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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 29,800
Per year
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
1 years
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Geographic Information Science | Geographic Information Systems (Gis) | Geography
Area of study
Information and Communication Technologies | Natural Science
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 29,800
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


MSc Geographical Information Science

Overview

Geographical Information Science (GIScience) in application has the potential to change the world. From agriculture, climate change and ecology through to weather, utilities and transportation, there are hundreds of applications of GI Science and a myriad of benefits to society. Geospatial data is used to solve problems in all sorts of fields. For example, satellite imagery can be used to observe iceberg formation and understand glacial processes; weather information can be used to help filter claims for insurance companies; traffic flow information can be used to improve ambulance response times; geovisualisations can be used to create 3D views of locations and drone footage can be used to manage forests.


Join our MSc Geographical Information Science to learn the entire workflow of geospatial data – from data collection, analysis and modelling through to mapping, generating predictions and validating your findings. Our carefully designed programme means that whether you have a background in geography or are new to it and looking to change paths, you will find the programme challenging and rewarding.


We enable you to develop practical skills such as coding, drone analysis, remote sensing workflows and geo-visualisations, as well as key employability skills such as group work, communication, and presentation. Our location in the beautiful South West enables us to provide field trips to unique sites such as Dartmoor National Park and engage with partners such as the Environment Agency and Treeconomics.


You can tailor your degree to your career aspirations by undertaking an applied project which can be either research-led or consultancy focused. You will graduate into the Exeter Geographic Information Systems (GIS) network made up of 300 GIS professionals in diverse roles at various organisations and be equipped to pursue careers in the spatial information industry, national and local government, consultancies, utilities and research organisations.


Entry Requirements

  • A 2:1 degree.
  • An understanding of potential applications of geographic information systems (GIS) is all that is required as students take a core module in their first term covering fundamentals, such as cartographic principles, web maps, responsible mapping, data file management and introduction to coding.
  • Applicants with workplace experience will be considered on an individual basis.

International Students

  • International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2.

Course Content

  • Compulsory modules:
    • GEOM185: Applied Project (Academic) (60 credits)
    • GEOM186: Applied Project (Consultancy) (60 credits)
    • GEOM180: Environmental Remote Sensing (15 credits)
    • GEOM181: Coding for Spatial Analysis (15 credits)
    • GEOM182: Drone Analysis and Geo-Visualizations (15 credits)
    • GEOM183: Spatial Data Science (15 credits)
    • GEOM184: Open Source GIS (15 credits)
    • GEO3239: GIS for Professionals (15 credits)
  • Optional modules:
    • ARCM225: Landscape Archaeology: Understanding the Historic Environment (15 credits)
    • BEM3056: Business and Climate Change (15 credits)
    • ECMM103: Computer Aided Engineering Design (15 credits)
    • ENGM036: Digital Mapping and Survey (15 credits)
    • GEO3223: Landscape Systems Management (15 credits)
    • GEOM143: Global Systems Thinking (15 credits)
    • GEOM149: Green Planet (15 credits)
    • GEOM433: Sustainability in Practice (Work Placement) (15 credits)
    • MTHM054: Climate Change Science and Solutions (15 credits)
    • SOCM033: Data Governance and Ethics (15 credits)
    • MTHM065: Quantitative Methods and AI for Environmental Challenges (15 credits)

Fees

  • 2025/26 entry:
    • UK fees per year: £14,300 full-time; £7,150 part-time
    • International fees per year: £29,800 full-time; £14,900 part-time

Scholarships

  • The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships.

Teaching and Research

  • Most learning on core modules takes place through hands-on practicals.
  • Concepts are introduced through lectures, pre-recorded presentations you can access at your own pace and guided study such as reading, podcasts and departmental seminars.
  • Experiential learning takes place in the field, where you will use high precision location information hardware or remote piloted air systems (drones).
  • Seminars and workshops reinforce your learning and include the opportunity to ask questions as well as take part in scientific debate.
  • We support your career development with speakers from industry, including businesses in the GIS sector who are usually alumni of the course.

Careers

  • You will develop a diverse and sought-after portfolio of skills that will lead to careers in the geo-spatial information industry, national and local government, consultancies, utilities, and research organisations.
  • GIScience graduates have pursued careers in a variety of roles such as:
    • geospatial analyst
    • remote sensing scientist
    • GIS consultant
    • GIS manager
    • GIS technician
    • data management analyst
    • environmental policy associate
    • transport planner
    • energy systems officer
    • campaign data analyst
    • geospatial ecology consultant
    • biodiversity consultant
    • ecological mapping consultant
    • national landscape manager
    • real estate sustainability manager
    • risk modeller
    • product engineer
    • graduate trainee
    • PhD student
  • Roles such as these could be in a variety of organisations, including (but not limited to):
    • the UK Hydrographic Office
    • the Environment Agency
    • the Met Office
    • the NHS
    • Esri
    • Pegasus Group
    • Jacobs
    • Arup
    • Ordnance Survey
    • AECOM
    • Entran
    • Geollect
    • Alcis
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