Geographical Information Science MSc

This MSc programme (totalling 180 credits) comprises:

• compulsory and option courses (totalling 120 credits)
• dissertation (total 60 credits)

Topics

Examples of topics covered within this degree include:

• DBMS (Database management system)/spatial DBMS methods
• Advanced spatial analysis
• Geovisualisation
• Project management
• Web mapping
• Earth observation
• Fieldwork
• Integrated project
• Programming languages
• Quantitative data skills
• Project management and research plan

Dissertation

Throughout your studies, we will work with you to prepare you for the dissertation project. This will be your opportunity to explore a topic of your choice in relation to the programme and prepare a dissertation that you can use to demonstrate your work to potential employers.

We also work with our wide network to find opportunities for dissertation projects with external organisations, including local organisations in Edinburgh, as well as government or the third sector, enhancing the real-world relevance of your degree.

Our students' research projects are often published in academic or professional journals.

How will I learn?

You will experience a range of learning styles while studying, depending on the subject matter and courses you are taking. Teaching for this programme will typically involve a mix of lectures and lab practicals which allow you to gain the theoretical knowledge, as well as have hands-on experience of data analysis.

You will also have tutorials and group discussions which enrich your learning experiences. Furthermore you will have opportunities to attend professional seminars and conferences to understand more about the GIS industry and to network with leading geospatial professionals.

Courses will be assessed mainly based on coursework using a range of methods that include written reports, essays, multiple choice test, project proposals, presentations or practical exercises.

You will be taught by leading experts in the field, including both university academics and professional colleagues with many years of experience in GIS. A significant number of our staff contribute to our programme and benefit from international reputations. We are often invited to engage with other academic institutions, organisations and companies worldwide.

You can view each relevant course for teaching and assessment methods through the ‘Programme Structure’ link under compulsory and option courses below.

Changes to teaching and learning

We are committed to offering high-quality education to all our students. However, please be advised that there may be changes to course options and delivery. All decisions are made to ensure we can provide the highest standards for your educational experience.

Although we aim to provide a wide range of optional courses to choose from, these can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Places on optional courses can be limited due to course capacity and timetabling constraints. It may not be possible to guarantee every offer holder their top choice of optional courses.

Part-time study

You may study this programme part-time as we are committed to helping people into education while continuing to work or managing family and personal commitments. Two and three-year part-time options are available. We recommend living within a commutable distance from Edinburgh in order to undertake part-time study, and we encourage you to contact us to discuss part-time study in more detail.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

By studying the MSc Geographical Information Science, you will be able to:

• gain an understanding of the principal, specialised theories and concepts of geographical information science
• develop skills in critical analysis and reasoned judgement in the synthesis of information of variable quality
• demonstrate critical reflection when using a range of specialised literature, skills, data, techniques and applications to contribute to addressing real world problems now and in the future
• exercise substantial autonomy and initiative while also working effectively with peers and specialist practitioners in a professional manner
• select appropriate forms of communication to convey and promote the challenges, methods and potential of GI science and technology to different audiences with a range of expertise
• be effective and proactive individuals, skilled in influencing positively and adapting to a range of situations with sensitivity and integrity
• understand and implement a range of geospatial methods for recording, managing, measuring, analysing, mapping, modelling and visualising data about the world

Demand for GIS expertise continues to grow at an unprecedented rate.

The proven ability of our graduates means our internationally recognised programme is held in high regard by our employers. Most of our students gain employment before completing the programme or within a few months of graduating. You will benefit from our proven track record in helping students progress to roles with a diverse range of employers in public, private and third sectors.

The expertise gained in this programme will enable you to pursue a career in many fields, including:

• surveying
• illustration and 3D visualisation
• digital archiving
• heritage management
• terrain modelling
• database management
• geomatics
• IT consultancy

Our graduates

Our graduates have been very successful in gaining employment worldwide in a variety of public and private sector organisations.

Types of roles include:

• GIS analyst
• Data manager
• GIS developer
• Conservationist
• Geomatics specialist
• Intelligence Officer

Examples of organisations our graduates are employed by include:

• Microsoft
• Google
• IBM
• Oracle
• General Electric Aerospace
• ESRI
• The World Bank
• British Antarctic Survey
• The World Conservation Monitoring Centre
• Deloitte
• British Airways
• Forestry Commission
• Environment Agency
• Clean Earth Energy
• ARUP
• Scottish Government
• Scottish Water
• Green Highland Renewable
• Historic Environment Scotland
• local, city and federal governments around the world

Networks

We provide many opportunities for our students to interact with both potential employers, and alumni, through our teaching and our extra-curricular activities. For example, our dedicated GIS Careers event, with contacts in industry giving you valuable information on the current market and an insight into potential employment opportunities.

Alumni network

Our alumni network is diverse and extremely active, with alumni regularly contributing to teaching and careers events.

We organise an annual conference for our alumni, staff and current students. This event often acts as a conduit to employment, as former students will often look first to our graduates when employing new staff. Through our alumni network of past graduates, you will have unrivalled opportunities to connect with GIS professionals during your studies, helping you make contacts in the industry.

