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The Geospatial Sciences (GIS and Computing) 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.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2020
Modes and duration
Application dates
Tuition fees (2020/21)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website.
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.
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.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Standard
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
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.
Select your country:
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 and app development. Our graduates become GIS professionals rather than simply GIS users.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of six compulsory modules (90 credits) and two optional modules (30 credits). All students carry out a dissertation (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Diploma, consisting of six compulsory modules (90 credits) and two optional modules (30 credits), is also offered.
Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded a 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).
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 is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
Students will take the following compulsory modules:
- Geospatial Programming
- Geospatial Science
- Spatial Analysis and Geocomputation
- Spatial Databases and Data Management
- Spatio-Temporal Analysis and Data Mining
- Web and Mobile GIS - Apps and Programming
Please visit the Geospatial Sciences MSc routes programme page for further compulsory module details, selecting Geospatial Sciences (Geographic Information Science and Computing) MSc in the Programme information section.
Optional modules
Students must choose at least one of the following optional modules in Term 2:
- Applied Building Information Modelling
- Sensors and Location
One of the optional modules may be exchanged for an elective (any UCL Master's level module) at the programme director's discretion. Visit the Geospatial Sciences MSc routes programme page for further optional module details.
- Further information about these modules is available on the department website.
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words and a poster presentation (60 credits).
Fieldwork
Some modules may contain an element of fieldwork using specialist equipment in an applied setting.
Teaching and learning
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.
Additional costs
There is no additional cost for fieldwork.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
Funding
Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below.
Brown Family Bursary
- Note:
- This scheme is now closed for 2020/21
- Value:
- £15,000 (1 year)
- Eligibility:
- UK
- Criteria:
- Based on both academic merit and financial need
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
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.
Employability
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, web and software development (Python, R, Java, Javascript, HTML/CSS, PHP); geospatial data acquisition, processing and management; geospatial data visualisation and analysis.
Why study this degree at UCL?
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.
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.
Department: Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering
Application and next steps
Applications
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 £80 for online applications and £105 for paper applications. Further information can be found at: www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/taught/application.
Who can apply?
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.
Application deadlines
- All applicants
- 28 August 2020
For more information see our Applications page.
Apply nowWhat are we looking for?
When we assess your application we would like to learn:
- why you want to study Geospatial Sciences (Geographic Information Science and Computing) at graduate level
- why you want to study Geospatial Sciences (Geographic Information Science and Computing) at UCL
- what particularly attracts you to the chosen programme
- how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging programme
- where you would like to go professionally with your degree
Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme will deliver.
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
Page last modified on 31 July 2020