12 monthsProgramme duration
18 Aug, 2027Application Deadline
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Computer Science and Information Systems
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Master's
Study Mode
On Campus
Course summary
How can satellites, spatial data and AI help us understand a changing planet? And how can you turn complex geographical information into evidence that helps solve real-world problems?
If you want to develop specialist skills in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing and geospatial data science, this MSc is for you.
At Southampton, you’ll learn how geospatial technologies capture, analyse and visualise information about our environment. Build strong foundations in GIS and Remote Sensing before developing the programming and data science skills to investigate increasingly complex spatial problems.
You don’t need previous programming experience. You’ll learn to use Python to automate geospatial workflows and explore techniques including artificial intelligence and machine learning for spatial data analysis.
Then put these skills to work on challenges that matter. Southampton researchers use geospatial science to investigate areas including climate change, health geographies, disaster management, wildfire monitoring and the global carbon cycle, bringing current research questions into your learning.
You’ll learn through practical classes, lectures, tutorials and project work, building experience with the tools and approaches used to understand environmental and societal change.
We are in the top 10 in the UK for Geography and Environmental Sciences (Times and Sunday Times 2026). Find your place in a field where geography, technology and data come together to help us see the world differently – and make better decisions about its future.
Key features of this course
**Turn spatial data into insight.** Develop practical expertise in GIS and Remote Sensing, learning how geospatial technologies can capture, analyse and interpret information about the world around us.
**Build your programming skills from the ground up.** Learn to use Python for geospatial data science, with no previous programming experience required.
**Explore AI and machine learning.** Develop experience of applying contemporary data science techniques to geospatial information, connecting geography with rapidly evolving computational approaches.
**Use Earth Observation to tackle real problems.** Explore how satellite and other remotely sensed data can help investigate environmental and societal challenges, from climate change and wildfire to health and disaster management.
**Learn from active geospatial researchers.** Your learning is informed by research across Southampton’s geospatial community, including WorldPop, Southampton Geospatial and the Geodata Institute.
**Take on your own research challenge.** Complete an independent research project on a contemporary geospatial question, with the opportunity to collaborate with an industry or research organisation on a real brief.
Your future career
Geospatial information is increasingly used to understand everything from environmental change and public health to infrastructure, planning and sustainability.
You’ll graduate with practical skills across GIS, Remote Sensing, programming and geospatial data science, alongside experience in research, critical thinking and problem-solving.
These skills can prepare you for careers in Geospatial Data Science, Earth Observation, GIS consultancy and development, public policy and environmental management.
Your independent research project will also strengthen your ability to investigate complex questions and apply geospatial techniques to practical problems, supporting careers in consultancy and research as well as progression to PhD study.
Wherever your career takes you, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to work with spatial data, find patterns in complex information and use geospatial technology to understand and respond to real-world challenges.
Further information
This is a one-year, full-time MSc based at Highfield Campus.
Core study includes Academic and Research Skills, Core Skills in GIS, Fundamentals of Remote Sensing, Programming for Geospatial Data Science and a Research Project.
Optional study can include areas such as Earth Observation for Environment and Society, Active Remote Sensing, GIS for Analysis of Health, GIS for Environmental Management and Consultancy, and Machine Learning for Geospatial Data Science.
During the final 4 months, you’ll work independently on your research project with one-to-one supervision. You may choose to undertake your project with a partner organisation.
The course is open to graduates from subjects including geography, physics, geomatics, environmental science, ecology, biology, geology and engineering. The typical offer is a 2:2 degree.
How can satellites, spatial data and AI help us understand a changing planet? And how can you turn complex geographical information into evidence that helps solve real-world problems?
If you want to develop specialist skills in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing and geospatial data science, this MSc is for you.
At Southampton, you’ll learn how geospatial technologies capture, analyse and visualise information about our environment. Build strong foundations in GIS and Remote Sensing before developing the programming and data science skills to investigate increasingly complex spatial problems.
You don’t need previous programming experience. You’ll learn to use Python to automate geospatial workflows and explore techniques including artificial intelligence and machine learning for spatial data analysis.
Then put these skills to work on challenges that matter. Southampton researchers use geospatial science to investigate areas including climate change, health geographies, disaster management, wildfire monitoring and the global carbon cycle, bringing current research questions into your learning.
You’ll learn through practical classes, lectures, tutorials and project work, building experience with the tools and approaches used to understand environmental and societal change.
We are in the top 10 in the UK for Geography and Environmental Sciences (Times and Sunday Times 2026). Find your place in a field where geography, technology and data come together to help us see the world differently – and make better decisions about its future.
Key features of this course
**Turn spatial data into insight.** Develop practical expertise in GIS and Remote Sensing, learning how geospatial technologies can capture, analyse and interpret information about the world around us.
**Build your programming skills from the ground up.** Learn to use Python for geospatial data science, with no previous programming experience required.
