MSc Geographical Information Systems
University of Portsmouth
Key Information
Campus location
Southsea, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 - 2 Year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 8,100 / per year
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Scholarships
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Introduction
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.
In this applied course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of using geospatial data for real-world solutions through 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 various 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 project work and build on your previous studies and 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 enjoyed careers in the 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 using Geographical Information (GI) instruments and emerging technologies, 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.
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Full-time
In this course, you'll study four core modules and one optional module.
Core
- Applied GIS and Remote Sensing – 30 credits
- GIS and Database Management Systems – 30 credits
- Principles of GIScience – 30 credits
- Research Skills and Project – 60 credits
Optional
- Sustainable Blue Economy – 30 credits
- Terrain Evaluation and Natural Hazards – 30 credits
Part-time
Year 1
In year one, you'll study two core modules.
Core
- Applied GIS and Remote Sensing – 30 credits
- Principles of GIScience – 30 credits
Year 2
In year two, you'll study two core modules and two optional modules.
Core
- GIS and Database Management Systems – 30 credits
- Research Skills and Project – 60 credits
Optional
- Sustainable Blue Economy – 30 credits
- Terrain Evaluation and Natural Hazards – 30 credits
Career Opportunities
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 for 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 typically look 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
- The 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
- Engine Ltd
- Dominos Pizza Group
- Transport for London
- Esri
- ICEYE
- Fugro
- East Sussex County Council
- RPS Group
- CityFibre
- Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Career planning
During your course, you'll have expert career support from your tutors and our Careers and Employability Centre – which you can access for up to 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from
- Networking events
- Applied projects with employers
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events, including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Facilities
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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