MSc Geographical Information Science

The University of Manchester

United Kingdom, Manchester

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Home/United Kingdom/Manchester /The University of Manchester/MSc Geographical Information Science

The University of Manchester

United Kingdom , Manchester

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJanuary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 33,600 / year

Next Intake January-2026

MSc Geographical Information Science

About

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.

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 and open-source software and acquire skills in the development of spatial software for both desktop and online platforms.

Disciplines

Master of Science (MSc)

Requirements

Entry Requirements

We require a UK Honours degree with a First or Upper Second (2.1) classification or the overseas equivalent in Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geography or a related discipline.

Graduates in Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics or Engineering related disciplines are also welcome.

When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.

Full entry requirements

English Program Requirements

For the latest information on demonstrating your English proficiency for those whose first language is not English, please see our language requirements .

You are required to provide a valid English language qualification which meets our entry requirements for the Master's course or a pre-sessional course at the time of application.

This programme accepts successful completion of the 6 and 10 Week Pre-sessional English Language course. We accept the following qualifications which must be valid on the start date of the Master's course.

Pre-sessional 6 Week Course Requirement:

IELTS UKVI or Academic: 6.0 Overall with 6.0 in Writing, no more than one sub-skill at 5.5 and no other sub-skill below 5.5

TOEFL iBT: 80 Overall with 20 in Writing, 20 in Speaking and no other sub-skill below 18

Pearson PTE Academic or Academic UKVI: 65 Overall with 65 in Writing, no more than one sub-skill at 59 and no other sub-skill below 59.

Pre-sessional 10 Week Course Requirement:

IELTS UKVI or Academic: 5.5 Overall with no sub-skill below 5.5

TOEFL iBT: 72 Overall with 20 in Speaking and no other sub-skill below 18

Pearson PTE Academic UKVI or Academic: 59 Overall with no sub-skill below 59

Career

Career opportunities

Geographical Information Science students have particularly great employment prospects, with graduates going on to successful careers in areas including:

surveying;
data analysis;
consultancy;
research;
project management;
environmental sciences;
marketing.

Recent employers of our MSc GIS graduates include:

United Nations;
Tanzania National Park;
Yorkshire Water;
The Environment Partnership;
Department of Land and Surveys.

You will have the opportunity to learn from staff with advanced and practical understanding of GIS.

The taught component of the course, together with the experience of carrying out a postgraduate-level dissertation project, provides you with an excellent foundation for PhD research in numerous fields that involve geospatial data analysis, including physical and human geography, planning, development, and the environmental and earth sciences.

There is a high demand worldwide for individuals with these skills.

Careers support

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .

Careers support for international students

The Careers Service provide specialist resources, advice and events for international students to help with career planning and making the most of your time while studying in Manchester.

Global networks

The University of Manchester is proud to have the largest global alumni community of any campus-based university in the UK.

International alumni groups are a great way to keep in touch with fellow Manchester graduates in your country and provide an opportunity to build professional and social networks.