Geographical Information Systems MSc

Overview

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.

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.

Career opportunities

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