Geospatial Sciences MSc

The Geospatial Sciences MSc routes teach students the theory, tools and techniques for working with geospatial data, from acquisition to processing to analysis.

Find out accreditation details for these programmes, and other core information such as entry requirements, programme length and cost, by visiting the applicable UCL prospectus pages:

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Programme information

You may choose to apply to one of our specialist routes, with your choice reflected in your degree title. Alternatively, you may study core geospatial modules, then have a free choice of other modules (timetabling and pre-requisites permitting), graduating with a degree in Geospatial Sciences MSc.

Whichever route you choose, you will have the opportunity to engage and work with academics and industrial partners on cutting-edge research through seminars and a dissertation.

Module information

Students on each MSc route undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Click on the programme titles below to find out more about each route's choices.

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. Through optional modules, students can study aspects of the subject in more depth – whether focusing on the environment (built, marine, terrestrial), the means of data acquisition or on the computational and analytical processes.

Geospatial Sciences MSc consists of two compulsory modules (30 credits) and six optional modules (90 credits). All students carry out a dissertation (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma consisting of two compulsory modules (30 credits) and six optional modules (90 credits) is also available.

Term 1Compulsory modules

Optional modules

Term 2 Optional modules

Students choose two optional modules in Term 1 and four optional modules in Term 2. One Term 2 module may be exchanged for an elective (any UCL Master's level module) at the discretion of the programme director.

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words and presentation.

Find out more and apply to Geospatial Science MSc

The specialist Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Surveying programme will educate students in the geometric and semantic aspects of BIM and the integrated management of geospatial and BIM-related data.

This route consists of seven compulsory modules (105 credits) and one optional module (15 credits). All students carry out a dissertation (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma consisting of seven compulsory modules (105 credits) and one optional module (15 credits) is also available.

Term 1 Compulsory modules

Term 2compulsory modules

optional modules

Please note, students on this route may exchange Web and Mobile GIS - Apps and Programming or Machine Learning for Data Science for an elective module (any UCL Master's level module) at the discretion of the programme director.

Dissertation / report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words and presentation (60 credits).

Find out more and apply to Geospatial Science (Building Information Modelling and Surveying) MSc

This specialist GIS and Computing programme educates students in the theoretical, scientific and practical aspects of geographic information science, with a strong focus on the technical and analytical aspects of the discipline.

This route consists of six compulsory modules (90 credits) and two optional modules (30 credits). All students carry out a dissertation (60 credits). A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) consisting of six compulsory modules and two optional modules is also available.

Term 1Compulsory modules

Term 2Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Students must choose at least one of the following:

One of the above choices may be exchanged for an elective module (any UCL Master's level module) at the discretion of the programme director.

Dissertation / report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words and presentation (60 credits).

Find out more and apply to Geospatial Sciences (Geographic Information Science and Computing) MSc

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 – using vessel-based acoustic techniques, satellite positioning, AUVs, and much more.

Geospatial Sciences (Hydrographic Surveying) MSc consists of eight compulsory modules (120 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits). Students undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma complete the eight compulsory modules only.

Term 1Compulsory modules

Term 2Compulsory modules

Dissertation / report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words and presentation (60 credits).

Find out more and apply to Geospatial Science (Hydrographic Surveying) MSc

Learn about the application process

Watch

Listen to Port of London Authority staff talking about working with UCL on the previous iteration of Geospatial Sciences (Hydrographic Surveying MSc), and on the importance of getting the new version certified as a Category A course by FIG/IHO/ICA.

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Select 'Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering' as your subject of interest on the form.

Contact

Questions about entry requirements, application process, programme content or anything else? We're here to help.

Contact: cege-pg-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

Find out about how the UCL Geospatial Sciences programme (accommodating different routes and themes), cut down on repetition, delivers the optimum number of modules, and have made the subject visible and accessible to associated disciplines.

Student Testimonials

Welcome to the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geomatic Engineering (CEGE), where civil engineers gather to change the world! In these video, Roy Yuen and Pratibha Patel talks about their experiences in the Geospatial Sciences MSc programme and describes what makes studying at UCL and CEGE a unique experience.

Geospatial Sciences MSc