**Explore AI and machine learning.** Develop experience of applying contemporary data science techniques to geospatial information, connecting geography with rapidly evolving computational approaches.
**Use Earth Observation to tackle real problems.** Explore how satellite and other remotely sensed data can help investigate environmental and societal challenges, from climate change and wildfire to health and disaster management.
**Learn from active geospatial researchers.** Your learning is informed by research across Southampton’s geospatial community, including WorldPop, Southampton Geospatial and the Geodata Institute.
**Take on your own research challenge.** Complete an independent research project on a contemporary geospatial question, with the opportunity to collaborate with an industry or research organisation on a real brief.
Your future career
Geospatial information is increasingly used to understand everything from environmental change and public health to infrastructure, planning and sustainability.
You’ll graduate with practical skills across GIS, Remote Sensing, programming and geospatial data science, alongside experience in research, critical thinking and problem-solving.
These skills can prepare you for careers in Geospatial Data Science, Earth Observation, GIS consultancy and development, public policy and environmental management.
Your independent research project will also strengthen your ability to investigate complex questions and apply geospatial techniques to practical problems, supporting careers in consultancy and research as well as progression to PhD study.
Wherever your career takes you, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to work with spatial data, find patterns in complex information and use geospatial technology to understand and respond to real-world challenges.
Further information
This is a one-year, full-time MSc based at Highfield Campus.
Core study includes Academic and Research Skills, Core Skills in GIS, Fundamentals of Remote Sensing, Programming for Geospatial Data Science and a Research Project.
Optional study can include areas such as Earth Observation for Environment and Society, Active Remote Sensing, GIS for Analysis of Health, GIS for Environmental Management and Consultancy, and Machine Learning for Geospatial Data Science.
During the final 4 months, you’ll work independently on your research project with one-to-one supervision. You may choose to undertake your project with a partner organisation.
The course is open to graduates from subjects including geography, physics, geomatics, environmental science, ecology, biology, geology and engineering. The typical offer is a 2:2 degree.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Computer Science and Information Systems
Degree
MSc
Study Level
Master's
Study Mode
On Campus
Course summary
How can satellites, spatial data and AI help us understand a changing planet? And how can you turn complex geographical information into evidence that helps solve real-world problems?
If you want to develop specialist skills in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing and geospatial data science, this MSc is for you.
At Southampton, you’ll learn how geospatial technologies capture, analyse and visualise information about our environment. Build strong foundations in GIS and Remote Sensing before developing the programming and data science skills to investigate increasingly complex spatial problems.
You don’t need previous programming experience. You’ll learn to use Python to automate geospatial workflows and explore techniques including artificial intelligence and machine learning for spatial data analysis.
Then put these skills to work on challenges that matter. Southampton researchers use geospatial science to investigate areas including climate change, health geographies, disaster management, wildfire monitoring and the global carbon cycle, bringing current research questions into your learning.
You’ll learn through practical classes, lectures, tutorials and project work, building experience with the tools and approaches used to understand environmental and societal change.
We are in the top 10 in the UK for Geography and Environmental Sciences (Times and Sunday Times 2026). Find your place in a field where geography, technology and data come together to help us see the world differently – and make better decisions about its future.
Key features of this course
**Turn spatial data into insight.** Develop practical expertise in GIS and Remote Sensing, learning how geospatial technologies can capture, analyse and interpret information about the world around us.
**Build your programming skills from the ground up.** Learn to use Python for geospatial data science, with no previous programming experience required.
**Explore AI and machine learning.** Develop experience of applying contemporary data science techniques to geospatial information, connecting geography with rapidly evolving computational approaches.
**Use Earth Observation to tackle real problems.** Explore how satellite and other remotely sensed data can help investigate environmental and societal challenges, from climate change and wildfire to health and disaster management.
**Learn from active geospatial researchers.** Your learning is informed by research across Southampton’s geospatial community, including WorldPop, Southampton Geospatial and the Geodata Institute.
**Take on your own research challenge.** Complete an independent research project on a contemporary geospatial question, with the opportunity to collaborate with an industry or research organisation on a real brief.
Your future career
Geospatial information is increasingly used to understand everything from environmental change and public health to infrastructure, planning and sustainability.
You’ll graduate with practical skills across GIS, Remote Sensing, programming and geospatial data science, alongside experience in research, critical thinking and problem-solving.
These skills can prepare you for careers in Geospatial Data Science, Earth Observation, GIS consultancy and development, public policy and environmental management.
Your independent research project will also strengthen your ability to investigate complex questions and apply geospatial techniques to practical problems, supporting careers in consultancy and research as well as progression to PhD study.
Wherever your career takes you, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to work with spatial data, find patterns in complex information and use geospatial technology to understand and respond to real-world challenges.
Further information
This is a one-year, full-time MSc based at Highfield Campus.
