Overview
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Duration
- 1 year
- 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.
- How to apply
- Apply online
- Sustainable Development Goals
Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
- Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Course options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc | Y | Y | N | N |
Course overview
- 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.
Open days
The University holds regular open days , where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and courses.
You will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development, our resources, and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:
-
MSc (full-time)
UK students (per annum): £14,500
International, including EU, students (per annum): £32,000 -
MSc (part-time)
UK students (per annum): £7,250
International, including EU, students (per annum): £16,000
Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.
The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition, administration and computational costs during your studies.
All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of courses lasting more than a year for UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for international students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit postgraduate fees
Self-funded international applicants for this course will be required to pay a deposit of £1,000 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. This deposit will only be refunded if immigration permission is refused. We will notify you about how and when to make this payment.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and merit awards to outstanding applicants and international students, such as the Manchester Humanities International Excellence Scholarship .
In addition, the Manchester Alumni Scholarship Scheme offers a £3,000 reduction in tuition fees to University of Manchester alumni who achieved a first-class bachelor's degree within the last three years and are progressing to a postgraduate taught master's course.
For more information, visit our Funding opportunities page or explore the University's postgraduate funding database .
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.
Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.
To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.
Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Environment, Education and Development
- Contact name
- School of Environment, Education and Development
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 275 2814
- Geography.admissions@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.seed.manchester.ac.uk/
- School/Faculty
-
See: The School .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
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.
English language
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
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the Master's course.
Other international entry requirements
Relevant work experience
Professional entry qualification
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Please submit the following documents with your completed application form:
- copies of English Language Certification, eg IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson test score report. Applications without an English language qualification are placed on a waiting list are are assessed only when an acceptable English language qualification is provided;
- copies of official degree certificatesand transcripts of your previous study, showing the subjects taken and grades obtained. Ifthese documents are in languages other than English, please provide official translations;
- your CV.
Ensure that you enclose all the necessary documents to avoid any delays.
Staged admissions process
As there is a high demand for our courses, we operate a staged admissions process with selection deadlines throughout the year.
Due to the competition for places and high quality of applications that we receive, we give preference to students from high-ranking institutions and with grades above our minimum entry requirements.
Please ensure you submit all supporting documentation with your application before the application deadline to avoid a delay in processing.
•Stage 1: Application received by 07 December 2024 ; Application update by 21 February 2025
•Stage 2: Application received by 02 March 2025 ; Application update by 01 May 2025
•Stage 3: Application received by 04 May 2025 ; Application update by 05 June 2025
•Stage 4: Application received by 01 July 2025 ; Application update by 25 July 2025
While we aim to give you a decision on your application by the deadline date, in some instances due to the competition for places and the volume of applications received, it may be necessary to roll your application forward to the next deadline date.
Applications received after our final selection deadline will be considered at our discretion if places are still available.
Please note, all places are subject to availability and if you apply at one of the later stages, some courses may already be reaching capacity or be closed to further applications. We, therefore, recommend that you apply early in the cycle to avoid disappointment.
How your application is considered
Once your application has been received, our admissions team will contact you. We may ask you to submit additional information, if necessary.
Applications for MSc Geographical Information Science are very competitive. Due to the high demand for the programme we may not be able to offer places to all applicants who have the entry qualifications that we require. If we are unable to consider you for an offer you may be placed on a waiting list. Candidates on a waiting list will only be considered for an offer if places become available.
Please note, the course may reach capacity before the official closing date, so all students are advised to apply as soon as possible.
Returning to education
Return-to-learn students are those who have had a substantial period away from any formal learning. Often such learners have pursued careers or raised a family.
We understand that students come from many different backgrounds, with varying qualifications, careers and skills, but they often bring to their studies a high degree of motivation and experience.
We recognise that standard selection measures and procedures may not enable these learners to demonstrate fully their suitability for their chosen course.
Where appropriate, admissions officers will seek and consider alternative evidence in order to give such learners equivalent consideration. Where they deem this alternative evidence meets entry criteria fully, the learner will not be required to meet the standard academic entry requirements.
Deferrals
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.
In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.
Course details
Course description
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.
Aims
You will develop advanced knowledge of and practical experience in:
- GIS and remote sensing theory and practice;
- advanced techniques for GIS analysis and image processing;
- spatial analysis;
- computer modelling and software development;
- internet and GIS Web technologies;
- databases and database technologies;
- scientific communication of analytical results and their interpretation.
Special features
- Geography has been studied at Manchester for more than 125 years, and we're one of Europe's best-equipped universities for the subject.
- We're home to world-class academics and the new Manchester Urban Institute (MUI) .
- Join the Manchester University Geographical Society (MUGS) a society run by Geography students for Geography students.
Teaching and learning
Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements
The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. 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 role of SEED
- changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
- a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
- changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
- changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
- the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
- the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
- where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
- where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.
We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.
The duty of students
Preparation, attendance and conduct
Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.
Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.
Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.
Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or returned home due to poor conduct:
- a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
- the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.
Immigration, passport and visa requirements
It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure they have:
- a valid passport to enter the destination country (including sufficient months prior to expiry);
- a valid visa (where required) and comply with its requirements.
The School cannot guarantee that visas required for fieldwork or a placement will be granted by the relevant authority. Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.
Where a student is unable to attend fieldwork or a placement because they do not have the required visa or passport:
- a suitable alternative assessment will be offered to ensure that the programme ILOs are met and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
- the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.
Coursework and assessment
Assessment is primarily coursework-based and includes a variety of project work, essays and presentations. This enables you to gain a significant amount of hands-on experience of applying geographical information science skills to real world environmental applications.
The dissertation, based on an original research project of your own design, accounts for 60 credits. Dissertation topics can focus on aspects of geographical information science (GIS) and are supported by researchers who specialise in core areas of GIS, remote sensing, or modelling. The remaining 120 credits are based on eight 15-credit course units (four in each semester).
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissertation Support | GEOG60662 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Environmental Remote Sensing | GEOG60941 | 15 | Mandatory |
| GIS and Environmental Applications | GEOG60951 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Data Acquisition for GI Scientists | GEOG62411 | 15 | Mandatory |
| Dissertation (MSc Geographical Information Science) | GEOG71200 | 60 | Mandatory |
| Digital Terrain Analysis | GEOG60412 | 15 | Optional |
| Environmental Monitoring and Modelling Practice | GEOG70552 | 15 | Optional |
| Applied Study Unit | GEOG70560 | 15 | Optional |
| Environmental Monitoring and Modelling Concepts | GEOG70581 | 15 | Optional |
| Fundamentals of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) applied to Environmental Monitoring | GEOG70632 | 15 | Optional |
| Displaying 10 of 15 course units | |||
| Display all course units | |||
Facilities
We are one of Europe's best-equipped universities for geography, with numerous laboratories. These include the main teaching laboratory, microscopy laboratory, and sediments and project laboratories.
You can also learn professional skills such as coding and programming specialist, industry-standard software such as image processing, GIS, GPS and cartographic representation.
The University's Main Library is home to the University Map Collection, which comprises about 100,000 map sheets of every part of the world.
For more information visit our Facilities webpage .
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service.
For more information, email dass@manchester.ac.uk
Careers
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.
- Working in the UK after study
- Working during study
- Professional and alumni networks for international students
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.