This programme offers expert understanding of the latest developments in geographical information science (GIS), mixing practical training, theoretical knowledge and an ability to apply learned skills in any software environment.
This programme can be tailored to your interests and career goals, offering hands-on experience in geographical problem solving. A field trip to Perthshire focuses on techniques for capturing geospatial information.
Programme structure
Courses reflecting the industry’s needs prepare you for employment.
Compulsory courses typically will be:
- Research Practice and Project Planning
- Spatial Modelling and Analysis
- Technological Infrastructures for GIS
- Dissertation
Option courses:
In consultation with the Programme Director, you will choose from a range of option courses. We particularly recommend:
- Active Remote Sensing: Radar and Lidar
- Atmospheric Quality and Global Change
- Business Geographics
- Data Integration and Exchange
- Data Mining and Exploration
- Ecosystem Services 1: Ecosystem Dynamics and Functions
- Ecosystem Services 2: Ecosystem Values and Management
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Forests and Environment
- ICT for Development
- Introduction to Environmental Modelling
- Introduction to Three Dimensional Climate Modelling
- Land Use/Environmental Interactions
- Marine Systems and Policies
- Object Orientated Software Engineering: Spatial Algorithms
- Passive Earth Observation: New Platforms, Sensors, and Analytical Methods
- Participation in Policy and Planning
- Principles and Practice of Remote Sensing
- Principles of Geographical Information Science
- Technologies for Sustainable Energy
- Water Resource Management
Courses are offered subject to timetabling and availability and are subject to change.
Career opportunities
Demand for GIS expertise is growing at an unprecedented rate. The proven ability of our graduates means our internationally recognised programme is held in high regard by employers.
Graduates work worldwide in public and private sector organisations, such as Microsoft, Google, General Electric Aerospace, The World Bank, British Antarctic Survey, The World Conservation Monitoring Centre, Unisys, British Airways, the Forestry Commission, DEFRA and Registers of Scotland.
The programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
You may also be interested in the following programmes:
Student experience
Would you like to know what it’s really like to study at the School of GeoSciences?
Visit our student experience blog where you can find articles, advice, videos and ask current students your questions.
Visit the
Geographical Information Science (MSc)
page on the University of Edinburgh website for more details!