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Overview
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are a major component of information technology – and if you're interested in pursuing a career in this innovative, exciting field, our GIS Master's course will give you the tools to succeed.
On this applied course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of using geospatial data for real-world solutions through a combination of practical work and background theory. You'll use the same software tools employed by professionals in the field, and find out how to apply practical GIS skills in a range of contexts.
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Earth systems and environmental sciences at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 4th of all post-1992 universities for research quality
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Read more about our amazing earth systems and environmental sciences research
The course covers all the essential areas of geospatial data analysis, including GIS, remote sensing and Earth observation, geodatabases, programming, and field techniques. You'll analyse spatial data through your own project work and build on your previous studies and work experience, applying data analysis methods and software tools to help solve real world problems.
Once you graduate, you'll be well placed to pursue a career as a GIS and remote sensing specialist. Our graduates have gone on to enjoy careers in local and national government, healthcare, environment and conservation, construction, energy, transport, heritage, space and satellite technology, and university-based research.
Scholarships for international students
The School of Environment, Geography and Geosciences offers a limited number of scholarships for international postgraduate students
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.
Course highlights
- Get hands-on experience of using Geographical Information (GI) instruments, including GPS, Total Stations and 3D laser scanners
- Learn from experts with extensive industrial and consultancy experience and strong research portfolios
- Practise your GIS data collection skills, both in the field and in our GIS and remote sensing laboratory with its own dedicated GIS technical team
- Take part in three-days of fieldwork data collection at a National Trust conservation site with the processed data shared with the Trust to help inform their management practices
- Use licensed industry-standard software (Esri ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine), processing techniques and datasets
- Learn image processing and spatial analysis techniques, including programming for GIS and remote sensing applications
- Complete a research project on a GIS topic of your choice, applying the principles of research design, data collection and analysis
- Hear from guest industry speakers including GIS and remote sensing analysts, town and city planners, digital cartographers, coastal managers who use GIS, and representatives of the space and satellite technology sector
Number 1 in the UK for student satisfaction and support
Our geography, earth and environmental studies courses are ranked first in the UK for student satisfaction and support, and second for teaching, in the 2024 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)
Explore your MSc Coastal and Marine Resource Management degree
Find out more about what you'll experience on this MSc Coastal and Marine Resource Management degree from Course Lead, Dr Jonathan Potts.
Dr Jonathan Potts: What makes people want to study here? It's all about coastal marine issues so everything from marine plastics, to climate change, through to marine spatial planning, through to marine and coastal recreation. Getting lots and lots of guest speakers in many of whom are ex-students. They're working for all different types of organisations, whether it be overseas governments or whether it be local governments here in the UK.
Other students end up in jobs with the Environment Agency, Natural England, English Heritage — you name it. There's a breadth of jobs out there and we have a very, very good employability rate. I think the most important things are that you'll make a great range of people, there's a really good lecturing team, and you'll develop a range of academic and career-based skills that will never leave you.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsChat to your course leader
Whether you want to ask about modules, assessments or your career prospects come graduation, our academics are on hand to help. Book in a one-to-one session with your course leader and get your questions answered.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.
January 2025
- A second-class honours degree in Geology, Geography, Earth Science, Applied Geology, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
- Relevant industrial and work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
September 2025 / January 2026
- A second-class honours degree or equivalent in Geography, Geology, Earth Science, Applied Geology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science or a related discipline.
- Professional experience in a relevant area and other qualifications may be taken into consideration for applicants not meeting this requirement.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (January 2025 start)
- Full time: £8,900
- Part time: £4,450 each year (subject to annual increase)
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full time: £8,900
- Part time: £4,450 each year (subject to annual increase)
- Full-time: £17,200
- Part-time: £8,600 each year (subject to annual increase)
Tuition fees (September 2025 / January 2026 start)
- Full time: £9,400
- Part time: £4,700 each year (subject to annual increase)
(including Transition Scholarship)
- Full time: £9,400
- Part time: £4,700 each year (subject to annual increase)
- Full-time: £17,200
- Part-time: £8,600 each year (subject to annual increase)
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Environment, geography and geosciences scholarships
International students may be eligible for the School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences (SEGG) Scholarship.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
International students may also be eligible for the School of the Environment, Geography and Geosciences (SEGG) Scholarship. Visit our page to find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: such photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
Full-time
All modules on this MSc Geographical Information Systems degree are core.
You’ll study two key segments - remote sensing and Earth Observation, and developing and practising field skills, including data collection and analysis.
You’ll take part in fieldwork and cover key GIS and remote sensing skills including data acquisition, image classification, field surveying, digital editing of datasets, data presentation, and report writing.
You’ll develop your understanding of both standard database theory and its specialised counterpart in terms of spatial database management.
Through practical exercises, you’ll build skills and expertise in the use of SQL and its spatial and procedural extensions - specifically those sought after in the marketplace.
You’ll become familiar with key technical issues such as map projections, coordinate systems, georeferencing and geoids.
You’ll cover cartographic design principles, fundamental models of storing spatial information, and the suitability of vector and raster models to application areas. The module will include a practical "hands-on" use of GIS to illustrate the fundamental concepts through a series of practical exercises using GIS software.
You'll formulate hypotheses, collect and critique data, honing analytical abilities to generate original insights. Prepare a comprehensive literature review and critically evaluate and discuss the research literature in the context of your research project.
You’ll build versatile skills for managing complex research investigations, finally reporting your scientific results through different media including a thesis report using publication-quality diagrams and figures.
