Over 25 years of excellence in postgraduate teaching of remote sensing, GIS, visualisation, digital mapping and cartography.
MSc Geographical Information Systems is also available to study part time online.
This course has both January and September start dates.
Geospatial technologies are of increasing importance in many areas of commercial, industrial, and government employment, including nature conservation agencies, civil and coast engineering projects and marine and coastal zone management. As a result, the demand for courses in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and the related technologies has grown considerably.
A recent survey suggests that demand by employers for graduates with skills in the application of geospatial technology will continue to grow, particularly in areas where the practical application of spatial knowledge and understanding to environmental problems is important.
The Geographical Information Systems programme covers the fundamentals of techniques and tools for acquiring, storing, processing, classifying, analysing, and visualising spatially referenced data, and their application to the study of the Earth. This includes:
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £22,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| UK | £10,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year |
This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
15 Credit Points
This module will introduce students to remote sensing techniques and fundamental geospatial tools for displaying and analysing geospatial data. This will include: navigation, measurement, spatial queries, geocoding, scripting, buffering, digitising, and overlay analysis. Several ‘real world’ examples will be used to illustrate the application of the tools for data exploration, spatial analyses, mapping, and visualisation. Emphasis will be placed on obtaining a sound understanding of the principles of each technique, as well as the importance of selecting the correct approach to a problem, analysing the data, and interpretation of the results.
15 Credit Points
This module will introduce students to the literature, concepts, theories, knowledge and understanding of the origins, history, development, and evolution of Geographical Information Systems. This will include a timeline of key developments in GIS theory and practice; technological developments of GIS from its geographical origins to the commercial location-based technologies of today; the underlying geographical principles and fundamentals of GIS; discussion of GIS as a tool or technique, a discipline or science; and some of the major developments that have led to mobile location-based technologies. Finally, key future developments of this rapidly evolving technology with some example applications.
15 Credit Points
Today people from all walks of life use GIS maps on their desktops, via the web, on tablets and smartphones. The development of Web-GIS or Online Mapping has led to the move from the desktop standalone GIS software to the Internet. In so doing it has revolutionised accessibility to geospatial data and information. Spatial data can rapidly be transformed into web-maps or services that are 'mashed' up with different layers into a web-GIS, Maps on the web have also provided a new paradigm for how people everywhere can access and use geographic data and information. Web-GIS has led to a more flexible and agile workflow and provides a platform for integrating GIS with other business systems, and has enabled cross-organizational collaboration. Web GIS allows organizations to properly manage all their geographic knowledge. At the heart of web GIS is a mapcentric content management system. Web mapping is more than just web cartography; it is a service by which consumers may choose what the map will show.
15 Credit Points
This course will be of interest to anyone who wishes to learn to design and query databases. The course aims to teach the material using case studies from real-world applications. You will develop a critical understanding of the principal theories, principles and concepts, such as modelling techniques used in the design, administration and security of database systems. You will also learn core theoretical concepts such as relational algebra, file organisation and indexing. At the end of this course you will be able to design and build Web and cloud-based databases and have a critical understanding of how database-driven applications operate.
15 Credit Points
This module will examine some of the many different applications of the geospatial technologies. It comprises two sections: 1) invited lectures from external guest speakers on a selection of current GIS applications embracing academic, commercial and research topics on e.g. physical and human geography, planning, archaeology, geology, computer science, and specialist applications from amongst others: the renewable energy sector, oil and gas industry, offshore surveying, marine spatial planning, precision agriculture, environmental management, local authorities, and the business sector; 2) the execution of a practical-based mini GIS project chosen from a list of topics of specific interest to the student.
15 Credit Points
This module will provide students with an introduction to UAV, airborne and satellite remote sensing, digital image processing, and softcopy photogrammetry to extract environmental data and information from digital imagery, and a number of monitoring and mapping applications. Students will learn how to acquire UAV imagery, and to process it into information as part of a group practical mapping exercise.
15 Credit Points
Central to the application of Geographical Information (GI) in the 'real world' is the acquisition of a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the 'data into information’ pathway using GIS and the geospatial information technologies. This module introduces students to a number of examples of both theory and application of geographical data and information, and the relationships to remote sensing, cartography. visualisation, multimedia, global positioning systems (GPS), mobile GIS, and the Internet. A practical study of mobile GIS and Smartphone Apps for field data collection is included. A practical introduction to the Idrisi GIS software is used for the course.
15 Credit Points
This course aims at progressing knowledge of spatial analysis tools in GIS. A variety of Map Algebra techniques will be applied to solve complex GIS projects. Part one is focussed on solving a relatively simple spatial analysis exercise on climate. Part two focuses on automation in GIS and large spatial data analyses using Python. Part three, is a multiple practical exercise that trains students to use best practices and advanced spatial analysis techniques to resolve a complex GIS problem simulating a real-life work assignment.
60 Credit Points
The student will select, undertake and complete a research-based dissertation project. In choosing and approving a suitable topic, consideration will be given to the student's background and skills, their career interests, suitable data availability, and the possibility of an external placement. Successful completion of the project requires reference to and integration of the various different taught elements, independent research, together with a general knowledge of all aspects of GIS and where appropriate different disciplines. The dissertation project is undertaken by the student with the guidance of a supervisor from the University and in some cases an external advisor.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Aberdeen Global Scholarship: Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship.
Self-funded international students enrolling on Postgraduate Taught (PGT) programmes for January 2025 will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about these Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
From September 2025 all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
Assessment is by a combination of written and practical assignments, presentations and laboratory reports as prescribed for each course and a dissertation, together with an oral examination and poster presentation.
Motivation and understanding of this degree is an important factor in securing admission. Your personal statement/statement of purpose should focus on providing answers to the following questions:
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
2:2 (lower second class) Honours degree or equivalent in Agriculture, Archaeology, Computing Science, Ecology, Engineering, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geography, Geology, Geomatics, Marine & Coastal Science, Marine Biology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Planning, Plant Science, Soil Science or Zoology.
Candidates with degrees in other subject areas will be considered if they can demonstrate interest, aptitude and/or experience in a field relevant to the application of geospatial technologies.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated pages.
January 2025 September 2025The GIS programme continues to have a very successful employment record in the commercial sector, environmental agencies, local and national government, research, and academia. Graduates have gone on to work in a variety of roles, including; project officers, programmers, sales managers, GIS engineer, senior consultant GIS specialist and project managers.
Career opportunities are highlighted through site visits, field trips, guest lectures, and chances to work with organisations as part of the MSc Dissertation. This programme focuses students on the acquisition of practical experience, specialist knowledge and understanding, and problem-solving skills to pursue careers in any of these fields. In addition, there is the possibility of industry suggested projects, dependent upon minimum academic requirements, and industrial input and contact with geospatial practitioners.
The programme is supported by our Industry Advisory Board:
Students visit the harbour and are given a presentation on "Hydrographic Surveying" at the Marine Operations Centre and a look over their multi-purpose craft "Sea Herald". This is just an example of one industry that relies on GIS technology.
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Become a student member of the AGI. Each year, the AGI sponsor a student dissertation prize.
Find out more
Industry visits and field-trips are an important part of the degree. Opportunities change each year but we can guarantee and excellent and relevant experience.
