Program Overview

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) MSc

The School of Geography and Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, offers a comprehensive MSc program in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). This program is designed to provide students with the theoretical knowledge, technical skills, and practical experience necessary to launch a successful career in GIS, applied policy research, or spatial data analysis.

Course Description

The GIS MSc program focuses on the application of GIS in real-world contexts, covering a wide range of industries, including urban planning, environmental management, natural resource exploration, transportation, public health, disaster management, marketing, and many others. By studying GIS, students gain a valuable skill set applicable across various career paths.

Modules

The program consists of core and optional modules, including:

• Quantitative Analysis: Introduces students to statistical methods in the social sciences, focusing on practical research priorities.
• GIScience: Principles and Applications: Explores the wider implications of GIScience in applied GIS and urban analytics.
• Foundations of GIS: Covers the core principles and skills of GIS, including data sources, display techniques, and analysis methods.
• GIS and Geovisualisation: Develops analysis and visualisation skills using GIS software, with a focus on QGIS.
• Advanced Spatial Analysis: Aims to develop competence in advanced spatial analysis and understanding spatial approaches to problem-solving.
• The GIS Project: A project-based module where students address a real-world problem using GIS methods and spatial datasets.
• Geospatial Dissertation: A major research project that offers the opportunity for students to develop and manage an individual research project.

Optional Modules

Students will take two optional modules from the following:

• Managing Climate Change: Provides a strong understanding of the social and physical science of climate change.
• Spatial Data Science for Social Sciences: Introduces the concepts and methods of data science, focusing on applications in social sciences and urban contexts.
• The Urban Climate Emergency: Explores the drivers of climate change and their implications for urban systems.
• Health, Wellbeing and the City: Examines the urban environment as a determinant of health and wellbeing.
• Urban Heritage and Conservation: Introduces the theories and practices of urban heritage conservation in a global context.

Facilities and Equipment

The postgraduate study rooms are equipped with the latest industry-standard GIS software and specialist tools. GIS facilities are available on all 1,500 networked computers across campus.

Accreditation

The program has been accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG), indicating that it contains a solid academic foundation in geographical knowledge and skills, preparing graduates to address the needs of the world beyond higher education.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in any subject.
• International qualifications are also considered.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent.

Fees and Funding

• Home (2026 annual fee): £12,360
• Overseas (2026 annual fee): £29,190
• £3,000 scholarships for international students
• Save up to £2,500 on course fees for Sheffield graduates

Duration and Attendance

• 1 year full-time

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching is through computer-based workshops, lectures, seminars, and tutorials.
• Assessment is based on coursework and a dissertation.

Career Prospects

Graduates go on to work for a diverse range of organisations, including the Ordnance Survey, ESRI, the civil service, and local government. The program aims to develop skills, knowledge, and personal attributes that enhance career prospects.

School of Geography and Planning

The school explores how people, places, and environments shape the world, collaborating with professional bodies, alumni, policymakers, practitioners, and communities to contribute to creating a more just and sustainable future. The school is internationally recognised for its expertise in tackling global challenges, including climate and environmental change, urbanisation, sustainability, and social justice.

Student Profiles

The course covers a lot of content, preparing students for graduate jobs. Alumni have praised the program for teaching them not only the fundamentals of GIS but also how to apply it to real-world applications.

Conclusion

The Geographical Information Systems (GIS) MSc program at the University of Sheffield offers a comprehensive education in GIS, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to succeed in a wide range of careers. With its strong applied emphasis, state-of-the-art facilities, and accreditation by the Royal Geographical Society, this program is an excellent choice for those looking to pursue a career in GIS or related fields.