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Course overview

At The University of Manchester’s Geography department, we offer:

  • A diverse, interdisciplinary curriculum led by experts in environmental, ecological, and social GIS.
  • A residential field course where students gain skills in geospatial data acquisition, processing, and visualisation.
  • A geocomputational lab for researchers and students, supporting world-class work in GIS, Remote Sensing, and related fields, with access to high-performance computing, networks, ML servers, mobile devices, UAVs, and survey tools.
  • Research-led teaching in a University ranked 2nd globally for societal and environmental impact (THE 2025) and top 10 in the UK for Geography (QS 2025).
  • Access to the NERC Digital Solutions Hub, hosting 40+ petabytes of integrated environmental, social, economic, and health data.

As part of the programme, you will:

  • Develop advanced GIS theory and proficiency in leading GIS and remote sensing software.
  • Gain expertise in spatial data analysis, modelling, and visualisation, applying it to real-world projects and your dissertation.
  • Build skills in primary data acquisition using UAVs, Participatory GIS, and other advanced methods.
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Geography Taught master's (Alumni showcase - The University of Manchester)

A study experience that makes a difference

We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.

  • Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
  • Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
  • Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Explore how you'll make your mark

Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.

You will explore the following goals in your course:

  • Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open days

If you’re considering a master’s at Manchester, there are a range of ways you can connect with us to find out more.

  • Taught master's information sessions
  • Taught master's guided campus visits
  • Study fairs in the UK
  • Education fairs overseas

For more information, see our page on meeting us .

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Environment, Education and Development
Contact name
School of Environment, Education and Development
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 275 2814
Email
Website
https://www.seed.manchester.ac.uk/
School/Faculty overview
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

We accept a range of qualifications from across the globe. To help international students the university provides specific information for many individual countries. Please see our  country-specific information page     for guidance on the academic and English language qualifications which may be accepted from your country.

Relevant work experience

We particularly welcome applications from geographers already working in research or policy-related fields.

Professional entry qualification

If you do not meet our academic entry qualification criterion, your admission may still be approved if satisfactory evidence of postgraduate study, research or substantial relevant professional experience can be provided.

Fees and funding

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MSc (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): £15,200
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £33,600
  • MSc (part-time)
    UK students (per annum): £7,600
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £16,800

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

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply online

Staged admissions

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 2025 - Application update by 20 February 2026

•Stage 2: Application received by 01 March 2026 - Application update by 01 May 2026

•Stage 3: Application received by 03 May 2026 - Application update by 19 June 2026

•Stage 4: Application received by 05 July 2026 - Application update by 31 July 2026

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.

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.

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

Applications for deferred entry are not accepted for this course. If you receive an offer and wish to be considered for the following year of entry, you will need to place a new application. Please, be aware, there is no guarantee of receiving another offer, and offer conditions are subject to change in line with entry requirements. 

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 (GIS) is an exciting and future-focused course that explores how geospatial technologies are transforming the way we understand and interact with the world around us. From Google Earth to location-based apps and urban planning tools, GIS technologies are now an essential part of everyday life and a powerful driver of innovation across industries.

This course offers a multidisciplinary approach to the development and real-world application of GIS and remote sensing technologies. You'll gain a solid foundation in spatial analysis, data visualisation and software development, along with hands-on experience using both commercial and open-source platforms.

Throughout your studies, you’ll explore how GIS is used across a wide range of sectors, from environmental management and urban planning to agriculture, forestry, utilities, and transport. You’ll build practical skills that are highly sought after by employers, including the ability to develop and apply geospatial software for both desktop and online use.

You’ll take part in a fully funded, week-long residential field course, which has previously been to Cornwall. Building on your classroom and laboratory learning, this hands-on experience allows you to apply GIS and remote sensing techniques in real-world settings, while collaborating with your peers and learning directly from experts in the field.

You’ll also have the opportunity to take an applied course unit, offering real-world work experience and the chance to collaborate with leading local and national organisations on live projects, potentially shaping your dissertation and professional direction.

Taught by active researchers at the forefront of the field, this course combines academic rigour with practical relevance. You’ll benefit from research-led teaching, field visit, residential field course, career talks, alumni insights and access to additional training resources that will enhance your learning and prepare you for the workplace.

Whether you're aiming for a career in the public or private sector, or looking to develop the skills needed for further research, this course equips you with everything you need to succeed in the fast-growing world of geographical information science.

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

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.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
GEOG60662 15 Mandatory
GEOG60941 15 Mandatory
GEOG60951 15 Mandatory
GEOG62411 15 Mandatory
GEOG71200 60 Mandatory
GEOG60412 15 Optional
GEOG70552 15 Optional
GEOG70560 15 Optional
GEOG70581 15 Optional
GEOG70632 15 Optional
GEOG70812 15 Optional
GEOG71551 15 Optional
GEOG71922 15 Optional
MGDI60481 15 Optional
MGDI71932 15 Optional
PLAN60812 15 Optional
Displaying 10 of 16 course units
Display all course units

Facilities

Students will gain experience in and have access to equipment used for acquisition of quantitative spatial data, such as real-time kinematic global navigational satellite systems (RTK-GNSS), camera unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and environmental sensor networks.

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

Graduates of Geographical Information Science (GIS) enjoy excellent career prospects, with many going on to exciting roles in sectors such as surveying, data analysis, consultancy, research, project management, environmental science and even marketing.

The demand for GIS expertise continues to grow, both in the UK and internationally, opening doors to a wide variety of professional pathways.

Our alumni have secured positions with leading organisations including the United Nations, Tanzania National Park, Yorkshire Water, Skanska UK, WSP, The Environment Partnership, and the Department of Land and Surveys. These outcomes reflect the value and versatility of the skills you’ll gain on this course.

You’ll be taught by staff with advanced, hands-on knowledge of GIS, ensuring that what you learn is both academically rigorous and directly relevant to the needs of employers. Alongside taught modules, the course includes a substantial dissertation project, giving you the chance to apply your skills to a practical research problem and demonstrate your expertise.

Dissertations can be based on secondary data analysis, or can involve primary data collection e.g., using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Participatory GIS, or other techniques. You will develop important skills in data acquisition as part of a residential field course in Semester 1 and will have access to equipment and technical support available within the Geography department.

Whether you’re aiming for a professional career or considering doctoral research in areas such as geography, planning, development, or the environmental and earth sciences, this course provides a strong foundation. With geospatial data playing an increasingly important role in shaping our world, graduates are highly sought after for their specialised knowledge and practical skills.

Careers support

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you 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.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.