Geographical Information Systems

Program Overview

---

Geographical Information Systems, MSc

Introduction

Over 25 years of excellence in postgraduate teaching of remote sensing, GIS, visualisation, digital mapping and cartography.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September or January

Programme Fees

Fee category	Cost
EU / International students	£22,000
UK	£10,000

Semester 1

Compulsory Courses

• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
• Introduction to GIS Tools, Techniques, Cartography & Geovisualisation (GG5065)
• Origins, Evolutions and Implementation of GIS (GG5067)
• Webgis and Online Mapping (GG5069)
• Database Systems and Big Data (CS5097)

Semester 2

Compulsory Courses

• Current Applications of GIS (GG5540)
• Uav Remote Sensing, Monitoring and Mapping (GG5559)
• Advanced Spatial Analysis and Programming (GG5567)
• Fundamentals and Advanced Applications of Map Algebra (GG5569)

Semester 3

Compulsory Courses

• Dissertation Project in GIS (GG5910)

Stage 1

• Students can leave with a PgCert after taking 60 credits of courses, a PgDip after taking 120 credits of courses, or an MSc with 180 credits of courses.

Compulsory Courses

• Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5506)
• Current Applications of GIS (GG5540)
• Introduction to GIS Tools, Techniques, Cartography & Geovisualisation (GG5565)
• Advanced Spatial Analysis and Programming (GG5567)
• Fundamentals and Advanced Applications of Map Algebra (GG5569)

Stage 2

Compulsory Courses

• Dissertation Project in GIS (GG5910)

Stage 3

Compulsory Courses

• Uav Remote Sensing, Monitoring and Mapping (GG5059)
• Origins, Evolutions and Implementation of GIS (GG5067)
• Webgis and Online Mapping (GG5069)
• Database Systems and Big Data (CS5097)

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc
  • Geographical Information Systems
    • Qualification: MSc
    • Duration: 12 months or 24 months
    • Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
    • Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
    • Start Month: September or January

Programme Fees

Fee category	Cost
EU / International students	£22,000
UK	£10,000

Funding Opportunities

• The Aberdeen Global Scholarship provides scholarships for eligible self-funded international Masters students.
• The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship provides funding for international students from selected countries.

Scholarships

• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Related Programmes

• Geographical Information Systems (online)
• Restorative Land Management and Rural Surveying
• Sustainability Transitions
• Sustainable Water Management

Related Information

• Postgraduate Guide
• Find Accommodation
• Find Funding

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

• Field Trips
• Field Work
• Group Projects
• Individual Projects
• Lectures
• Research
• Tutorials

Assessment Methods

• Assessment is by a combination of written and practical assignments, presentations and laboratory reports as prescribed for each course and a dissertation, together with an oral examination and poster presentation.

Why Study Geographical Information Systems?

• Learn from a team with a wide range of international, national, and local expertise including: coastal and marine science, landscape ecology and landscape change, archaeology, integrated coastal management, offshore, hydrographic and underwater survey, renewable energy, geology and hydrocarbon exploration, environmental risks and hazards, marine and terrestrial spatial planning, precision agriculture, and climate change
• You will have the opportunity to engage with industry in a number of ways during your studies.
• Through classroom learning, field trips, industry engagement and more you will develop key skills and knowledge that will enhance your employability across a range of sectors
• You are encouraged to join a professional society such as the Association for Geographic Information (AGI), the Remote Sensing Society (RSS), the British Cartographic Society (BCS), the UK Hydrographic Society, and the Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Study alongside like-minded people (both students and staff) in a very positive and supportive environment, and develop a close network of support during your studies and beyond
• The University is in close proximity to some of the most environmentally important and geographically varied landscapes in the whole of the UK, including the Cairngorms National Park
• Our research is organised into three broad research themes: Sustainable Development and Transformation, Earth Surface Processes, Palaeoecology.

Careers

• The GIS programme continues to have a very successful employment record in the commercial sector, environmental agencies, local and national government, research, and academia.
• Graduates have gone on to work in a variety of roles, including; project officers, programmers, sales managers, GIS engineer, senior consultant GIS specialist and project managers.
• Career opportunities are highlighted through site visits, field trips, guest lectures, and chances to work with organisations as part of the MSc Dissertation.

Career Opportunities

• GIS Consultant
• GIS Technician
• Planning Analyst
• Project Manager
• Spatial Data Consultant

Industry Links

• The programme is supported by our Industry Advisory Board:
  • Stewart Angus - SNH (Environmental)
  • Martin Berry - Fugro (Offshore Survey)
  • Scott Buchan - Aberdeen Harbour Board (AHB) (Hydrography)
  • Andy Dare - Andrews Survey (Offshore Survey)
  • Damian Ling - Chevron (Oil and Gas)
  • Aftab Majeed - Aberdeen City Council (Local Authority)
  • Mike Mawby - Ops Input Limited (Oil and Gas)
  • Dave Scott - Bristow Aerial Solutions (UAV)

Entry Requirements

• Motivation and understanding of this degree is an important factor in securing admission.
• Your personal statement/statement of purpose should focus on providing answers to the following questions:
  • What is your background in geospatial technologies?
  • What specific aspects and areas of geospatial technologies are you interested in?
  • What applications of geospatial technologies would you like to pursue whilst in Aberdeen, and why?
  • How do you think your background (both academic and work-related) is relevant to the study of the geospatial technologies?
  • How do you see a qualification in the geospatial technologies helping your future career?

