Geographical Information Science MSc University of Leeds

Geographical information is integrated into our day-to-day life and is crucial to a growing number of industries in both the public and private sectors.

Our Geographical Information Science MSc will provide you with in-depth and specialist knowledge of GIS techniques. You’ll focus on scientific, technical and computational aspects of Geographical Information Science (GIScience), with particular reference to the socioeconomic and environmental sciences.

Core modules introduce GIS, a rapidly evolving area in business and environmental applications. You’ll be introduced to GIS packages and a range of data sources/techniques, useful for those wanting to undertake social and environmental science research and those keen to understand the application of geotechnology as practitioners. You’ll study theories and concepts underpinning GIS and have the chance to explore topics including advanced spatial data visualisation, digital image processing, and geodemographics.

As technology continues to advance, more and more organisations will be seeking trained specialists in this field to help them drive their businesses forward – which is why studying this MSc could open you up to many career opportunities.

Learning and teaching

You’ll be provided with a variety of online learning materials throughout the programme. You’ll work as part of a virtual online community, discussing the materials online, collaborating in group tasks and undertaking independent work whilst generally supporting one another.

You’ll also get plenty of one-on-one support. Our qualified tutors are experts in the theory and practice of GIScience and are there to support you and your group. Our tutors will act as mentors and provide you with personal guidance as you progress, advising you on how to make the most of the course and helping you to overcome any obstacles that you encounter. Any work you hand in will be returned to you with detailed comments and advice.

Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.

You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.

Required equipment

For the programme, you’ll need a laptop or PC capable of running standard applications (such as Microsoft Word/Excel). The packages we will use shouldn’t need anything more than a moderately spec’d machine running Windows. Software is typically made available to you via our online environment.

Take a look at the ArcGIS Pro system requirements and use these as the basis for your laptop/computer.

Active research environment

You’ll be taught by a team of academics and researchers who are actively engaged in cutting-edge research and are part of the Centre for Spatial Analysis and Policy research group and the Leeds Institute for Data Analytics.

Other study options

Modules are available to study online as short courses. You may choose the number of modules you wish to study and will gain postgraduate credits on completion of each module. Please contact the Programme Leader, Dr Luke Burns, should you wish to discuss this route.

Programme team

The Programme Leader, Dr Luke Burns, is an Associate Professor in Quantitative Human Geography whose research focuses on the advanced application of geographical information systems (GIS) to socioeconomic problems and the development of geodemographic classification systems and composite indicators to measure social phenomena.

In this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.