About the programme
There is no better GIS programme in the world
Professor Bob Barr, OBE
Chairman, Manchester Geomatics
The Masters Geographical Information Science (GIS) programmes are top world-class degrees, offering students the chance to gain critical theory, develop strong practical skills and undertake supervised independent research, all under the guidance of internationally recognised staff.
The programme is housed within a School which has demonstrated "world-leading" and "internationally excellent" research (RAE 2008).
Within each of our programmes, you are able to tailor courses around your particular interests and have the flexibility to incorporate a wide range of option courses. Students also undertake detailed independent research which is supported by expert supervision. Many of the MSc research projects are published in academic or professional journals.
Programme objectives
We attract students from a wide variety of backgrounds, including recent graduates from archaeology and those with backgrounds in geography and environmental sciences, as well as employees from industrial companies and research organisations looking to gain essential skills and experience.
The programme aims to provide an intensive educational opportunity designed to equip students for either a career in Archaeology, the Geographical Information industry or for further research.
The programmes combines geographic information science and archaeological theory with the development of strong practical skills in GIS and archaeological survey and includes both taught and research elements. The MSc programme duration is one year (full time). Part time options (2/3 years) will soon become available.
There are three GIS programme streams which you can select from, depending on your existing skills, interests and future ambitions:
MSc GIS & Archaeology taught degree
This programme is tailored to students who wish to pursue a career in archaeology but with a strong interest in using and applying GIS technologies. The programme gives students the ideal background to work in this growing field.
MSc GIS taught degree
This programme is tailored to students who have their eye on the job market, with core courses that reflect the needs of industry and provide our students with a marketable edge.
MSc GIS research degree
This programme supports students wanting to pursue more in-depth research and gives students the flexibility to take courses in other disciplines and spend more time developing their research.
Why Edinburgh?
The Edinburgh GIS programme has a number of unique and desirable features:
- Extensive experience as the first programme of its type in the world, established in 1985
- Proven track-record of graduate employment
- Strong links with industry through close staff contacts with individual companies, local and national government (including the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS)) and Historic Scotland, together with the Association for Geographic Information and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
- Unique professional GIS seminar series, run jointly with the Edinburgh Earth Observatory and AGI-Scotland, and Archaeology seminar series - a forum for the exchange of ideas and the promotion of new research and debate
- Extensive graduate network, with hundreds of graduates working in key positions worldwide
- Annual graduate conference - GIS Update
- Critical mass of highly committed staff
- The enjoyment of studying in a University established in 1583, located in the centre of one of the most spectacular cities in the World, with its annual international festival.
- Lynne McGillivray
- Programme Secretary
- 2.11 Geography Building
- Drummond Street
- Edinburgh
- EH8 9XP
- Work: +44 (0) 131 650 2543
This article was published on Apr 18, 2012