Geographical Information Science MSc

Program Overview

The MSc in Geographical Information Science program at the University of Exeter equips students with the knowledge and skills in GIS, remote sensing, and geo-technologies. Through practical training and an optional applied project, students develop employability skills and prepare for careers in the spatial information industry, government, and research. The program emphasizes innovation, employability, and environmental applications, with partnerships with industry leaders like Esri.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Objective: To equip students with the knowledge and skills to apply and develop Geographical Information Science (GIS) through the revolution of spatial analysis, mapping, and geo-technologies.
• Program Description:
• Develops practical skills in coding, drone analysis, remote sensing workflows, and geo-visualizations.
• Enhances key employability skills such as group work, communication, and presentation skills.
• Allows students to tailor their degree to their career aspirations by undertaking an applied project, which can be either research-led or consultancy-focused.
• Emphasizes a program driven by science and innovation with a focus on environment, employability, and business.
• Prepares students for careers in the spatial information industry, national and local government, consultancies, utilities, and research organizations.

Outline:

• Course Content:
• Focuses on Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing tools, which are the core technologies of this multi-disciplinary science.
• Explores how GIS is transforming the way data is collected, research is conducted, networks are reached, communication is facilitated through geo-apps, and decisions are made by individuals and organizations.
• Trains students in the entire GIS workflow, from data collection to processing, analysis, publication, and dissemination of insights.
• Develops skills in applying, investigating, visualizing, and communicating spatial data and detecting patterns.
• Includes drone analysis and geo-visualizations, exploring 3D capabilities and animation in the Esri platform and open source solutions.
• Features an applied project that provides an opportunity to work with external partners and apply GIS skills in a consultancy project or collaborate with a University of Exeter academic to address local or global research goals.
• Modules:
• The specific modules offered may vary depending on staff availability, research interests, new topics of study, timetabling, and student demand.

Assessment:

• Methods:
• Assessment methods vary by module.
• Includes coursework essays, seminar papers, presentations, and a 15,000-word dissertation.

Teaching:

• Methods:
• Utilizes a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, reading groups, and tutorials.
• Practical sessions are incorporated for methods modules.
• Encourages students to develop their own research and disciplinary interests throughout the academic year.
• Faculty:
• Unique Approaches:

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• National and local government
• Consultancies
• Utilities
• Research organizations
• Opportunities:
• Geospatial analyst
• Remote Sensing scientist
• GIS consultancy
• GIS manager
• GIS Technician
• Environmental Policy associate
• Transport Planning
• Energy Systems
• Campaign data analyst
• Outcomes:
• The program develops a diverse and sought-after portfolio of skills that are internationally recognized by employers across industry, educational communities, and scientific institutions worldwide.

Other:

• Facilities:
• The Streatham Campus in Exeter offers the £3.7 million Sediment Research Facility, which provides additional laboratories, experimental facilities, and a wide range of state-of-the-art analytical equipment.
• Partnerships:
• The program has worked closely with Esri, the world's leading GIS software provider, to ensure students gain the skills and knowledge required in an applied setting.
• Careers Services:
• The careers team works with regional, national, and international employers to develop new work placement, project, and graduate opportunities.

2024/25 entry UK fees per year: £14,300 full-time; International fees per year: £28,600 full-time