Qualifications

• 2:2 (lower second class) Honours degree or equivalent in Agriculture, Archaeology, Computing Science, Ecology, Engineering, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geography, Geology, Geomatics, Marine & Coastal Science, Marine Biology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Planning, Plant Science, Soil Science or Zoology.
• Candidates with degrees in other subject areas will be considered if they can demonstrate interest, aptitude and/or experience in a field relevant to the application of geospatial technologies.

English Language Requirements

• To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently.
• The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
  • IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme.
• If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
  • CV: an up-to-date CV/Resumé
  • Degree Certificate: a degree certificate showing your qualifications
  • Degree Transcript: a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
  • Personal Statement: a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

International Applicants

• Additional details for international applicants, including information specific to your country or territory, are available here.

Program Outline

This program provides over 25 years of excellence in postgraduate teaching of remote sensing, GIS, visualization, digital mapping, and cartography. It is available for both full-time and part-time study, with online options for part-time students, and starting in either January or September.

---

Objectives:

• Equip students with the fundamentals of techniques and tools for acquiring, storing, processing, classifying, analyzing, and visualizing spatially referenced data.
• Apply these skills to the study of the Earth, covering:
• Spatial databases
• Programming
• Simulation and modelling
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• Digital mapping and cartography
• Airborne, satellite, and UAV remote sensing
• Digital image processing
• WebGIS and Internet atlases
• Field data capture
• Mobile GIS

---

Description:

This program prepares graduates for careers in various fields, including:

• Nature conservation agencies
• Civil and coast engineering projects
• Marine and coastal zone management
• Environmental agencies
• Local and national government
• Research
• Academia

---

Key Features:

• Industry Advisory Board provides relevant and up-to-date information on current practices and trends.
• Opportunity to work with organizations as part of the MSc Dissertation.
• Emphasis on practical experience, specialist knowledge, and problem-solving skills.
• Field trips and guest lectures provide valuable insights into real-world applications.

---

Outline:

---

Content:

• Remote sensing
• Spatial analysis
• Programming
• GIS
• Digital mapping
• Cartography
• Data management
• Field data capture
• Visualization

---

Structure:

• Stage 1:
• Compulsory courses:
• Current Applications of GIS
• Introduction to GIS Tools, Techniques, Cartography & Geovisualisation
• Advanced Spatial Analysis and Programming
• Fundamentals and Advanced Applications of Map Algebra
• Optional courses:
• Additional elective courses available
• Stage 2:
• Compulsory courses:
• Dissertation Project in GIS
• Part-time online students:
• Specific course list provided
• Stage 3:
• Compulsory courses:
• Current Applications of GIS: Explores real-world applications of GIS in various fields.
• Introduction to GIS Tools, Techniques, Cartography & Geovisualisation: Introduces fundamental geospatial tools and techniques for data visualization and analysis.
• Advanced Spatial Analysis and Programming: Provides in-depth knowledge of spatial analysis methods and programming techniques in GIS.
• Fundamentals and Advanced Applications of Map Algebra: Develops advanced knowledge of spatial analysis tools in GIS using Map Algebra techniques.
• Dissertation Project in GIS: Enables students to conduct independent research and complete a dissertation project under the guidance of a supervisor.
• Additional elective courses:
• Options for additional courses may be available depending on the year and semester.

---

Course Schedule:

• Full-time students:
• Study one semester per stage, with exams following each semester.
• Dissertation project completed in the final semester.
• Part-time students:

---

Assessment:

• Assessment methods:
• Written assignments
• Practical assignments
• Presentations
• Laboratory reports
• Dissertation (Stage 2)
• Oral examination
• Poster presentation
• Assessment criteria:
• Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Research and analytical skills

---

Teaching:

• Teaching methods:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Tutorials
• Field trips
• Guest lectures
• Practical sessions
• Independent research
• Faculty:
• Experienced and qualified academics with expertise in GIS and related fields.
• Strong industry connections and collaboration with external organizations.
• Unique approaches:
• Emphasis on practical experience and hands-on learning.
• Industry-focused curriculum and guest lectures.
• Opportunities for field trips and project work with real-world organizations.
• Strong support network for students.

---

Careers:

• Career paths:
• GIS Consultant
• GIS Technician
• Planning Analyst
• Project Manager
• Spatial Data Consultant
• Researcher
• Academic
• Opportunities:
• Employment opportunities in various sectors, including:
• Commercial sector
• Environmental agencies
• Local and national government
• Research
• Academia
• Careers in various fields, including:
• Nature conservation
• Civil and coastal engineering
• Marine and coastal zone management
• Environmental management
• Urban planning
• Resource management
• Outcomes:
• Graduates are well-equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in various GIS-related careers.
• Program prepares students for professional certification exams.

---

Other:

• Eligibility:
• 2:2 (lower second class) Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Candidates with degrees in other subject areas may be considered if they demonstrate relevant experience or interest.
• English Language Requirements:
• Minimum requirements for IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English exams.
• Funding:
• Industry Links:
• Program supported by an Industry Advisory Board with members from various relevant organizations.
• Student Testimonials:
• Program Duration:
• Full-time: 12 months
• Part-time: 24 months (full-time equivalent)
• Application Process:

---

EU / International students: £22,000 UK: £10,000