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Geographical Information Systems MSc (Online)

University of Aberdeen

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Course options

  • Qualification

    MSc - Master of Science

  • Location

    University of Aberdeen

  • Study mode

    Distance / Online

  • Start date

    JAN-25

  • Duration

    24 months

Course summary

Prepare for a career in the innovative field of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Build your skills in this essential area of the world’s information infrastructure.

Learn practical GIS skills and how to analyse spatial data.

Join a university with over 30 years of excellence in postgraduate teaching of remote sensing, GIS, visualisation, digital mapping and cartography.

You can also study MSc Geographical Information Systems full-time on campus.

Geospatial technologies are of increasing importance in many areas of commercial, industrial, and government employment. This includes nature conservation agencies, civil and coastal engineering projects, and marine and coastal zone management. As a result, the demand for skills in GIS and related technologies has grown considerably.

On this GIS degree, you’ll study the techniques and tools for acquiring, storing, processing, classifying, analysing and visualising spatially referenced data, and their application to the study of the Earth.

You’ll cover:

  • Spatial databases
  • Programming
  • Simulation and modelling
  • Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
  • Digital mapping and cartography
  • Airborne, satellite and UAV remote sensing
  • Digital image processing
  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  • WebGIS and Internet atlases
  • Field data capture
  • Mobile GIS.

How you’ll study

Online learning

MSc Geographical Information Systems is delivered part-time, 100% online.

Your teaching

Your teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.

You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including online access to our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.

Assessments

This degree is assessed entirely online.

Where this will take you

Careers

Our GIS graduates have a very successful employment record in the commercial sector, environmental agencies, local and national government, research, and academia.

They’ve gone on to work as:

Project officers
Programmers
Sales managers
GIS engineers
Senior consultant GIS specialists
Project managers.

Further career opportunities include:

GIS consultant
GIS technician
Planning analyst
Spatial data consultant.

You’ll acquire the practical experience, specialist knowledge and problem-solving skills to pursue careers in any of these fields.

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 7,830per 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 Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen

  • University League Table

    41st

  • Campus address

    University of Aberdeen, Directorate of External Relations, King's College, Aberdeen, Aberdeen, City Of, AB24 3FX, Scotland

One of the top 40 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide league tables 2025).
Student population has over 130 nationalities and strong international global networks.
Experienced international student advisers with immigration expertise supporting students from application to graduation.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    38th out of 117 5

    24th out of 73 3

  • Entry standards

    / Max 227
    167 74%

    21st

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    n/a

  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.10 77%

    27th

    46
  • Entry standards

    / Max 211
    175 83%

    10th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    74.0 74%

    40th

    17
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.20 80%

    22nd

    4

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