Geographical Information Science MSc

• We're one of the top ten Geography departments in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021).
• Develop advanced theoretical geographical information science (GIS) knowledge and understanding, alongside expertise in widely used geographic information systems and remote sensing software packages.
• Gain thorough expertise in spatial data analysis and applying it to GIS projects.

I chose the University, most importantly of all, for the curriculum of GIS here.

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MSc Geographical Information Science focuses on the multi-disciplinary science concerned with the development and application of geographical information science technologies.

It will prepare you to pursue a career in a geographical information science field.

Geographical information technologies are increasingly used in everyday life, such as Google Earth and geosocial networking.

Core geographical information science technologies, including geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing, have had a long history of application in government and private sector environmental agencies, planning, agriculture, forestry, utilities and transportation.

This course will enable you to develop fundamental skills and in-depth knowledge of key application areas.

You can choose to undertake an applied study unit, which gives a range of work experience skills and can lead to dissertation opportunities working with key local and national employers.

We offer research-led teaching and a range of extra-curricular activities designed to deepen and enhance your learning experience.

These include access to additional training resources, educational visits, career talks, and alumni presentations.

You will also gain experience using commercial andopen-sourcesoftware and acquire skills in the development of spatial software for both desktop and online platforms.

The course has five core course units.

You select your remaining four course units from a wide range of options offered by Geography, Planning and Environmental Management, and the Global Development Institute (GDI), all within the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED).

These optional course units enable you to tailor the course to your unique interests.

Part-time students

Part-time students complete the course over 24 months.

There are no evening or weekend course units available; you should, therefore, discuss course requirements with the Programme Director.

Timetabling information is usually available from late August.

You can discuss course unit choices during induction week with the Programme Director.

Important notice

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority. The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.

The ability of fieldwork and travel to proceed, and whether any changes to proposed fieldwork and travel might be necessary, will remain subject to factors such as the:

• rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
• outcome of any risk assessments conducted by the University;
• educational value and student experience of the fieldwork, if significant changes to the proposed fieldwork would be necessary;
• availability of appropriate insurance cover;
• availability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs.

All fieldwork and travel will be subject to a rigorous risk assessment process and the implementation of any protective measures identified by the risk assessment to ensure the health and safety of all our students and staff.

In some circumstances, it may become necessary to make changes to fieldwork or programme related travel. The University will notify you of those changes at the earliest opportunity. If any fieldwork does not go ahead as planned, then the School's focus will be on seeking to offer a suitable alternative and ensure that the Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) of the programme are met.

Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice. The School cannot guarantee that where visas are required for fieldwork, they will be granted but we will take steps so that if a visa is refused, affected students are not academically disadvantaged.

Once you've decided which course you want to study, you'll need to complete our online application form.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you need to do after you've chosen your master's course and how it works.

Step 1. Before you start your application

You'll be asked to set up an account which means you can save your application and come back to it at a later date. If you need help you can also watch our videos on how to create an account and how to submit an application.

Make sure that you use a personal email address when you register and not a University of Manchester address.You’ll be asked to fill in some security questions, your answers will be used if you ever lose or change your password, so we know it’s you.

Step 2. Starting your application

Once you start your application, use the left-hand navigation to move through the form, you can 'check your information' at each stage, which will:

• ask you to complete missing information or to correct formatting (such as dates);
• mark the section as 'complete';
• ask you to upload supporting documents, if needed.

Check closing dates

While lots of master’s courses do not have official closing dates, some do so you will need to check individual course pages for closing dates.

If you want to apply for funding, you need to check funding bodies' closing dates. Most bodies usually expect you to have a provisional offer from the University before you apply for a studentship, scholarship or award.

Step 3. Supporting documents

If you cannot upload supporting documents, there is often a field for you to say why so you can still submit your application; we will then give you instructions on how to add documents via an online portal, these usually include:

• evidence of qualifications (certificates or transcripts);
• evidence of English language ability, if English is not your first language (some test results are only valid for two years, your test report will need to be valid on the start date of your course);
• a research proposal, always check the department website for instructions as these vary;
• check the department website for additional requirements (for example, some courses ask for specific information in a personal statement);
• you may need two references, they will be contacted and asked to submit a reference directly to us via our referee portal. We will let you know when they have done this. Make sure your referees are aware in advance as they play a vital part in the assessment of your application.

Frequently asked questions

The application form should be easy to complete but we have some FAQs to help you: