Close icon

Personalise what you see on this page.

Choose from the options below. We'll show you information based on your current location as default.

I'M FROM

  • United States
Please select so we can show the most relevant content.

LIVING IN

  • United States
Please select so we can show the most relevant content.

LOOKING FOR

  • Undergraduate courses
Please select so we can show the most relevant content.
Viewing as a student from United States living in United States interested in Undergraduate courses

Geographical Information Systems MSc

University of Portsmouth

Add to favourites
University of Portsmouth

Course options

10 options available

  • Qualification

    MSc - Master of Science

  • Location

    University of Portsmouth

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    SEP

  • Duration

    1 year

Course summary

Overview

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.

On this applied course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of using geospatial data for real-world solutions through a combination of 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 a range of 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 own project work and build on your previous studies and work 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 gone on to enjoy careers in 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 of using Geographical Information (GI) instruments, 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

Careers and opportunities

Once you complete this MSc Geographical Information Systems degree, you'll be able to apply your lab and field experience in small and medium-sized enterprises, global businesses or non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Alternatively, you could apply to do a postgraduate research degree in physical and human geography or earth and environmental sciences.

You'll use industry-standard software, and learn processing techniques, programming and database skills that employers are typically looking for in prospective employees.

Each year we organise a programme of guest speakers from industry to talk about their work, new developments in their field, careers paths and opportunities.

Graduates of this course have gone into areas such as:

  • Environmental protection
  • Surveying and statistics
  • Telecommunications
  • Civil engineering
  • Retail and hospitality
  • Local and national government
  • International charities
  • Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
  • The NHS
  • Banking, finance and insurance
  • Transport planning
  • Utilities
  • Coastal management
  • Space and satellite technology
  • Cartography
  • Software development

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 17,200per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University of Portsmouth

University of Portsmouth

University of Portsmouth

  • University League Table

    49th

  • Campus address

    University of Portsmouth, University House, Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth, Portsmouth, PO1 2UP, England

VIEW PROFILE
Over 5,700 of the university's 24,000 students come from 150 countries around the world.
The University of Portsmouth Global team is dedicated to supporting international students from enquiry, through application and arrival, to graduation.
Brand new sports facilities at the Ravelin sports centre, including an 8-lane swimming pool, 175-station gym, climbing wall and ski simulator.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    Computer Science

    52nd out of 117 9

    46th out of 73 2

  • Entry standards

    / Max 227
    130 57%

    65th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    78.0 78%

    72nd

    1

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.10 78%

    27th

    19

  • Entry standards

    / Max 211
    121 57%

    44th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    78.0 78%

    28th

    13

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.13 78%

    33rd

    5

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Sorry about that...

HOW CAN WE IMPROVE IT?

SUBMIT

Thanks for your feedback!