MSc Geographical Information Systems

Study Mode Full-time
Year of Entry 2024/25
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MSc

Geographical Information Systems

Develop your knowledge of geographical information systems to map, analyse and assess real-world problems.

Everything you need to know...

  • Pound sign

    What is the fee?

    Home: £10,310 for the course
    International/EU: £17,205 for the course

  • Time

    How long will I study?

    1 Year

  • Location

    Where will I study?

    City Campus

  • Date

    When do I start?

    January 2025


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.


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How you learn

Watch lecturer Douglas Fraser talk about Geography and Environment at Sheffield Hallam University.

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

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Niall Gandy
Lecturer in GIS

Niall Gandy

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

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.

Final year

Compulsory modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Applied Research Methods
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Applying Gis
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Gis And Spatial Analysis
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Gis And Statistical Modelling
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Introduction To Gis
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Major Research Project
Credits 45
Assessment Coursework(100%)

Elective modules

Module
Credits
Assessment
Comparative International Planning
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Ecological Field Survey And Evaluation
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Gis And The Environment
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Open Source And Online Gis
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Professional Practice
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Professional Project
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)
Remote Sensing
Credits 15
Assessment Coursework(100%)

Fees and funding

Home students

Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2024/25 is £10,310 for the course.

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 2024/25 is £17,205 for the course.

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Postgraduate student loans

Up to £12,471 is available in 2024/25 for home students on most masters courses.

Learn more

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 Geography courses (PDF, 332.8KB)

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
Jack Lewis MSc GiS

"My work helps to lessen the impact of natural disasters."
Jack Lewis, MSc Geographical Information Systems.

Jack Lewis

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 


City Campus map
Location

Howard Street
Sheffield
S1 1WB

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Adsetts library

Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.

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Learn 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.

 

How do I apply?

You apply for this course via our online application form.

Apply for January 2025

You can also use the application form above to apply for future years of entry.

Not ready to apply just yet?

Why not come to our next open day? Open days are the perfect place to talk to staff and students, visit our campuses and get all the information you need. Alternatively, feel free to ask us a question.

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Why choose us?

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Teaching

We are Gold rated in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) for the outstanding quality of our teaching and student outcomes

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Facilities

Study in brand-new facilities with access to state-of-the-art digital software and laboratory equipment

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Employment

95% of our UK graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating (2021/22 Graduate Outcomes Survey)

Where next?

Find out more about Sheffield Hallam's postgraduate opportunities and community.

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You can chat to teaching and admissions staff, view our facilities and learn more about your funding options.

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Information for international students

Information for international students including entry requirements by country and funding.

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