Geographical Information Science MSc

Our part-time, online GIS Masters degree will provide you with in-depth and specialist knowledge of GIS techniques. You will focus on scientific, technical and computational aspects of Geographical Information Science (GIScience), with particular reference to the socioeconomic and environmental sciences.

Core modules introduce GIS, a rapidly evolving area in business and environmental applications. You will be introduced to GIS packages and a range of data sources/techniques, useful for those wanting to undertake social and environmental science research and those keen to understand the application of geotechnology as practitioners. You’ll study theories and concepts underpinning GIS and have the chance to explore topics including advanced spatial data visualisation, digital image processing, and geodemographics.

Learners studying year one only are eligible for a PG Cert, years one and two lead to a PG Diploma, and learners completing all three years are eligible for the award of MSc GISc.

For the programme, 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 or via our online environment.

Take a look at the ArcGIS Pro system requirements and use these as the basis for your laptop / computer.

Course highlights

• Our courses are shaped by our world-leading research in areas such as geodemographics, retail planning, wilderness and remote sensing.

• You’ll be taught by internationally renowned academics working at the forefront of their fields, who are passionate about the subjects they teach.

• Project work enables you to develop skills as a researcher, asking and answering important questions about the way our world works.

• Throughout your studies you’ll benefit from a structured support system, with a programme manager who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.

• Online education provides a supportive and inclusive environment for those in employment and needing to balance study with other commitments.

• We also offer all modules as online short courses enabling you to build up credits over a six-year period and exit with a qualification.

Programme team

The Programme Leader, Dr Luke Burns, is an Associate Professor in Quantitative Human Geography whose research focuses on the advanced application of geographical information systems (GIS) to socioeconomic problems and the development of geodemographic classification systems and composite indicators to measure social phenomena.

Active research environment

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

Other study options

Modules are available to study online as short courses. You may choose the number of modules you wish to study and will gain postgraduate credits on completion of each module.

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The overall aim of this course is to provide you with an engaging online opportunity.

The course will provide core GIScience skills training followed by specialist skill development in a range of contemporary domains as selected by you and an opportunity to undertake a piece of independent original GIScience research under the guidance of a research leader.

The course offers a choice of specialist analytical modules spanning human/physical geography and technical skills.

Year one

You will study a foundational year of four compulsory modules covering core concepts and technical skills in GIScience. After completing these modules, you will be eligible to graduate with a postgraduate certificate.

Year two

You will be required to study four 15 credit modules from a selection of optional modules. You may choose to focus on developing your technical skills further with modules covering advanced visualisation or web GIS or you may choose from applied modules covering topics such as business and planning, environment, remote sensing and geodemographics.

Year three

You will work with your supervisor to complete a 60 credit independent research project – a chance to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ve gained and specialise in an area that relates to your own ambitions and interests.

Project work

The dissertation project is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. It allows you to apply what you’ve learned to a piece of research focusing on a real-world problem, and it can be used to explore and develop your specific interests.

Example dissertation themes for Geographical Information Science MSc include:

• Urban inequalities

• Transport and mobility

• Health and wellbeing

• Vulnerable populations

• Environmental analysis

• Remote sensing

Want to find out more about your modules?

Take a look at the Geographical Information Science 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 Science MSc in the course catalogue

Modules

Year 3

Learning and teaching

You’ll be provided with a variety of online learning materials throughout the programme. You’ll work as part of a virtual online community, discussing the materials online, collaborating in group tasks, participating in group exercises and generally supporting one another.

You’ll also get plenty of one-on-one support. Our qualified tutors are experts in the theory and practice of GIScience and are there to support you and your group. Our tutors will act as mentors and provide you with personal guidance as you progress, advising you on how to make the most of the course and helping you to overcome any obstacles that you encounter. Any work you hand in will be returned to you with detailed comments and advice.

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.

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

All assessment will be conducted via coursework and submitted online. Modules will typically require you to complete a portfolio-style assessment followed by a project which draws upon the skills obtained throughout the module.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a relevant subject such as geography, earth or environmental science, economics or a social science, mathematics, computer science or other subjects where good numeracy and/or computing skills can be demonstrated.

Relevant work experience and professional training courses are viewed positively and are taken into account particularly for candidates whose first degree grade falls below the normal minimum requirement. Appropriate work experience may be considered in lieu of qualifications. You may also find our FAQs page useful.

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 listening, speaking and reading and 6.5 in writing.. 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). 

We are now offering online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals.  To find out more, read Online Academic English pre-sessional (10 weeks) and Online Academic English pre-sessional (6 weeks).

Read about differences between our online and on-campus summer pre-sessionals.

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

How to apply

Application deadlines

9 September 2022

Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

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

If you have more questions specific to the course, you may find our FAQs helpful.

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

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2023

Fees

• UK: £10,250 (total)
• International: £10,250 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

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.

A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a job.

The University of Leeds is in the top five most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2022 report.

This course centres on the development of specialist intellectual knowledge and skills which are highly vocational and are in high demand from employers, both in the UK and overseas.

Numerate and spatial data savvy MSc GISc graduates with programming and software development skills are highly sought after and go into a range of different positions, organisations and roles both in the private and public sector.

Popular careers include data analysts, GIS professionals and planners at destinations such as the United Nations, Statistics Agencies, Local Government, Police/Fire Service, Retail Consultancies, Utility companies and more. Many graduates use the skills developed on the course to seek promotion in their current roles.

Careers support

At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You’ll have access to the wide range of careers resources and support from your Careers Service. You’ll have the chance to attend industry presentations, book appointments with qualified careers consultants and take part in employability workshops and webinars. Our careers fairs provide further opportunities to explore your career options with some of the UKs leading employers.

You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union website.

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.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide 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.