Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management MSc

Our MSc Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management will help you lead your own future in Earth Observation by exposing you to latest research and industrial innovation, and helping you develop skills to tackle global challenges. You will do this by combining satellite data, technology and science to find new solutions to the World's biggest challenges.

This MSc aims to provide you with the theoretical and practical skills to use and analyse Earth observation data in conjunction with broader skills in handling geospatial data.

This unique programme is embedded in an active research and industry environment. It works alongside our MSc Geographical Information Science degree, which was the first of its type in the world with a heritage of over 30 years. The programme is closely related to the GIS MSc, but differs by offering more focus on the use of Earth observation data and methods.

We continually refresh our programme to keep you abreast of the latest technologies and anticipate trends and innovative ideas essential in this rapidly growing sector.

What is Earth Observation?

Earth Observation (EO) involves gathering information about the Earth's physical, chemical, and biological systems using remote sensing technologies such as satellite, aircraft and UAVs (Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles).

Earth observation is growing in social, economic and political importance by helping us better understand and manage the Earth and its environment in areas such as:

• agriculture and food security
• infrastructure and transportation
• disaster risk reduction
• land use and planning
• monitoring pollution
• deforestation and land degradation
• climate change monitoring and action
• poverty and sustainable livelihoods
• mineral resource management

With Earth observation data and solution delivery now transitioning onto cloud-based service models, it is important to understand the parallel tools in Geographical Information Science (GIS). In particular, those that support storing, analysing and displaying data related to positions on the Earth's surface to understand spatial patterns and relationships.

Is the MSc for me?

Our programme is interdisciplinary in nature and is suitable for students from varying backgrounds whether you have experience in remote sensing or not.

It is suitable if you have a background in the following:

• physics
• computer science
• engineering
• geography
• environmental science

The Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management MSc would suit anyone with these backgrounds who are looking for a career in more applied areas involving Earth observation. However, it is also well suited for those looking to change disciplines.

What is it really like to study with us?

No one knows what it is like to study here better than the students themselves.

Our students are sharing their experiences - from studying to living in Edinburgh and everything in between.

Get social with us:

• Student experience blog
• School of GeoSciences Instagram
• School of GeoSciences TikTok

When to apply

Please note: Due to high demand for this programme, we operate on a series of early application deadlines.

We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

For dates and details, please refer to 'Application Deadlines' and 'How to apply' on the right panel of this page.

You should also avoid applying to more than one degree. Applicants who can demonstrate their understanding and commitment to a specific programme are preferred.

If you plan to apply to more than one programme, you should discuss your choices with us before you submit your application. Where possible, we may make an alternative programme offer if you have been unsuccessful in your chosen programme.

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

We may also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with relevant industry experience.

We also welcome applications from applicants without a degree but who are working as geospatial professionals in the UK Armed Forces and who have undertaken relevant training.

Please provide information on any relevant industry experience or training in your personal statement when you apply.

Students from China

This degree is Band B.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the programme you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or Oxford ELLT test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the programme begins, regardless of your nationality. (Revised 14 January 2025 to include Oxford ELLT.)

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Specialised expertise in remotely sensed data as part of larger geospatial data management is increasingly sought after in graduates.

Our MSc Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management is designed to give you a unique and thorough understanding of this rapidly expanding field.

You will benefit from our proven track record in helping students progress to roles with a diverse range of employers in public, private and third sectors.

Our graduates

Examples of the organisations our graduates have gained employment include:

• The Satellite Applications Catapult (Senior Earth Observation Consultant)
• European Space Agency (Remote Sensing Specialist)
• Earthwave (Chief Scientific Officer)
• Edinburgh University (PhD Student)
• Conflict and Environment Observatory (Researcher)
• Gisburn District Council, New Zealand (Geospatial Analyst)
• Space Intelligence (Earth Observation Scientist)
• University of Valencia (PhD Student)

Networks

You will have unrivalled opportunities to connect with Earth observation and GIS professionals, including our alumni network of past graduates, helping you make contacts in the industry.

We promote a culture of entrepreneurship, several of our staff and former students have set up Earth observation companies. These companies contribute to Edinburgh's 'space ecosystem', which currently includes more than eight space data companies that can also act as dissertation hosts.

We are also involved with the Bayes Centre within the University, an international leader in data-driven innovation.

• Bayes Centre

Our staff are engaged with organisations such as the UK Space Agency and the Intergovernmental Group on Earth Observations (GEO), which shape the UK and worldwide policy on Earth observation. As such, you will learn from experts with first-hand knowledge of the bigger picture and what is coming next.

You will also become part of our unique Edinburgh Earth Observatory Seminar Series. We run these events in association with AGI-Scotland (Association For Geographic Information). These events will enable you to meet a range of professionals from across the Edinburgh space sector and become exposed to new ideas, together with educational and job opportunities.

Our programme has an excellent reputation amongst employers. In addition, former students will often look first to our graduates when employing new staff. Our alumni network is uniquely active, with alumni regularly contributing to teaching. We also organise an annual conference for alumni, staff and current students. This event often acts as a conduit to employment.

We also maintain close contacts with professional organisations and are ideally placed to make connections on your behalf. For example:

• The Association for Geographic Information
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
• Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society

Edinburgh Innovations – start-up opportunities

Several of our alumni have launched their own successful start-ups, such as 'Earthwave'.

We have fantastic resources through the University department 'Edinburgh Innovations' to help you successfully nurture your entrepreneurial ideas and launch your own enterprise.

• Visit the Edinburgh Innovations website

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:

• tailored advice
• individual guidance and personal assistance
• internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
• access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.

• Careers Service