Geographical Information Systems MSc
University of Portsmouth
Key Course Facts
Salary
Salary of all UK Graduates of
15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
---|---|---|---|
Median salary | £22481 | £20177 | £23660 |
25-75 percentile range | £20119 - £25653 | £15142 - £24804 | £17699 - £30158 |
All courses in the UK
Course Description
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.
Earth systems and environmental sciences at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 4th of all post-1992 universities for research quality as part of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
The School of Environment, Geography and Geosciences offers a limited number of scholarships for international postgraduate students.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.
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
Careers and opportunities
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).
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
- Transport for London
- Esri
-
- ICEYE
- Fugro
- RPS Group
- CityFibre
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.
Course structure
Full-time (one year)
We recommend that full-time students allocate around 37 hours per week to their studies – equivalent to a full-time job. Approximately:
- Two days per week of on-campus, in-person teaching (Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
- Three days per week of self-directed study time
Part-time (two years)
We recommend that part-time students allocate around 18 hours per week to their studies – equivalent to a part-time job. Approximately:
- One day per week of on-campus, in-person teaching (Wednesdays in Year 1, Tuesdays in Year 2)
- One-and-a-half days per week of self-directed study time
There are some additional days of field work during the Spring term (two weeks/ten days maximum).
Entry Requirements / Admissions
English language requirements
test | Grade | Additional Details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0. |
|
Cambridge English Advanced | **Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) taken after January 2015** An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169 |
|
Cambridge English Proficiency | Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) taken after January 2015. An overall score of 176 with no component score less than 169. |
|
TOEFL (iBT) | 91.with a minimum of 20 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 20 in Writing. |
|
PTE Academic | An overall score of 61 with a minimum of 54 in each skill. |
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.
Costs
Tuition Fees Geographical Information Systems MSc
EU | £4450 | year 1 |
---|---|---|
England UK | £4450 | year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £4450 | year 1 |
Scotland | £4450 | year 1 |
Wales | £4450 | year 1 |
Channel Islands | £4450 | year 1 |
Ireland | £4450 | year 1 |
International | £9050 | year 1 |
Additional fee information
Students who are resident in EU countries: please note that the net fee is inclusive of the Transition Scholarship.
Fees are accurate at the time of publishing and are subject to change at any time without notice.
Fees may also go up in later years, in line with inflation
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 Portsmouth in top UK and global rankings.
Rankings of University of Portsmouth in related subject specific rankings.
Social Studies & Humanities
-
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- #29
- #151
-
- Geography
-
GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
[Published 27 October, 2023]
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-
- #55
- #401
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- Social Sciences
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THE World University Rankings by Subject
[Published 19 October, 2023]
See all 31 university rankings of University of Portsmouth
About University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth is located on the United Kingdom’s only island city, Portsmouth. This public university, which was previously known as Portsmouth Polytechnic, forms part of the University Alliance, an organisation whose aim is to promote growth and innovation in the UK by putting an emphasis on links with business and industry.
List of 234 Bachelor and Master Courses from University of Portsmouth - Course Catalogue
Student composition of University of Portsmouth
-
Total number of students enrolled at University of Portsmouth by level Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
- undergraduates:
- 18085
- postgraduates:
- 5005
- Total:
- 23090
-
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
Where is this programme taught
Similar courses
Program | University | Student satisfaction | Unemployed | Dropout | Tuition (UK) | Tuition (International) | UCAS Tariff | City | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Applied Geographical Information Systems (GIS) MSc | The University of Sheffield | - | - | - | £10800 | £22000 | - | Sheffield | On campus Full-time | |
Geographic Information and Climate Change MSc | Swansea University | - | - | - | £3400 £3550 | £7000 £7350 | - | Swansea | On campus Part-time | |
Geographical Information Systems MSc | University of Portsmouth | - | - | - | £8900 | £18100 | - | Portsmouth | On campus Full-time | |
Geographical Information Systems MSc | University of Aberdeen | - | - | - | £10000 | £22000 | - | Aberdeen | On campus Full-time | |
Geographical Information Science MSc | The University of Manchester | - | - | - | - | - | - | Manchester | On campus Part-time | |
Geographical Information Science (distance learning) MSc | University of Leeds | - | - | - | - | - | - | Leeds | online Part-time | |
Geographical Information Science MSc | The University of Edinburgh | - | - | - | - | - | - | Edinburgh | On campus Full-time | |
Geographical Information Systems MSc | Sheffield Hallam University | - | - | - | - | - | - | Sheffield | On campus Part-time | |
Geographical Information Systems MSc | University of Leeds | - | - | - | - | - | - | Leeds | On campus Full-time | |
Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) MSc | Aberystwyth University | - | - | - | - | - | - | Aberystwyth | On campus Full-time |
Ranking publishers
THE Times Higher Education, UK
- Published:
- 19 October, 2023
- Criteria used in ranking -THE World University Rankings by Subject:
- 37.4% Teaching (the Learning Environment)
37.6% Research (Volume, Income and Reputation)
15% Citations (Research Influence)
7.5% International Outlook (Staff, Students and Research)
2.5% Industry Income (Knowledge Transfer)
ShanghaiRanking Consultancy
- Published:
- 27 October, 2023