Land & Hydrographic Surveying (MSc/PGDip/PGCert)

The Masters in Land & Hydrographic Surveying will introduce you to the surveying discipline and prepare you for employment in the industry. Developed with strong support from industry, it builds on our long experience of delivering programmes in Geomatics. The programme is ideal if you seek employment in the geospatial industry to support construction and mapping projects both onshore and offshore.

Why this programme

• Our School of Geographical and Earth Sciences is consistently ranked amongst the top 10 in the UK and top 5 in Scotland, recently achieving 1st in Scotland and 4th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2019).
• We have over 50 years of experience of delivering postgraduate programmes in Geomatics.
• This programme is one of the very few programmes in the UK focusing on surveying and mapping, and unique in Scotland.
• This MSc in Land and Hydrographic Surveying is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). It is anticipated that, along with our other Geomatics programmes, it will be accredited by the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES).
• Developed in close collaboration with industry, this programme meets employment requirements.
• We have a very strong employment record with many students progressing to senior positions across industry worldwide.
• Subject to certain conditions, we will accept candidates without the normal entry requirements for an MSc programme, especially those with industrial experience.

Programme structure

Modes of delivery of the MSc Land and Hydrographic Surveying include lectures, practical exercises, and hands-on experience with state-of-the art equipment and software.

Included is a weeklong surveying field course, which consolidates practical skills.

The programme includes several direct contributions from industry and opportunities to participate in industry-led events.

In addition, the MSc project supports the application of knowledge and skills developed, applied either in an applied surveying task or in researching a specific topic. 

Core courses

• FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOMATICS (COMBINED)
• APPLIED HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYING
• APPLIED LAND SURVEYING
• ENGINEERING SURVEY
• PRINCIPLES OF GIS
• GEODESY & GNSS
• HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY
• PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF LAND SURVEYING 
• TOPOGRAPHIC MAPPING AND LANDSCAPE MONITORING
• RESEARCH & PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN GEOMATICS
• GEOMATICS MSC PROJECT

The PG Diploma consists of all taught courses, but not the project.

The PG Certificate requires 60 credits of courses, either those offered in Semester 1 of the MSc, or selected in consultation with the programme convener.

Programme alteration or discontinuation

The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.

Career prospects

Career opportunities include:

• Land surveyor
• Engineering surveyor
• Hydrographic surveyor
• GIS specialist
• Environmental consulting

There is currently a high demand for surveyors both in the UK and internationally. In addition to the offshore energy industry, land surveyors are in demand in many parts of the world to support mining operations and major civil engineering projects.

Visit the Land & Hydrographic Surveying (MSc/PGDip/PGCert) page on the University of Glasgow website for more details!