MSc Environmental Remote Sensing and Geospatial Sciences

University of Stirling

Geospatial sciences are essential to manage natural resources, such as: Water Forestry Mining Environmental conservation Geospatial sciences and remote sensing skills are crucial for managing natural resources and environmental conservation. As more geospatial data is collected and analysed, the demand for GIS specialists and remote sensing experts is expected to continue to grow (source: UK Government 2022). With the global geospatial solutions market size anticipated to reach around £1,600 billion ($2,155 billion) by 2034 (source: Precedence Research 2024), the demand for skills in geospatial sciences will rise too. Our MSc in Environmental Remote Sensing and Geospatial Sciences focuses on using remote sensing to study Earth and other planets. You'll learn to apply remote sensing data for climate research. The course covers satellites, space, drones and ground-based platforms. You’ll also get training in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), data analysis and modelling. Gain practical fieldwork experience You can take a residential field module. You’ll learn practical skills in identification, surveying, measuring and sampling on a six-day residential field trip in the Cairngorms National Park. It's an immersive, hands-on experience across diverse habitat types. You’ll gain an awareness of up-to-date technologies available for fieldwork. Develop advanced skills in remote sensing On this Environmental Remote Sensing and Geospatial Sciences Masters degree you’ll get training in optical and passive remote sensing. You’ll learn about: modern earth observation satellites environmental processes software and methodologies field and data analytics. You'll take a specialist module on GIS to master the geo-informatics skills required in the sector. You’ll also learn to use the programming language Python for manipulating data. There’s an option to take a module in data analysis in the framework of linear modelling using the open-access R software. Build your professional experience This course offers valuable industry exposure through work-related assessments and insights from guest speakers across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Past speakers include: Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd Scottish Environment Protection Agency FinSat CAVU Aerospace Ltd You'll also have opportunities to network. The first semester will develop core theoretical, field and data analytics skills alongside learning about environmental processes. In the second semester, the focus turns to training advanced skills in optical and passive remote sensing through a wide range of applications.