MSc in Geographical Information Systems

Programme overview

This is an internet-based distance learning programme in which you learn how to analyse and model spatial phenomena, focusing on natural resources, using GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and remote sensing. The aim is to offer you a flexible and comprehensive training in GIS, remote sensing and environmental modelling. All courses are provided over the internet, including text, audio and video lectures, email contact, forums and Skype correspondence with specialised academic staff.

You can adopt the learning methods that work best for you and choose your own pace of study for any given semester. The course offers hands-on training using up-to-date software and affords the opportunity to achieve deep theoretical understanding, as well as excellent technical skills, of e.g. GIS, remote sensing, spatial programming, SDI, database management, cartography and environmental modelling. The programme runs for 22 months and is taught by world-class faculties in Sweden (Lund University) and the Netherlands (University of Twente).

Programme structure

The programme starts with 1.5 semesters (45 credits) of compulsory courses:

• GIS (15 credits)
• Remote Sensing (10 credits)
• Natural Resource Management (15 credits), and
• GIS and Statistics (5 credits)

This is followed by 35 credits of specialisation, where the student can choose between a large number of technical and applied courses. Examples of elective courses are:

• Databases
• Climate Change
• Systems Analysis
• Open Source GIS
• GIS and Tourism
• EIA/SEA
• Ecosystem Modelling
• Python Programming
• SDI
• Food Security
• Internet GIS
• Hydrological Modelling
• Carbon and Climate

The programme ends with two compulsory courses in Research Methods and Proposal Writing, plus a 30 credit Master’s degree project (thesis). 

Career prospects

After completing the programme, you will have gained theoretical and practical knowledge about the planning, implementation and handling of GIS and remote sensing within diverse disciplines, focusing on natural resources. These skills are highly useful within all areas concerned with spatial phenomena, such as natural and social sciences, medicine, engineering, hydrology, agriculture, forestry, defence, global change and in spatial planning of local, regional and national systems.