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.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Booker Ogutu.
Learn more about this subject area
When you start the geography course they tell you ‘you're the people who are going to make a difference, you can be at the forefront of all this'. It's a scary prospect but it’s always made me want to do the best I can.
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.
Entry requirements
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in one of these subjects:
- geography
- physics
- geomatics
- environmental science
- ecology
- biology
- geology
- engineering
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
- 6.5
- writing
- 6.5
- speaking
- 6.5
- listening
- 6.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Pre-masters
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
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
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules :
Academic and Technical Skills Development
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...
Core Skills in GIS
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...
Practical Skills in Remote Sensing
The emphasis is on processing and application of data collected in the optical regions of the electromagnetic spectrum using passive sensors.
Research Project
Students will conduct a sustained research-based task, culminating in the production of a substantive academic dissertation
Research Skills and Project Work
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 :
GIS for Analysis of Health
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...
GIS for Environmental Management and Consultancy
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...
Image Analysis and Data Visualisation using the Interactive Data Language
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...
Programming for GIS and Spatial Analyses
Remote Sensing for Earth Observation
The module will look at the basic theory and practical application of remote sensing for monitoring the terrestrial environment.
Topographic Data Analysis Techniques and Applications
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 and employability
Employability skills
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Self-management
- Confidence
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem solving
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
Environmental Consultancy,
Environmental public bodies,
government research institutes,
Local Councils,
Academic.
- GIS developer
- Geospatial analyst
- Catastrophe modeller
- Environmental epidemiology researcher
- Remote sensing analyst
- Researcher
- Environmental consultant
- Natural resource manager
- Data analyst
- Technical consultant
- Application engineer
- Urban planner
- Market planning analyst
- Public health analyst
- GIS consultant
- GIS analyst
- Data analyst
- Geospatial analyst
- Technical consultant
- Application engineer
- Catastrophe modeller
- Environmental epidemiology researcher
- Remote sensing analyst
- Researcher
Job prospects for MSc Applied Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing graduates
*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £30,300.
Deposit
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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 funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
- Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal. .
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
- Submit your application.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
Application deadlines
UK students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
International students
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. 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, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. 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 submit two references, one academic reference and one academic or professional reference.
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.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
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
