Master of Science in Geographic Information Science

Program Overview

Geographic Information Science

Overview

The Master of Science in Geographic Information Science (GIS) is a postgraduate program designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in information technology, including spatial databases and web technology, as well as programming skills tailored to the particular requirements of geospatial data.

Course Details

• TU Code: TU268
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Award Type: Major
• Award: Master of Science
• ECTS Credits: 90
• Duration: 2 Years
• Course Type: Postgraduate
• Mode of Study: Part Time
• Method of Delivery: On-Campus
• Commencement Date: September 2025
• Location: Bolton Street
• Fees: €7,000 Total Fee

What is Geographic Information Science?

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are widely-used indispensable tools for governance, commerce, and environmental and social science in Ireland and worldwide. The MSc program in Geographic Information Science presents an opportunity to develop and build on previous learning and to deepen understanding and knowledge of essential principles, practices, and applications of geospatial technologies.

Competency in Information Technology Skills

Competency in information technology skills has consistently been identified as a critical need in the geospatial industry and in the wider workplace in Ireland. This course has been designed specifically to address these issues and will provide graduates with a thorough grounding in information technology, including spatial databases and web technology, as well as programming skills tailored to the particular requirements of geospatial data.

Minimum Entry Requirements

To be admitted to this course, students should have a minimum of a 2.2 in an honors bachelor degree (Level 8 NQAI) or equivalent. Applications from candidates who have an equivalent qualification at honors level (for example, a professional qualification) will also be considered. Prior work or industrial experience is not a pre-requisite for entry on to the course.

Career Opportunities

It is an exciting and challenging time for the geospatial industry, and also a time of opportunity. Government has recognized the value and benefit in promoting Ireland as a smart economy and developing the expertise and technology to manage and exploit new sources of information and technologies. Development of such technologies requires highly skilled graduates with both strong computing and spatial analysis skills.

Employment opportunities and emerging workforce development opportunities are growing in the GIScience area, and the number of GIS-related job opportunities has risen steadily over the last few years. Career opportunities exist in a wide and diverse range of organizations, including government, semi-state, private, and commercial sectors.

Course Content

• Fundamentals of GIS
• Spatial Data Acquisition
• GI Project Management
• Web and User Interface Design
• Spatial Databases
• Introduction to Programming
• Advanced GIS
• GIS Modelling
• Work Placement
• Web GIS
• Programming for GIS
• Advanced Spatial Data Management

Schedule

In part-time mode, students are expected to complete a mixture of Phase 1 and Phase 2 modules in each of two academic years. As above, Phase 3 consists of one mandatory module, Research Project and Dissertation.

The program committee will, where practical, try to ensure that the attendance requirements for part-time students are flexible and condensed into one day and evening per week.

What Our Students Say

• "I would completely recommend the MSc in GIS to prospective students, both to those that are seeking a career in GIS and those already in positions where GIS can contribute to their current career."
• "I am applying all elements of what I learned in the Masters on a daily basis. I strongly recommend the MSc in GIS as you will come out the other end highly proficient in all things GIS."
• "This is about the best academic decision I’ve made. I love the industry-based teaching approach, all the skills are easily transferable to the workplace. The lecturers are approachable and always willing to help."
• "As part of the school requirements, I got an internship opportunity as a GIS specialist for a few weeks, which gave me the experience needed that helped me secure a job faster in the field."