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MSc Geographical Information Science

University of Manchester

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Course options

  • Qualification

    MSc - Master of Science

  • Location

    The University of Manchester

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    01-SEP-25

  • Duration

    1 year

Course summary

Course description

MSc Geographical Information Science focuses on the multi-disciplinary science concerned with the development and application of geographical information science technologies. It will prepare you to pursue a career in a geographical information science field.

Geographical information technologies are increasingly used in everyday life, such as Google Earth and geosocial networking. Core geographical information science technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing, have had a long history of application in government and private sector environmental agencies, planning, agriculture, forestry, utilities and transportation.

This course will enable you to develop fundamental skills and in-depth knowledge of key application areas. You can choose to undertake an applied study unit, which gives a range of work experience skills and can lead to dissertation opportunities working with key local and national employers.

We offer research-led teaching and a range of extra-curricular activities designed to deepen and enhance your learning experience. These include access to additional training resources, educational visits, career talks, and alumni presentations.

You will also gain experience using commercial and open source software and acquire skills in the development of spatial software for both desktop and online platforms.

Aims

You will develop advanced knowledge of and practical experience in:

  • GIS and remote sensing theory and practice;
  • advanced techniques for GIS analysis and image processing;
  • spatial analysis;
  • computer modelling and software development;
  • internet and GIS Web technologies;
  • databases and database technologies;
  • scientific communication of analytical results and their interpretation.

Coursework and assessment

Assessment is primarily coursework-based and includes a variety of project work, essays and presentations. This enables you to gain a significant amount of hands-on experience of applying geographical information science skills to real world environmental applications.

The dissertation, based on an original research project of your own design, accounts for 60 credits. Dissertation topics can focus on aspects of geographical information science (GIS) and are supported by researchers who specialise in core areas of GIS, remote sensing, or modelling. The remaining 120 credits are based on eight 15-credit course units (four in each semester).

Career opportunities

Geographical Information Science students have particularly great employment prospects, with graduates going on to successful careers in areas including:

  • surveying;
  • data analysis;
  • consultancy;
  • research;
  • project management;
  • environmental sciences;
  • marketing.

Recent employers of our MSc GIS graduates include:

  • United Nations;
  • Tanzania National Park;
  • Yorkshire Water;
  • The Environment Partnership;
  • Department of Land and Surveys.

You will have the opportunity to learn from staff with advanced and practical understanding of GIS. The taught component of the course, together with the experience of carrying out a postgraduate-level dissertation project, provides you with an excellent foundation for PhD research in numerous fields that involve geospatial data analysis, including physical and human geography, planning, development, and the environmental and earth sciences. There is a high demand worldwide for individuals with these skills.

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 31,000per 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 Manchester

  • University League Table

    22nd

  • Campus address

    The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, England

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    11th out of 117 2

    18th out of 73 1

  • Entry standards

    / Max 227
    192 84%

    12th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    94.0 94%

    9th

    20
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    2.96 74%

    75th

    16
  • Entry standards

    / Max 211
    159 76%

    15th

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    82.0 82%

    15th

    12
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    2.99 75%

    57th

    6

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