Geospatial Sciences (Hydrographic Surveying) MSc

London, Bloomsbury

The Geospatial Sciences (Hydrographic Surveying) MSc provides students with the theory, tools and techniques for working with geospatial data in the marine environment, from acquisition to processing and analysis. Students have the opportunity to engage and work with academics and industrial partners on cutting-edge research through seminars and a dissertation.

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£19,300
£9,650
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£37,500
£18,750
Duration
1 academic year
2 academic years
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 05 Apr 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (such as engineering, architecture, geography, urban planning, mathematics, surveying, marine & Earth sciences, computer science) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Normally, however, only candidates with either a first- or upper second-class degree will be accepted, although applicants with a lower second-class degree supported by extensive relevant work experience will also be considered.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


The programme educates students in the marine geospatial sciences, equipping them for careers in this rapidly developing subject. Students will gain broad knowledge of the means of acquiring, processing, and analysing spatial data in the marine context –including using modern vessel-based acoustic techniques, satellite positioning and autonomous survey vessels. Students who successfully complete the programme will be CAT A hydrographic surveyors, the highest certification in the field internationally.

Who this course is for

This programme is most likely to appeal to students who have an academic background in a subject such as engineering, surveying, environmental studies, geography, mathematics, earth sciences, physical or computational sciences and wish to develop their skills in the rapidly growing area of marine geospatial sciences.

What this course will give you

UCL Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering is an energetic and exciting multidisciplinary department with a tradition of excellence in teaching and research, situated in the heart of London. This dynamic MSc programme is a further development of the department's history of teaching hydrographic surveying.

Students studying Geospatial Sciences (Hydrographic Surveying) MSc will benefit from the department's excellent research and industry links, including attending our industrial and research seminars, and carrying out a research project with one of our many industrial partners.

The programme is run as a partnership with the Port of London Authority, including the use of their fully-equipped survey vessels and tuition from their experienced surveyors. Students also have the opportunity to study nautical science and basic seamanship, equipping them for careers as hydrographic surveyors as soon as they graduate.

The foundation of your career

Students will gain a range of technical skills in geospatial and nautical science that are highly valued by employers, including the use of specialist software for Hydrography and GIS (ArcMap, QGIS, Hypack); programming (Python); geospatial data acquisition, processing and management; geospatial data visualisation and analysis. Students are well equipped for highly challenging hydrographic surveying careers.

Employability

Students graduating with a degree in Geospatial Sciences (Hydrographic Surveying) will be equipped for a diverse range of roles, with organisations such as offshore and inshore survey companies, national hydrographic departments, equipment manufacturers and port authorities. Additionally, many graduates from our programmes go on to PhD research at UCL or elsewhere.

Networking

UCL offers an enriching environment for networking and professional growth. Engage with peers, industry experts, and faculty members who share your passion for excellence. Through collaborative group projects, seminars, workshops, and industry partnerships, you'll forge connections that extend beyond the classroom. 

These networking opportunities provide insights into real-world challenges, offer chances to learn from industry leaders, and pave the way for potential internships and job placements. Your interactions within this vibrant community will not only enrich your learning experience but also establish a valuable network that can shape your future in the civil engineering arena.

Accreditation

This programme meets the requirements of the FIG/IHO/ICA S-5A Standards of Competence for Category "A" Hydrographic Surveyors—the highest level of international recognition available. The programme is also accredited by RICS, whose accredited degree courses are relevant to industry, and are recognised by employers as the benchmark of quality.

Teaching and learning

Throughout the programme, a diverse range of teaching and learning strategies foster comprehensive skill development and intellectual growth. Graduates on the Hydrographic Surveying route emerge with an array of capabilities:

Advanced knowledge and contextual understanding: The programme’s multifaceted assessment approach involves individual and group coursework assignments, presentations, written examinations, and a comprehensive dissertation project. This strategy not only assesses students' understanding of terrestrial, marine, space-based, and airborne techniques but also their ability to select appropriate data acquisition methods and coordinate reference systems, crucial for their subject-specific knowledge.

Practical proficiency and collaboration: Practical skills are honed through workshops and group projects, where students develop proficiency in using IT packages, programming languages like Python, and geospatial analysis workflows. The coursework involves collaboration, allowing students to work effectively in groups and as self-motivated individuals, a vital practical skill in the geospatial field.

Intellectual, academic, and research excellence: The programme instills critical thinking by enabling students to critically evaluate geospatial data and algorithms, synthesise evidence, and select appropriate methodologies. Research skills are honed through the ability to review, summarise, and compare different sources of evidence, crucial for conducting independent research.

Practical and innovative aptitude: In addition to developing basic IT skills, students gain advanced IT skills, including programming in languages like Python. They also explore the use of various software tools for spatial data storage, visualisation, and analysis. Furthermore, they gain experience in using commercial geospatial software for analysis and interpretation, ensuring practical aptitude for a wide range of geospatial tasks.

These multifaceted teaching and learning methods imbue graduates with the prowess to thrive in research, industry, and various professional domains.

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, computer sessions, seminars and field classes. Assessment is via coursework (individual and group), presentations, written examinations and the dissertation.

Students engaging in the programme can expect a workload of approximately 40 hours per week. This allocation encompasses a mix of structured learning and teaching activities, including lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Additionally, students are encouraged to dedicate time to self-directed study, a crucial aspect of their educational journey that complements formal instruction and enhances comprehension. This balanced approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of the material and fosters the development of independent learning skills.

A Postgraduate Diploma, consisting of eight compulsory modules (120 credits), is also offered.

Modules

One year (FT) mode: the four modules of the first term give you a foundation in geospatial science and programming and in the computational and statistical processes that are appropriate to your chosen specialism. The four modules of the second term focus on the specialist application areas, including two in hydrographic surveying field applications. Over the period May to September you will carry out an individual project. Some routes may involve practical field work integrated within the modules. All modules involve a mixture of lectures, practical work, seminars and visits to government or private geospatial organisations.

Two year (PT) mode: you will study two modules per term over the two year period. The individual project may be started after the first year and is completed at the end of the second year.

The programme structure for modular/flexible students encompasses a total of 180 credits over the course of their studies. 

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Geospatial Sciences (Hydrographic Surveying). Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Geospatial Sciences (Hydrographic Surveying).

Fieldwork

The Applied Field Project module consists of preparatory work in Term 2, followed by a three week (partly residential) field project in Term 3. This is centred around a complex multi-disciplinary project, and includes onshore and vessel-based activities, and office-based processing, charting, and reporting. To prepare you for safe working on PLA survey vessels there is also a compulsory 'Introduction to Nautical Science' course in the first term.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £19,300 £9,650
Tuition fees (2024/25) £37,500 £18,750

Pathways include:
Building Information Modelling and Surveying (TMSGESSBIM20)
Geographic Information Science and Computing (TMSGESSGIS01)
Hydrographic Surveying (TMSGESSHYD01)

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

Fieldwork costs are an estimated maximum £1,550, including accommodation and travel. This also includes travel costs related to the practical work aboard survey vessels associated with the Hydrographic Applications module, and the 'Introduction to Nautical Science' course in the first term. 

Potential additional costs within the programme encompass various aspects. Expenses related to course materials, such as books, are contingent on the selected modules. Some modules may entail charges for field trips. In laboratory settings, specialised protective gear like lab coats and safety boots might be necessary, contributing to potential costs. Project-specific necessities can also incur additional expenses. 

While not an exhaustive list, it underscores the potential financial considerations. Material and project costs depend on individual choices. Moreover, short local visits, integral to the program, could involve public transport costs. Being cognizant of these potential costs aids in prudent financial planning throughout the programme.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

Brown Family Bursary

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: £15,000 (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK

UCL East London Scholarship

Deadline: 20 June 2024
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,700 stipend ()
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications and £115 for paper applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

In addition to fulfilling the necessary academic prerequisites, the personal statement serves as a pivotal aspect of your application. It offers a platform to align your motivations for selecting this program with its offerings. When evaluating your application, we are interested in understanding:

  • Your rationale for pursuing graduate-level studies in Civil Engineering.
  • What specifically draws you to study this programme at UCL.
  • The unique aspects of this program that resonate with you.
  • How your personal, academic, and professional background aligns with the programme's challenging requirements.
  • Your envisioned professional trajectory upon attaining your degree.

While applications are accepted until the deadline, it is advisable to submit your application early due to the competitive nature of placements. The process typically takes around four weeks from submission to receiving an offer letter. For international applicants seeking visas, we recommend applying in advance to secure the necessary CAS number within the required timeframe. Your application journey is a significant step towards a rewarding educational experience at UCL.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.