University of Leeds
Geographical Information Systems MSc
University of Leeds

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 20 graduates of Geographical Information Systems MSc at University of Leeds for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Economics.

Overall student satisfaction
62 /100
20 total respondents
The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Economics

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Economics at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £32000 £36000 £48000
25-75 percentile range £28000 - £35500 £27500 - £45000 £36500 - £63000


Salary of all UK Graduates of Economics

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £27884 £27717 £35530
25-75 percentile range £23465 - £32837 £21492 - £35900 £25913 - £47649

Course Description

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) have become a crucial part of society, benefitting a wide range of industries. From supply chain management to insurance, urban planning to government agencies, the scope of GIS software is huge – and is only going to keep growing. This is why corporations worldwide are looking for qualified GIS experts to bring together the geospatial data that’ll help inform their future strategies and decision making.

Our Geographical Information Systems MSc focuses on the scientific, technical and computational aspects of GIS and Geographical Information Science (GIScience), with particular reference to the socioeconomic and environmental sciences. We’ll introduce you to GIS and the packages and database systems available to use in business, health and planning settings, whilst offering optional modules that’ll allow you to expand your career prospects into the areas that interest you and are informed by the world-leading research we conduct across the university.

The holistic design of the course means that, once you graduate, you’ll have a specialist yet extensive skill set that covers all bases and will be sought after by employers in this sector. You'll also be equipped with an in-depth understanding of topical and relevant subjects in this field, enabling you to pursue a wide range of exciting career opportunities in both the private and public sectors.

Why study at Leeds:

  • Our globally-renowned research conducted right here on campus feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in critical areas like geodemographics, retail planning, wilderness and remote sensing.
  • Advance your skills and understanding of GIS data visualisation, including spatial analysis and statistical skills required for the analysis of geographically referenced data.
  • Tailor the course to suit your career aspirations with a selection of optional modules 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 real-world issues that suit 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.
  • Enhance your career prospects and join our successful alumni who have pursued careers in some exciting corporations including ARUP, Jacobs Foundation and USAID.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Geographical Information Systems MSc at University of Leeds

30% Administrative occupations
25% Secretarial and related occupations
15% Media Professionals
10% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Librarians and Related Professionals
5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
5% Welfare and housing associate professionals

Grading & Study Time

Assessment is through coursework with no exams. There is a mix of essays, workbooks / reports. Practical work and assignments are based on the analysis of real world datasets much of which stems from research in which the teaching staff have been involved. Most modules have assessment part way through the semester and then a further assessment at the end.

Grading Distribution

Students of the course received the following grades

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees taught
    • no components less than 6.0
    • 6.0
    • Graduate Degrees research
    • no components less than 5.5
    • 6.0
    • Undergraduate Degrees
    • No components less than 5.5
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Geographical Information Systems, MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in a relevant subject such as geography, earth or environmental science, economics or a social science, mathematics, computer science or other subjects where good numeracy and/or computing skills can be demonstrated.

Relevant work experience and professional training courses are viewed positively and are taken into account particularly for candidates whose first degree grade falls below the normal minimum requirement. Appropriate work experience may be considered in lieu of qualifications.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of University of Leeds in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of University of Leeds in related subject specific rankings.

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #12 
    • #23 
    Geography
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 27 October, 2023]
    • #8 
    • #25 
    Geography
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #9 
    • #69 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]

See all 34 university rankings of University of Leeds

About University of Leeds

The University of Leeds is a government funded research university based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England. The main campus is situated approximately one mile north of Leeds city centre, and is also close to the popular student neighbourhoods of Hyde Park, Woodhouse, and Headingley.

List of 368 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Leeds - Course Catalogue

Student composition of University of Leeds

undergraduates:
26410
postgraduates:
10335
Total:
36745
Number of students enrolled in courses of subject “Geographical Information Systems”: Academic year - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
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Where is this programme taught

University of Leeds
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