Geospatial Sciences MSc

London, Bloomsbury

Geospatial Sciences MSc teaches students the theory, tools and techniques for working with geospatial data, from acquisition to processing to 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 UK Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (such as engineering, architecture, geography, urban planning, mathematics, surveying, marine and earth sciences, computer science) from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Normally 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 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 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, with the flexibility on this route to tailor the geospatial sciences programme to their particular requirements through optional choices.

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, architecture, environmental studies, geography, mathematics, earth sciences, physical or computational sciences and wish to expand their knowledge of theory, tools and techniques for working with geospatial data, from acquisition to processing to analysis.

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 consolidates the department's expertise in the geospatial sciences into a single degree, giving students a broad knowledge of the topic.

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

The foundation of your career

Students will gain a range of technical skills in geospatial science that are highly valued by employers, including the use of specialist software for BIM and GIS (ArcMap, QGIS, FME, Revit, PostGIS); programming, web and software development (Python, R, Java, Javascript, HTML/CSS, PHP); geospatial data acquisition, processing and management; geospatial data visualisation and analysis.

Employability

Students graduating with a degree in Geospatial Sciences will be equipped for a diverse range of roles, including GIS/BIM professional or officer, data scientist, geospatial software developer, and consultant. Our students establish strong links with industry through the industrial seminar series and industrial research projects. 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

The Geospatial Sciences MSc is accredited by RICS. RICS works in partnership with universities to ensure that their accredited degree courses are relevant to industry. This means that when you study on an accredited degree this will be 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 emerge with an array of capabilities:

Advanced knowledge and contextual understanding: The programme utilises a blend of lectures, seminars, tutorials, problem classes, laboratory work, and computer-based activities to impart advanced knowledge. Students gain a deep understanding of terrestrial, marine, space-based, and airborne techniques for spatial data acquisition. They also grasp principles of coordinate reference systems, data representation, and digital spatial data manipulation. In addition, students learn programming languages, web and mobile systems architecture, and practical skills in areas like blockchain and machine learning.

Practical proficiency and collaboration: Practical proficiency and collaborative skills are cultivated through individual and group coursework assignments, presentations, and group projects. Students apply their knowledge in hands-on scenarios, working on real-world problems. They learn to collaborate effectively in teams, assess complex problems, and find innovative solutions. This practical aspect includes working with geospatial software and tools, numerical analysis, and risk assessments for fieldwork.

Intellectual, academic, and research excellence: The programme emphasises critical analysis and research skills. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate academic literature, develop inductive and deductive reasoning, and conduct primary research. They are equipped to select appropriate geospatial tools and methodologies, assess fitness for purpose, and communicate results effectively. The program promotes research skills such as evidence synthesis, methodology selection, and outcome evaluation.

Practical and innovative aptitude: Practical skills are developed through the use of IT packages, programming, and software tools relevant to geospatial analysis. Students gain hands-on experience with various data acquisition equipment and software, including 3D modelling, GIS analysis, and web/mobile development frameworks. These skills enable them to work independently and in groups, communicate effectively, plan and execute work programmes, and employ advanced IT packages for data processing and visualization.

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 two compulsory modules (30 credits) and six optional modules (90 credits) is also available.

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. Over the period from 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. Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Geospatial Sciences.

Fieldwork

Some modules contain an element of fieldwork using specialist equipment in an applied setting.

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

There is no additional cost for fieldwork.

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.