Many of our graduates run their own businesses or work at the most senior level in various companies, often contributing to emerging sectors such as data-driven innovation and the green economy.

Professional and research networks

We maintain close contact with professional organisations and are ideally placed to make connections on your behalf. For example:

• The Association for Geographic Information
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

We also have staff who are part of teams for the Association for Geographic Information and the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research, who can share their knowledge with you.

Edinburgh Innovations – start-up opportunities

Several of our alumni have launched their own successful start-ups, such as 'Earthwave', providing services for geospatial data and conducting environmental research.

We have fantastic resources through the University department 'Edinburgh Innovations' to help you successfully nurture your entrepreneurial ideas and launch your own enterprise.

• Visit the Edinburgh Innovations website

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:

• tailored advice
• individual guidance and personal assistance
• internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
• access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.

• Careers Service

Field trips

As part of the programme, you will have the opportunity to undertake a residential field course. Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation.

During the field course, students usually work together in small groups to conduct a small-scale GIS project. Previous examples include:

• assessing the role of green space in mitigating flooding risk
• whether green space exposure is beneficial for health

You will receive guidance and support from our academic supervisors and experienced professionals.

The field course will enable you to experience the challenges of managing and executing a 'real-world' GIS project, including within time and resource constraints.

Our field trips usually take place in the world-famous Scottish Highlands. We strive to deliver a low-carbon experience that also supports the local economy.

Changes to field trips Field course locations may change for a variety of reasons, including the health and safety of our students, staff and communities, and to ensure we can maintain the highest standards for your educational experience. Where suitable, fieldwork will be relocated or rescheduled. We will also look at alternative arrangements that will ensure you achieve the quality learning outcomes of your degree. We will announce any changes as soon as possible.

Accessibility on field trips We are committed to making our degree as accessible and inclusive as possible. In the event that you cannot attend a fieldwork trip, we will provide alternatives with comparable learning outcomes where necessary.

Software and facilities

Facilities are an essential asset for our research and teaching.

Computing-intensive research in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), meteorological and climate modelling, geophysics, and analysis of space and satellite data are all supported by access to our well-equipped in-house GIS suite with a broad range of software licences and the Edinburgh Computer and Data Facility parallel computing and DataStore facilities.

Dedicated computing labs are provided in the Central Campus area, although some courses or specialised activities may occur on other University sites (for example, if you are working with drone data.)

Specialist training in the use of these facilities will be provided.

You will also have access to national and international supercomputing, laboratory, experimental and field facilities.

Edinburgh hosts the UK’s national supercomputing centre and these facilities can be used for research projects. In addition, you will benefit from access to projects that involve the use of equipment such as survey-grade GPS and Unpiloted Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Finally, we use field stations and facilities worldwide for research projects in the Antarctic, Arctic and tropics, on research ships in the world’s oceans, through aircraft sampling the atmosphere and remote sensing data from satellites.

You can explore some of these facilities on our website:

• EPCC supercomputing and data facilities
• GIS computing suite
• School of GeoSciences facilities

Where you will study

Most of your compulsory courses will be taught on the Central Campus in the city's historical centre. Occasionally, you may also have classes in the King's Buildings, the main campus for the University’s College of Science and Engineering.

Depending on the option courses you choose, you may study at various campus locations in Edinburgh.

Students in this MSc will have access to the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) Masters Hub.

Facilities

You will have access to the University's facilities across all University sites.

For example:

• laboratories
• libraries
• study spaces (some of which are open 24 hours)
• computing facilities
• social spaces
• leisure facilities

Edinburgh Climate Change Institute Masters Hub

This programme is linked with the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI). You will have access to the shared 'Masters Hub' study space in ECCI as well as the café and shared working spaces on the ground and first floors. Some of your teaching will take place in the ECCI.

ECCI is also close to many teaching spaces and facilities within the Central Area campus. For example, the Main Library and gym.

• Visit the ECCI website

Take a virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the School of GeoSciences and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.

Discover our city's landmarks, our campuses, accommodation and get video tours - all in one place.

• Take a virtual tour

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

We may also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with relevant industry experience.

We also welcome applications from applicants without a degree but who are working as geospatial professionals in the UK Armed Forces and who have undertaken relevant training.

Please provide information on any relevant industry experience or training in your personal statement when you apply.

Students from China

This degree is Band B.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Deposit

If you receive an offer of admission you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place.

• £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

Find out more about tuition fee deposits:

• Tuition fee deposits

Field trips and field courses

We do not charge extra fees for compulsory field trips or field courses.

The programme fees will cover costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence on compulsory field trips. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses. This may include suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.

Living costs

You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies.

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

• borrowing money
  • taking out a loan
  • family support
• personal savings
• income from work
• employer sponsorship
• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

School of GeoSciences scholarships

• See potential funding for GeoSciences students

Scholarships and student funding

You can find funding opportunities, tuition fees and costs of living for prospective UK and international postgraduate students on the University website.

• Postgraduate scholarships and student funding

You are also encouraged to undertake your own research into the range of potential scholarships and other funding outside the University for which you may be eligible.

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding