Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing (MSc)

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of these subjects: 

• geography
• physics
• geomatics
• environmental science
• ecology
• biology
• geology
• engineering 

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning. 

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview. 

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Your studies run for a full 12 months, from September to the following September. 

For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll focus on the taught part of your course. This consists of modules that everyone on the course takes and modules that we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options. 

During semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your final project. 

Exams take place at the end of semesters 1 and 2. 

For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently on your research project. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress. 

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

You'll learn through a variety of methods, including lectures, seminars and tutorials. 

Other learning methods will vary according to your choice of modules but could include: 

• guest lectures
• independent study
• group and individual work
• presentations 

Assessment

We’ll assess you using a variety of methods. These include: 

• exams
• reports
• essays
• group assignments
• in-class tests
• research project 

Dissertation

For your final project you’ll research and write a dissertation on a subject of your choice, to be agreed with your supervisor. 

The project is an opportunity for you to show your research skills and knowledge of your subject. You’ll have regular meetings with your supervisor to discuss your progress. 

You might decide that you want to carry out your research project with a partner organisation.  

Previous research projects have included: 

• investigating the use of remote sensing to assess recovery after the 2010 Haiti earthquake
• the use of satellite data to detect near-real time deforestation in the Democratic Republic of Congo
• The use of GIS to plan stroke-related healthcare delivery 

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £10,400.
• EU and international students pay £31,200.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

Application assessment fee

There is no application assessment fee for postgraduate courses starting in 2026.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two references, one academic reference and one academic or professional reference.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000