Geographical Information Science (GIS)

The University of Edinburgh Rank #720

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Tuition GBP 23,700 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 10,800 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students

Degree MSc

Duration 12 months

Deadline 05 August 2026

Delivery On-campus

Location Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Language English

Program Overview

The Geographical Information Science (GIS) at The University of Edinburgh is a MSc programme in Computer Science & IT over 12 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.

Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of computer science & it. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.

Graduates of the Geographical Information Science (GIS) programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.

Key Program Features

Duration: 12 months
Language of instruction: English
Study mode: On-campus
English requirement: IELTS 7
Tuition: GBP 23,700 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 10,800 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Geographical Information Science (GIS) programme are prepared for diverse careers in computer science & it:

Software Engineer / Developer
Data Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
IT Project Manager
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cloud Solutions Architect

Program Curriculum

Course Structure

Introduction To Spatial Analysis
Spatial Modelling
Research Practice and Project Planning
Distributed GIS
GeoVisualisation
Dissertation
Atmospheric Quality and Global Change
Fundamentals for Remote Sensing
Object Oriented Software Engineering Principles
Object Orientated Software Engineering: Spatial Algorithms
Principles of GIS
Principles of GIS for Archaeologists
Principles of Environmental Sustainability
Sustainable Energy Technologies
Marine Systems and Policies
Technologies for Sustainable Energy
Introduction to 3D Climate Modelling
Geology for Earth Resources
Encountering Cities
Soil Protection and Management
Understanding Environment and Development
Advanced Spatial Database Methods
Data Integration and Exchange
Data Mining and Exploration
Environmental Impact Assessment
Forests and Environment
Further Spatial Analysis
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing
ICT for Development
Integrated Resource Planning
Introduction to Radar Remote Sensing
Land Use/Environmental Interactions
Querying and Storing XML
Water Resource Management
Participation in Policy and Planning
Introduction to Environmental Modelling
Management of Sustainable Development
GIS and Society
Communicable Disease Control and Environmental Health
Political Ecology
Epidemiology for Public Health

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

You need the following GPA score:

Required score: Upper Second Class

Applicants for graduate programs must have the equivalent of a bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree with a minimum GPA equivalent to Upper Second Class on the UK Honour scale. Admitted applicants typically have an undergraduate GPA of or better on the UK Honour scale. No exam grade should be lower than 4.5 (European grade scale) or D (American grade scale).

Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated using the grades that you received in each course, and is determined by the points assigned to each grade (e.g. for the US grading scale from A-F).

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent.

We may also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with relevant industry experience.

English language requirements

All applicants must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of their English language ability:

an undergraduate or masters degree, that was taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country as defined by UK Visas and Immigration
IELTS\xc2\xa0Academic: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)
TOEFL-iBT: total 100 (at least 20 in each module)
PTE(A): total 67 (at least 56 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections; the "Enabling Skills" sections are not considered)
CAE\xc2\xa0and\xc2\xa0CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
Trinity\xc2\xa0ISE:\xc2\xa0ISE\xc2\xa0III with a pass in all four components

Degrees taught and assessed in English must be no more than two and a half years old at the beginning of your degree programme. Language tests must be no more than two years old at the beginning of your degree programme.

English Proficiency: IELTS 7 or equivalent.

Tuition & Financial Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 23,700 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 10,800 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students

Tuition fees: GBP 23,700 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 10,800 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students

IELTS requirement: 7

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Contact The University of Edinburgh directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.

About The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

University of Edinburgh (Universitas Academica Edinburgensis) is a historic and globally respected public research university in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, founded in 1583, making it one of the...

University Profile

Application Information

Application Deadline 05 August 2026
Start Date 2017-09-11
Language English
Duration 12 months