You’ll critically analyse the nature of hazard systems including input, response, storage, outcome and feedbacks for a range of natural hazard scenarios. Working in the field, you’ll also implement your own advanced terrain evaluation and field-based techniques to identify and assess natural hazards.
You’ll then design your own risk management or remediation schemes for different hazard scenarios based on a behaviour model generated from your desk and field investigation. Finally, you’ll analyse and communicate your results through written reports, field maps and academic style articles.
Part-time
All modules on this MSc Geographical Information Systems degree are core.
You’ll study two key segments - remote sensing and Earth Observation, and developing and practising field skills, including data collection and analysis.
You’ll take part in fieldwork and cover key GIS and remote sensing skills including data acquisition, image classification, field surveying, digital editing of datasets, data presentation, and report writing.
You’ll become familiar with key technical issues such as map projections, coordinate systems, georeferencing and geoids.
You’ll cover cartographic design principles, fundamental models of storing spatial information, and the suitability of vector and raster models to application areas. The module will include a practical "hands-on" use of GIS to illustrate the fundamental concepts through a series of practical exercises using GIS software.
You’ll develop your understanding of both standard database theory and its specialised counterpart in terms of spatial database management.
Through practical exercises, you’ll build skills and expertise in the use of SQL and its spatial and procedural extensions - specifically those sought after in the marketplace.
You'll formulate hypotheses, collect and critique data, honing analytical abilities to generate original insights. You'll prepare a comprehensive literature review and critically evaluate and discuss the research literature in the context of your research project.
You’ll build versatile skills for managing complex research investigations, finally reporting your scientific results through different media including a thesis report using publication-quality diagrams and figures.
You’ll critically analyse the nature of hazard systems including input, response, storage, outcome and feedbacks for a range of natural hazard scenarios. Working in the field, you’ll also implement your own advanced terrain evaluation and field-based techniques to identify and assess natural hazards.
You’ll then design your own risk management or remediation schemes for different hazard scenarios based on a behaviour model generated from your desk and field investigation. Finally, you’ll analyse and communicate your results through written reports, field maps and academic style articles.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed. This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.
[The course] provided me with access to emerging technologies at the forefront of earth science research … this, plus the skills I’ve learned in time management and collaborative working, will help me achieve my goal to become a GIS consultant in the private sector.
Facilities
GIS and Remote Sensing Laboratory
Discover more about the planet's physical structures and scientific processes, such as glaciers and coastal flooding, using drone data, aerial and satellite remote sensing and geographic information systems.
Physical Geography and Meteorology Laboratories
Use the latest physical and meteorological equipment in our labs, including a rainfall simulator and automatic weather stations.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to spend in on-campus or in online lectures and seminars and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change.
More about this MSc Geographical Information Systems degree
Discover some of the things our students love about this MSc Geographical Information Systems course.
Luke: What I like most about the Geography course is that you get to put theory into practice, you can see everything you learn is actually out in the field, and it feels quite good to understand things. The University of Portsmouth helps me excel myself and take myself into the real world.
Course structure
Full-time (one year)
We recommend that full-time students allocate around 37 hours per week to their studies – equivalent to a full-time job. Approximately:
- Two days per week of on-campus, in-person teaching (Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
- Three days per week of self-directed study time
Part-time (two years)
We recommend that part-time students allocate around 18 hours per week to their studies – equivalent to a part-time job. Approximately:
- One day per week of on-campus, in-person teaching (Wednesdays in Year 1, Tuesdays in Year 2)
- One-and-a-half days per week of self-directed study time
There are some additional days of field work during the Spring term (two weeks/ten days maximum).
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Key theoretical content is delivered via pre-recorded mini-lectures and through wider reading and exploration of online materials. During the timetabled, in-person sessions, we'll focus on the practical aspects of the course.
Teaching on this course includes:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
- practical sessions
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- Coursework
- Final project
Meet your course leader
Dr Harold Lovell
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project/dissertation.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Career development
Careers this Master’s prepares you for
Once you complete this MSc Geographical Information Systems degree, you'll be able to apply your lab and field experience in small and medium-sized enterprises, global businesses or non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Alternatively, you could apply to do a postgraduate research degree in physical and human geography or earth and environmental sciences.
You'll use industry-standard software, and learn processing techniques, programming and database skills that employers are typically looking for in prospective employees.
Each year we organise a programme of guest speakers from industry to talk about their work, new developments in their field, careers paths and opportunities.
Graduates of this course have gone into areas such as:
- Environmental protection
- Surveying and statistics
- Telecommunications
- Civil engineering
- Retail and hospitality
- Local and national government
- International charities
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
- The NHS
- Banking, finance and insurance
- Transport planning
- Utilities
- Coastal management
- Space and satellite technology
- Cartography
- Software development
Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
- Geographical information system consultant
- GIS and data analyst
- Location planning analyst
- GIS technician
- Software development engineer
- Spatial analyst
- Remote sensing analyst
Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:
- Ramboll
- South East Water
- Engenie Ltd
- Dominos Pizza Group
- Transport for London
- Esri
- ICEYE
- Fugro
- East Sussex County Council
- RPS Group
- CityFibre
- Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and our Careers and Employability Centre – which you can access for up to 5 years after you graduate.
Career support
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Applied projects with employers
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- Support starting your own business
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. If you choose to study on-campus, you'll also get face-to-face support. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
The Maths Café offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start date in September, as long as there are places available. If you wait until September to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying to study on-campus as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Start this course in September 2025
Apply now (Full-time – 1 year)
Apply now (Part-time – 2 years)
Start this course in January 2026
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.