Geographical Information Science MSc

This part-time, online 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.

Students studying year one only are eligible for a PG Cert, years one and two lead to a PG Diploma, and students 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. Take a look at the ArcGIS Pro system requirements and use these as the basis for your laptop / computer.

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 career ambitions and interests.

The dissertation project is one of the most satisfying elements of the 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.

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 1

Year 2

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.

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 (but not limited to) geography, computer science, geology, earth science, environmental studies or other appropriate numerate/computer science subject.

Previous employment /working experience will be considered in lieu of/in addition to qualifications if appropriate.

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, the course content, structure or anything else then please do not hesitate to contact us at: geo-tpg-support@leeds.ac.uk. 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). 

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.

10 September 2021

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.

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

Faculty of Environment Taught Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

• UK: £9,250 (total)
• International: £9,250 (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.

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

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.