolving area in business, health and planning settings, as well as in environmental applications. You will be introduced to GIS packages and database systems, useful for those wanting to undertake social and environmental science research and those wanting to understand the application of geotechnology as practitioners.

You’ll study theories and concepts underpinning GIS and explore topics including spatial data models, data capture, spatial analysis and statistical and mathematical modelling. Optional modules allow you to focus on quantitative human geography, environmental applications and programming GIS.

You will 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 moderately 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.

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.

You can also study this subject at Postgraduate Diploma level.

This course comprises two semesters of taught modules followed by a dissertation project. The first semester includes three core modules. The second semester, includes optional modules to allow you to specialise in your chosen pathway.

Our modules can be grouped thematically so that you can include topics relating to Planning and Society, to Environment and to Technical Development. There is freedom to choose whichever of our modules you wish.

The dissertation is carried out over the summer months and is an opportunity for you to investigate a topic and demonstrate your ability to apply the techniques you have learned during the course and bring in additional methods, whilst placing the work within appropriate literature contexts. Our aim is to submit the best dissertations for journal publication.

If you study this course on a part time basis you will study fewer modules in each year. We set up a custom study course for you based on your option choices.

Want to find out more about your modules?

Take a look at the Geographical Information Systems module descriptions for more detail on what you will study.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Geographical Information Systems MSc Full Time in the course catalogue

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Geographical Information Systems MSc Part Time in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 1

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.

On 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.

Assessment

Assessment is through coursework with no exams. There is a mix of essays, workbooks / reports. Practical work and assignments are based on the analysis of real world datasets much of which stems from research in which the teaching staff have been involved. Most modules have assessment part way through the semester and then a further assessment at the end.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in geography or a related subject.

Relevant work experience and training courses are viewed positively and are taken into account particularly for candidates whose first degree grade falls below the normal minimum requirement.

Students without a background in geography but who have a degree that demonstrates good numeracy and/or computing skills are encouraged to apply.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

If you need to study for longer than 10 weeks, read more about our postgraduate pre-sessional English course.

How to apply

Application deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

31 July 2021 – International applicants

10 September 2021 - UK applicants

For 2020/21 academic year courses the link visible above will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

For courses starting from September 2021, applications will open on October 1st 2020 and you will be able to access the application system from that date.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

International students

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

Faculty of Environment Taught Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

• UK: £10,750 (total)
• International: £23,500 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Part-time fees
Fees for part-time courses are normally calculated based on the number of credits you study in a year compared to the equivalent full-time course. For example, if you study half the course credits in a year, you will pay half the full-time course fees for that year.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Here are some examples of the roles that our recent graduates have gone into:

• Software Tester, Rock Deformation Research Ltd

• GIS Analyst and Trainer, The University of Southampton

• GIS Specialist, US Agency for International Development (USAID)

• Information Geoscientist, First Quantum Minerals

• GIS Analyst, RPS Group

• GIS Analyst, ECOWAS Commission

• GIS Consultant, UNEP Afghanistan

• Senior Surveyor, Murphy Surveys

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

We have a strong commitment to enhancing student employability. Read more about our employability support.

The University of Leeds Careers Centre also provides a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.