MSc

Remote Sensing and GIS

Key Facts

Course Code F994

  • Qualification

    MSc

  • Course duration

    1 year

Available for September start 2025

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MSc Remote Sensing and GIS at Aberystwyth University is designed to equip you with cutting-edge skills for the processing and analysis of geographical data.

A key part of this course is to teach you core programming skills (e.g. Python, R and Google Earth Engine) enabling you to carry out ambitious and state-of-the-art analyses. Our focus is on the use of freely available software to process a wide range of data acquired by satellite or airborne (including drone) optical, radar, lidar and thermal sensors.

Building on our world-leading research, you'll learn these skills by applying them to areas such as disease risk, forest biomass and carbon mapping, land cover change and a range of other environmental challenges.

Typical Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements 2:2 Bachelors (Honours) degree in a relevant subject area, or equivalent.  Non-graduates will be considered individually based on relevant work experience.

English Language Requirements IELTS 7.0 with minimum 6.0 in each component, or equivalent

Other Requirements Applicants are encouraged to submit an up-to-date CV as part of their application.

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Course Overview

Why study MSc Remote Sensing and GIS at Aberystwyth University?

  • You'll have the opportunity to contribute to current projects within the world-leading Earth Observation and Ecosystem Dynamics research group, including quantifying global forest carbon stocks, mapping the world’s mangroves, and providing spatial intelligence for the battle against malaria.
  • You'll learn cutting-edge remote sensing and GIS techniques and concepts by applying them to real-world case studies.
  • You'll have access to a dedicated computer laboratory for research in GIS and remote  sensing, which is fully equipped with the latest software platforms.
  • You'll put your skills into practice by collaborating directly with company and academic partners on real-world problems.

About this course

Duration:

One year full-time or two years part-time. The academic year (September to September) is divided into three semesters: September to January; January to June; June to September.

Contact Time:

Approximately 8-10 hours a week in the first two semesters. During semester three you will arrange your level of contact time with your assigned supervisor.

Assessment:

The taught part of the course (Part 1) is delivered and assessed through lectures, student seminars, practical exercises, case studies, course work and formal examinations. The subsequent successful submission of your research dissertation (Part 2) leads to the award of MSc.

Course Fees:

Please see the tuition fee pages for current tuition fees. Please note that all fees are subject to an annual increase.

Funding:

Funding opportunities may be available, please check our funding calculator for details.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

Graduates of this course have secured employment in world-leading  academic and industrial institutes. Our alumni have taken positions with government bodies, private enterprises and leading research establishments, in the UK and internationally. By studying this course, you will become a highly competent contributor to any work relating to climate change, human impacts on terrestrial ecosystems, glaciology, hydrology, forestry, coastal change, carbon cycle science, biodiversity  and environmental consultancy.

Transferrable skills include:

  • Presentation and communication skills 
  • Research and study skills 
  • Field expertise and data collection skills 
  • Critical analysis and evaluation 
  • Academic and practical knowledge 
  • Understanding of scientific processes and advanced technical tools 
  • Confidence with GIS and remote sensing software systems, technologies and programming languages
  • Project management skills. 

Teaching & Learning

How will I learn?

This course can be studied either one year full-time or two years part-time. The academic year is divided into three semesters. When studied full time, in the first two semesters, students will complete the taught part of the course, which is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, practical exercises, fieldwork and a 20 day work placement (agreed in advance between the Department, the work placement partner and the student). 

During the final semester, you will arrange your level of contact time with your assigned dissertation supervisor.

What will I learn?

In the first two semesters you will undertake a number of core modules, worth a total of 120 credits. This includes modules on Remote Sensing Issues and the Fundamentals of Remote Sensing and GIS, alongside modules on Advanced Research Skills, Skills in Remote Sensing, and Work Experience in Geographical Information Systems/Remote Sensing.

In the third semester, students will undertake the independent research component of the course, and will complete a 60 credit Research Dissertation in Geographical Information Systems/Remote Sensing.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment during the first two semesters is varied and consists of a combination of essays, practical-based examinations, written examinations and reports. The work experience module is assessed via a presentation, a report and a report from the employer.  Successful submission of the master’s dissertation in semester 3 leads to the award of an MSc.