Geographical Information Science MSc
University of Leeds
Key Information
Campus location
Leeds, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning
Duration
36 months
Pace
Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 11,250
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
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Introduction
Geographical information is integrated into our day-to-day life and is crucial to a growing number of industries in both the public and private sectors.
Our Geographical Information Science MSc will provide you with in-depth and specialist knowledge of GIS techniques. You’ll focus on scientific, technical and computational aspects of Geographical Information Science (GIScience), with particular reference to the socioeconomic and environmental sciences.
Core modules introduce GIS, a rapidly evolving area in business and environmental applications. You’ll be introduced to GIS packages and a range of data sources/techniques, useful for those wanting to undertake social and environmental science research and those keen to understand the application of geotechnology as practitioners. You’ll study theories and concepts underpinning GIS and have the chance to explore topics including advanced spatial data visualisation, digital image processing, and geodemographics.
As technology continues to advance, more and more organisations will be seeking trained specialists in this field to help them drive their businesses forward – which is why studying this MSc could open you up to many career opportunities.
Learning and teaching
You’ll be provided with a variety of online learning materials throughout the programme. You’ll work as part of a virtual online community, discussing the materials online, collaborating in group tasks and undertaking independent work whilst generally supporting one another.
You’ll also get plenty of one-on-one support. Our qualified tutors are experts in the theory and practice of GIScience and are there to support you and your group. Our tutors will act as mentors and provide you with personal guidance as you progress, advising you on how to make the most of the course and helping you to overcome any obstacles that you encounter. Any work you hand in will be returned to you with detailed comments and advice.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.
You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.
Required equipment
For the programme, you’ll need a laptop or PC capable of running standard applications (such as Microsoft Word/Excel). The packages we will use shouldn’t need anything more than a moderately spec’d machine running Windows. Software is typically made available to you via our online environment.
Take a look at the ArcGIS Pro system requirements and use these as the basis for your laptop/computer.
Active research environment
You’ll be taught by a team of academics and researchers who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research and are part of the Centre for Spatial Analysis and Policy research group and the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics.
Other study options
Modules are available to study online as short courses. You may choose the number of modules you wish to study and will gain postgraduate credits on completion of each module. Please contact the Programme Leader, Dr Luke Burns, should you wish to discuss this route.
Programme team
The Programme Leader, Dr Luke Burns, is an Associate Professor in Quantitative Human Geography whose research focuses on the advanced application of geographical information systems (GIS) to socioeconomic problems and the development of geodemographic classification systems and composite indicators to measure social phenomena.
In this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Program Outcome
Why study at Leeds:
- Integrate this course into your lifestyle, being taught online and studying part-time for over three years.
- Learn the latest innovations in critical areas like geodemographics, retail planning, wilderness and remote sensing from our world-leading research conducted right here on campus which feeds directly into the course.
- Advance your skills and understanding in geographical information analysis and GIS data visualisation.
- Tailor the course to suit your career aspirations with a selection of optional modules such as business and service planning, geographic data science, geodemographics or Environmental GIS that’ll hone your knowledge in the topics that interest you the most.
- Conduct your own project work which will enable you to develop transferable skills as a researcher, investigating a real-world issue that explores and develops your interests.
- Experience expert theoretical and practical teaching delivered by a programme team of academics who are at the forefront of their fields and are actively engaged in groundbreaking research from the Centre for Spatial Analysis and Policy research group and the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics.
Curriculum
The overall aim of this course is to provide you with an engaging online opportunity.
The course will provide core GIScience skills training followed by specialist skill development in a range of contemporary domains as selected by you and an opportunity to undertake a piece of independent original GIScience research under the guidance of a research leader.
The course offers a choice of specialist analytical modules spanning human/physical geography and technical skills.
Year one
You’ll study a foundational year of four compulsory modules covering core concepts and technical skills in GIScience. After completing these modules, you’ll be eligible to graduate with a postgraduate certificate.
Year two
You’ll be required to study four 15-credit modules from a selection of optional modules. You may choose to focus on developing your technical skills further with modules covering advanced visualisation or you may choose from applied modules covering topics such as business and planning, environment, remote sensing and geodemographics.
Year three
You’ll work with your supervisor to complete a 60-credit independent research project – a chance to demonstrate the knowledge and skills you’ve gained and specialise in an area that relates to your own ambitions and interests.
Project work
The dissertation project is one of the most satisfying elements of this course. It allows you to apply what you’ve learned to a piece of research focusing on a real-world problem, and it can be used to explore and develop your specific interests.
Example dissertation themes for Geographical Information Science MSc include:
- Urban inequalities
- Transport and mobility
- Health and wellbeing
- Vulnerable populations
- Environmental analysis
- Remote sensing
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- GIS Data Visualisation and Analysis 1 15 credits
- GIS Data Visualisation and Analysis 2 15 credits
- Programming for Geographical Information Analysis 15 credits
- Professional and Personal Development 15 credits
Year 2
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Business and Service Planning 15 credits
- Digital Image Processing for Environmental Remote Sensing 15 credits
- Geodemographics and Neighbourhood Analysis 15 credits
- GIS and Environment 15 credits
- Visualisation for Geographic Data Science 15 credits
- Web-based GIS 15 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- Dissertation (GISc) 60 credits
Admissions
Career Opportunities
Geographical information science is becoming more and more integral to corporations worldwide, meaning your career opportunities when you graduate could be vast. The specialist intellectual knowledge and skills you’ll learn in this course are highly vocational and in high demand from employers, both in the UK and overseas.
Numerate and spatial data savvy MSc GISc graduates with both technical and domain-specific skills are sought after and transferable into a range of different organisations and roles in both the private and public sectors.
Plus, the University of Leeds is in the top five most targeted universities in the UK by graduate recruiters, according to High Fliers’ The Graduate Market in 2022 report.
Popular careers include data analysts and GIS professionals and planners working for corporations such as the United Nations, statistics agencies, local government, the police/fire/health services, retail consultancies, utility companies and beyond.