About this course
Use geographical data to solve real-world problems on this master’s degree in applied geographical information systems and remote sensing. On this UK MSc course you’ll use the latest technology and develop key programming and analytical techniques. You'll learn the skills to work in a range of careers, from environmental consultancy to government research.
Gain the knowledge and practical skills to analyse geospatial data from remote sensing technology such as satellites and radar. You'll be able to use that data to create geographical information systems (GIS).
These interactive applications are used in everything from engineering and disaster management to understanding the carbon cycle.
On this master's degree from a UK Russell Group university you’ll:
- focus on real-world problems in areas such as public health and environmental management
- study 2 key technologies in a single programme
A unique feature of the course is the chance to learn programming in both IDL (remote sensing) and Python (GIS), to allow you to automate big GIS and remote-sensing tasks. These programming skills are often required by employers in this field.
Our academics are all active researchers, so you’ll directly benefit from their latest findings. And you’ll be able to choose your own specialism through your choice of optional modules.
Your studies will be enhanced by the use of facilities such as a high-end geoprocessing suite and terrestrial laser scanning equipment.
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Gareth Roberts. His research interests include how satellite data can be used to help understand and tackle the effects of fire in the natural environment. Read Dr Roberts’s profile to find out more about his research interests and publications.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of these subjects:
- geography
- physics
- geomatics
- environmental science
- ecology
- biology
- geology
- engineering
- social science
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
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
Course structure
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.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2022-23
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
A range of skills are required for those wishing to work in the realm of remote sensing and spatial analysis. This module will help develop the skills base of students with regard to academic skills as well as those of particular value to further research...
This module is intended to provide foundational GIS skills for various Masters-levels programmes (such as the MSc in Applied GIS and Remote Sensing and MSc in Sustainability). It is intended to introduce Geographical Information Systems and Science to tho...
The emphasis is on processing and application of data collected in the optical and thermal regions using passive and active sensors.
Students will conduct a sustained research-based task, culminating in the production of a substantive academic report of professional standard
A range of skills are required for those wishing to work in the realm of remote sensing and spatial analysis. This module will help develop your skills base with regard to academic skills as well as those of particular value to further research and/or emp...
You must also choose from the following modules:
This module is intended to introduce students who have already studied the principles of geographical information systems (GIS) to the concepts, methods and techniques involved in using GIS for the analysis of health. Academic study of the geography of he...
This module is intended to introduce students who have already studied the principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) how to utilise GIS tools in environmental management. Environmental applications require specific skills on the part of the GIS...
The aim of this module is to provide students with the skills required to understand and write software programs for image processing and scientific computing. More specifically the module will provide the students with the ability to develop programs tha...
The module will look at the basic theory and practical application of remote sensing for monitoring the terrestrial environment.
This module will introduce three-dimensional remote sensing techniques and contemporary methods of deriving topographic information from three dimensional remote sensing and photogrammetry data.
Learning and assessment
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.
Careers
Programming skills are in great demand with employers, and our GIS and remote sensing master's graduates enjoy very high employment rates.
After graduating from this vocational course you’ll be in an ideal position to work in Earth observation and GIS communities, in programming, development, analysis or consultancy roles.
Your practical knowledge and skills will put you in demand with organisations such as:
- environmental consultancy firms
- software companies
- government research institutes
Alternatively, you might choose to stay with us to continue your researches at PhD level.
The course will develop your knowledge of the subject area in order to enhance employment opportunities within Earth Observation and GIS communities, consultancies, private and public sectors.
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £25,000.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get 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 scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Make sure we receive your application at least 4 weeks before the start of the course. This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available.
International students
Make sure we receive your application at least 6 weeks before the start of the course.
This gives us time to consider your application, if there are still places available. It will also give you time to apply for a visa if we offer you a place.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, or if you're applying for a PGCE course via UCAS, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
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 send 2 academic references.
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.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll aim to get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
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
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