Program Overview

Introduction to the Remote Sensing and Environmental Mapping MSc

The Remote Sensing and Environmental Mapping MSc is a leading master's program in the UK, offering exceptional preparation for careers in industry, academia, or government. This course explores advanced techniques for using remote sensing to gather critical environmental data on the terrestrial biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and cryosphere.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline or overseas qualification of equivalent standard is required.
• Relevant work experience will also be considered.
• English language requirements: The English language level for this course is Level 4.

Course Overview

The MSc Remote Sensing and Environmental Mapping provides an in-depth understanding of how satellite, airborne, and ground-based remote sensing technologies are used to observe, analyze, and model environmental processes at local, regional, and global scales. Combining core scientific principles with training in the latest tools and techniques, the course equips students with advanced skills in data analysis, environmental mapping, and geospatial programming.

Who This Course Is For

This course is suited to students seeking to understand and apply remote sensing and mapping techniques in environmental monitoring and modeling. It will appeal to those with backgrounds in environmental or quantitative sciences, as well as applied fields like geography, forestry, or environmental management.

Careers and Employability

Graduates of the MSc Remote Sensing and Environmental Mapping are highly employable across a range of sectors that require advanced technical and spatial analysis skills. Alumni have gone on to work in geospatial analytics, environmental consultancy, Earth observation services, and government agencies, applying their expertise in remote sensing, mapping, and environmental modeling.

Teaching and Learning

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, demonstrations, individual and group coursework, and compulsory computer-based training. Student learning is further supported by tutorials, transferable skills workshops, and ongoing research supervision throughout the academic year.

Modules

• Full-time students undertake eight taught modules and a research dissertation over the academic year.
• Part-time students undertake eight taught modules over two academic years and complete a research dissertation.
• Compulsory modules include:
  • Analytical and Numerical Methods
  • Scientific Computing
  • Geospatial Science
  • Principles and Practice of Remote Sensing
  • Research Project and Dissertation
• Optional modules include:
  • Environmental GIS
  • Mining Social and Geographic Datasets
  • Surface Water Modelling
  • Terrestrial Carbon: Modelling and Monitoring
  • Climate Modelling
  • Cartography and Data Visualisation
  • Spatial-Temporal Data Analysis and Data Mining (STDM)
  • Reality Capture and Precision 3D Sensing
  • Sensors and Location
  • Coastal Geohazards
  • Designing and Managing Citizen Science

Fees and Funding

• UK students: ｣16,800 (full-time), ｣8,400 (part-time)
• International students: ｣35,400 (full-time), ｣17,700 (part-time)
• Additional costs: Students may incur a small cost for printing their dissertation posters, but this is not mandatory. Poster templates are provided that allow students to print their posters as separate A4 or A3 sheets on standard UCL printers.

Fieldwork and Placement

Students may have the opportunity to undertake fieldwork as part of their dissertation research, depending on the focus of their project. Any fieldwork undertaken is self-funded and arranged in consultation with academic supervisors. There may also be opportunities for students to undertake placements with external organizations as part of their dissertation research, with any associated costs typically self-funded.