Core study includes Academic and Research Skills, Core Skills in GIS, Fundamentals of Remote Sensing, Programming for Geospatial Data Science and a Research Project.
Optional study can include areas such as Earth Observation for Environment and Society, Active Remote Sensing, GIS for Analysis of Health, GIS for Environmental Management and Consultancy, and Machine Learning for Geospatial Data Science.
During the final 4 months, you’ll work independently on your research project with one-to-one supervision. You may choose to undertake your project with a partner organisation.
The course is open to graduates from subjects including geography, physics, geomatics, environmental science, ecology, biology, geology and engineering. The typical offer is a 2:2 degree.
How can satellites, spatial data and AI help us understand a changing planet? And how can you turn complex geographical information into evidence that helps solve real-world problems?
If you want to develop specialist skills in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Remote Sensing and geospatial data science, this MSc is for you.
At Southampton, you’ll learn how geospatial technologies capture, analyse and visualise information about our environment. Build strong foundations in GIS and Remote Sensing before developing the programming and data science skills to investigate increasingly complex spatial problems.
You don’t need previous programming experience. You’ll learn to use Python to automate geospatial workflows and explore techniques including artificial intelligence and machine learning for spatial data analysis.
Then put these skills to work on challenges that matter. Southampton researchers use geospatial science to investigate areas including climate change, health geographies, disaster management, wildfire monitoring and the global carbon cycle, bringing current research questions into your learning.
You’ll learn through practical classes, lectures, tutorials and project work, building experience with the tools and approaches used to understand environmental and societal change.
We are in the top 10 in the UK for Geography and Environmental Sciences (Times and Sunday Times 2026). Find your place in a field where geography, technology and data come together to help us see the world differently – and make better decisions about its future.
Key features of this course
**Turn spatial data into insight.** Develop practical expertise in GIS and Remote Sensing, learning how geospatial technologies can capture, analyse and interpret information about the world around us.
**Build your programming skills from the ground up.** Learn to use Python for geospatial data science, with no previous programming experience required.
**Explore AI and machine learning.** Develop experience of applying contemporary data science techniques to geospatial information, connecting geography with rapidly evolving computational approaches.
**Use Earth Observation to tackle real problems.** Explore how satellite and other remotely sensed data can help investigate environmental and societal challenges, from climate change and wildfire to health and disaster management.
**Learn from active geospatial researchers.** Your learning is informed by research across Southampton’s geospatial community, including WorldPop, Southampton Geospatial and the Geodata Institute.
**Take on your own research challenge.** Complete an independent research project on a contemporary geospatial question, with the opportunity to collaborate with an industry or research organisation on a real brief.
Your future career
Geospatial information is increasingly used to understand everything from environmental change and public health to infrastructure, planning and sustainability.
You’ll graduate with practical skills across GIS, Remote Sensing, programming and geospatial data science, alongside experience in research, critical thinking and problem-solving.
These skills can prepare you for careers in Geospatial Data Science, Earth Observation, GIS consultancy and development, public policy and environmental management.
Your independent research project will also strengthen your ability to investigate complex questions and apply geospatial techniques to practical problems, supporting careers in consultancy and research as well as progression to PhD study.
Wherever your career takes you, you’ll leave Southampton better equipped to work with spatial data, find patterns in complex information and use geospatial technology to understand and respond to real-world challenges.
Further information
This is a one-year, full-time MSc based at Highfield Campus.
Core study includes Academic and Research Skills, Core Skills in GIS, Fundamentals of Remote Sensing, Programming for Geospatial Data Science and a Research Project.
Optional study can include areas such as Earth Observation for Environment and Society, Active Remote Sensing, GIS for Analysis of Health, GIS for Environmental Management and Consultancy, and Machine Learning for Geospatial Data Science.
During the final 4 months, you’ll work independently on your research project with one-to-one supervision. You may choose to undertake your project with a partner organisation.
The course is open to graduates from subjects including geography, physics, geomatics, environmental science, ecology, biology, geology and engineering. The typical offer is a 2:2 degree.
Admission Requirements
120+
92+
3.2+
67+
176+
6.5+
You'll need a 2.2 degree in geography, physics, geomatics, Environmental science, ecology, biology, geology, engineering. Other subjects can be considered on a case by case basis providing there is work experience.
18 Aug 2027
1 Year
Sep
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
By Sabrina Collier
Updated Aug 27, 2026
1.0M
2256
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
By Staff Writer
Updated Aug 21, 2024
518.5K
791
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your questions about scholarship applications, including tips on how to find scholarships and chances of success.
By Laura Tucker
Updated Aug 14, 2021
230.1K
338
More programmes from the university
Postgrad Programmes
567
Get closer to your dream programme
Your consent preferences have been set.
Time to start exploring.
Your account has been removed.
You can still browse the site or sign up again once you have parental consent.
Get closer to your dream programme