Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £10,620 for the course
International/EU: £17,725 for the course -
How long will I study?
1 Year
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2025
January 2026
Course summary
- Use your knowledge to implement geographical information systems.
- Gain valuable skills in communication, project management and teamwork.
- Increase your employability by working on live projects in the industry.
Geographical information systems (GIS) are becoming increasingly important to global commerce and policy. On this course we’ll explore the importance of GIS – where the acquisition, management, interpretation and analysis of geographical information is vital. Along the way you’ll gain real-world experience in a range of industrial and academic sectors, giving you the knowledge and skills you need to kickstart your career.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
The course provides a balance of academic and practical content, enabling you to use GIS in real-life, applied scenarios.
In most sessions you will be introduced to a topic in a lecture. This will then be followed by a practical session where you will work through relevant techniques using appropriate software, with focussed tutor support.
You learn through
- tutorials
- work-based placements
- live projects
- lectures
- guest lectures
- a virtual learning platform
- self-directed study
- demonstrations and practical workshops
Course leaders and tutors
Applied learning
Work placements
Through the Professional Project module or the Major Research Project (dissertation) module, we offer opportunities to work with industry. Previously this has included the Environment Agency, South Yorkshire Forest Partnership, Kew Gardens and United Utilities.
Live projects
On the Professional Project module you’ll take on work commissioned by a client organisation. Here you’ll engage with the client – giving you valuable real-world experience and problem-solving skills.
Networking opportunities
Members of the teaching team have extensive professional experience and contacts within the GIS field. These will be used to influence teaching and advise you on employability-based issues in tutorials.
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career as a
- researcher
- statistician
- strategic analyst
- data analyst in a range of fields
- GIS technician
- planner
- environmental modeler within a range of disciplines
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work in
- environmental and ecology fields
- hazard and risk management
- transport
- logistics
- planning departments
- housing
- emergency services
- health authorities
- public health
- education
- research
Equipment and facilities
On this course you work with
- a range of GIS packages
- remote sensing equipment
Entry requirements
All students
A lower second class degree or above in a relevant subject ensures consideration for entry on to the course. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more
Individuals without a suitable degree will be considered where they can demonstrate they meet the applicant entry profile and have worked for two years at a management level using GIS in the workplace, or, have a sufficiently high level of technical ability and responsibility within their role to meet the satisfaction of the admissions tutor.
If English is not your first language you typically need an IELTS 6.0 score with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.
Final year
Compulsory modules
Applied Research Methods
Applying Gis
Gis And Spatial Analysis
Gis And Statistical Modelling
Introduction To Gis
Major Research Project
Elective modules
Comparative International Planning
Ecological Field Survey And Evaluation
Gis And The Environment
Open Source And Online Gis
Professional Practice
Professional Project
Remote Sensing
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £10,620 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2025/26 is £17,725 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
Postgraduate student loans
Up to £12,471 is available in 2024/25 for home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Sheffield Institute of Social Sciences (PDF, 141.3KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
Student success story
"My work helps to lessen the impact of natural disasters."
Jack Lewis, MSc Geographical Information Systems.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Natural and Built Environment Facilities Tour
Take a look around the natural and built environment facilities at Sheffield Hallam University with lecturer Camila Bassi.
