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Geospatial Sciences (Geographic Information Science and Computing) MSc

London, Bloomsbury

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 closed

Applicants who do not require a visa: 16 Oct 2023 – 30 Aug 2024

Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

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

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. The pathway covers a range of topics from spatial analysis and geocomputation to programming, machine learning, data science and app development. Our graduates become GIS professionals rather than simply GIS users.

Who this course is for

The typical applicant will have basic academic or professional experience with GIS and will want to enhance their technical skills and theoretical knowledge with this degree. Applicants should be numerate and have an enthusiasm for programming. We welcome applicants from a range of academic backgrounds including geography, engineering, environmental studies, mathematics/statistics, earth sciences, architecture, archaeology, physical and computational sciences. We also welcome applicants with relevant work experience in Geographic Information Science or related industries.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

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, GIS and computing into a single degree, giving students the chance to specialise in their chosen area.

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

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

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 GIS (ArcMap, QGIS, FME, Revit, PostGIS); programming, machine learning, 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 (Geographic Information Science and Computing) will be equipped for a diverse range of roles, including GIS professional/officer, data scientist, geospatial software developer and consultant. Graduates go on to work for a variety of organisations including engineering consultancies, GIS software companies and national mapping agencies. 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 (GIS and Computing) 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 on the GIS-Computing route emerge with an array of capabilities:

Advanced knowledge and contextual understanding: The programme uses a diverse range of assessment methods to gauge students' comprehensive understanding and application of geospatial sciences. Individual and group coursework assignments provide practical application opportunities, while presentations enhance communication skills. Written examinations assess knowledge and critical thinking. The dissertation project allows students to engage in independent research and demonstrate expertise in their chosen area, promoting advanced subject-specific knowledge.

Practical proficiency and collaboration: Through group coursework and collaborative projects, students develop practical skills and teamwork capabilities. They learn to use IT packages and programming languages for geospatial analysis, fostering practical proficiency. Moreover, exposure to commercial software packages and various data acquisition methods enhances their practical expertise, while the ability to work in groups and as self-motivated individuals promotes collaboration skills.

Intellectual, academic, and research excellence: The programme equips students with the ability to select appropriate tools and methodologies for geospatial tasks, critically evaluate data and algorithms, and communicate results effectively. They develop research skills, including evidence review and synthesis, to select appropriate methodologies and assess research outcomes. This promotes intellectual, academic, and research excellence, enabling them to contribute to the field effectively.

Practical and innovative aptitude: Students gain hands-on experience with a variety of software, including GIS tools and programming languages, promoting practical aptitude. They work with diverse data acquisition equipment and methods, enhancing their versatility. Additionally, the programme encourages innovative thinking by exposing students to emerging technologies like 3D modelling and web/mobile development frameworks, fostering a practical and innovative aptitude.

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

Compulsory modules

Spatial-Temporal Data Analysis and Data Mining (STDM)

Web and Mobile GIS - Apps and Programming

Research Project

Spatial Databases and Data Management

Geospatial Science

Geospatial Programming

Spatial Analysis and Geocomputation

Optional modules

Machine Learning for Data Science

Applied Building Information Modelling

Sensors and Location

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 (Geographic Information Science and Computing). Upon successful completion of 120 credits, you will be awarded a PG Dip in Geospatial Sciences (Geographic Information Science and Computing).

Fieldwork

Some modules may 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.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

: 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.

This programme requires two references. Further information regarding references can be found on this Selecting your references page.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.