Geographical Information Science MSc

Geographical Information Science (GIS) provides powerful solutions to real-world problems using the world’s most advanced technologies.

GIS captures, stores, manages and displays data related to positions on the Earth’s surface so you can better understand spatial patterns and relationships.

Every day around the world, GIS is used to solve complex problems. As a result, it is becoming integrated into almost every discipline.

From population dynamics, estate planning, logistics management, public health surveillance, and telecommunications to tracking deforestation, environmental management and predicting climate change - GIS is changing how the world works.

Our successful MSc Geographical Information Science was the first of its type in the world. It has a heritage of over 30 years and approaching 1000 graduates. Nevertheless, we continually refresh the programme to keep you abreast of the latest technological changes and industry trends.

On this MSc, you will gain critical theoretical knowledge, develop strong practical skills and undertake supervised independent research, all under the guidance of our internationally recognised staff.

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

Is the MSc for me?

This programme reflects on the use of geospatial technologies in detecting and mitigating climate change, sustainability and social responsibility.

Our MSc is one of the largest masters programmes in GIS in the world. We offer foundation courses if you are new to the field and advanced courses if you want to specialise in particular areas.

You can flexibly choose optional courses to customise your learning in areas you are most passionate about.

So whether you want to build apps for your smartphone or solve some of the most significant environmental problems on the planet, this programme is for you.

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.

Accreditation

The MSc Geographical Information Science is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

RICS seeks to ensure that graduates have a stimulating and challenging education, preparing them well for their professional careers.

RICS’s external quality assurance system monitors our curriculum, programme resources, the standard of our graduates and their employability annually to ensure our programme is relevant to industry and maintains professional standards.

A RICS accredited degree is synonymous with the highest quality of education, benchmarked against international standards, and therefore valued by companies. As RICS’ standards and qualifications are recognised worldwide, it will mean you will hold an internationally recognised qualification.

If you are considering a career in geomatics or surveying, this accredited degree fast-tracks you towards Chartered status.

After graduating, you can complete your required Assessment of Professional Competence after just two years of structured workplace training, compared to five years from non-accredited degrees.

• Visit the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors website

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

Demand for GIS expertise continues to grow at an unprecedented rate.

The proven ability of our graduates means our internationally recognised programme is held in high regard by our employers. Most of our students gain employment before completing the programme or within a few months of graduating. 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.

The expertise gained in this programme will enable you to pursue a career in many fields, including:

• surveying
• illustration and 3D visualisation
• digital archiving
• heritage management
• terrain modelling
• database management
• geomatics
• IT consultancy

Our graduates

Our graduates have been very successful in gaining employment worldwide in a variety of public and private sector organisations.

Types of roles include:

• GIS analyst
• Data manager
• GIS developer
• Conservationist
• Geomatics specialist
• Intelligence Officer

Examples of organisations our graduates are employed by include:

• Microsoft
• Google
• IBM
• Oracle
• General Electric Aerospace
• ESRI
• The World Bank
• British Antarctic Survey
• The World Conservation Monitoring Centre
• Deloitte
• British Airways
• Forestry Commission
• Environment Agency
• Clean Earth Energy
• ARUP
• Scottish Government
• Scottish Water
• Green Highland Renewable
• Historic Environment Scotland
• local, city and federal governments around the world

Networks

We provide many opportunities for our students to interact with both potential employers, and alumni, through our teaching and our extra-curricular activities. For example, our dedicated GIS Careers event, with contacts in industry giving you valuable information on the current market and an insight into potential employment opportunities.

Alumni network

Our alumni network is diverse and extremely active, with alumni regularly contributing to teaching and careers events.

We organise an annual conference for our alumni, staff and current students. This event often acts as a conduit to employment, as former students will often look first to our graduates when employing new staff. Through our alumni network of past graduates, you will have unrivalled opportunities to connect with GIS professionals during your studies, helping you make contacts in the industry.

Many of our graduates run their own businesses or work at the most senior level in various companies, often contributing to emerging sectors such as data-driven innovation and the green economy.

Professional and research networks

We maintain close contact 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

We also have staff who are part of teams for the Association for Geographic Information and the Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research, who can share their knowledge with you.

Edinburgh Innovations – start-up opportunities

Several of our alumni have launched their own successful start-ups, such as 'Earthwave', providing services for geospatial data and conducting environmental research.

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