Geographical Information Systems, MSc, University of Portsmouth

the United Kingdom

Study options for this course

The award	How you will study	Study duration	Course start	Domestic course fees	International course fees
MSc	Full-time, Part-time	1 - 2 year	September, January	GBP 0 per year	GBP 0 per year

About Geographical Information Systems, MSc - at University of Portsmouth

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

Career development

Careers this Master’s prepares you for

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

Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:

Geographical information system consultant
GIS and data analyst
Location planning analyst
GIS technician
Software development engineer
Spatial analyst
Remote sensing analyst

Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:

Ramboll
South East Water
Engenie Ltd
Dominos Pizza Group
Transport for London
Esri
ICEYE
Fugro
East Sussex County Council
RPS Group
CityFibre
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council

Notes about fees for this course

https://www.port.ac.uk/study/masters-and-postgraduate-taught/fees-and-funding

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree or equivalent in Geography, Geology, Earth Science, Applied Geology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science or a related discipline. Professional experience in a relevant area and other qualifications may be taken into consideration for applicants not meeting this requirement.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 5.5.

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Geographical Information Systems, MSc, University of Portsmouth

Study options for this course

About Geographical Information Systems, MSc - at University of Portsmouth

Notes about fees for this course

Entry requirements

Courses you may be interested in at other institutions

Postgraduate pathways and pre-masters at other institutions

Other courses at University of Portsmouth

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