Geospatial Analysis

There is ever-growing national and international demand for qualified professionals and scientists who have expertise in one or more domains of social and environmental modelling and GIS-based spatial analysis and decision support. The UCL's Geospatial Analysis MSc provides rigorous scientific and vocational training for the next generation of scientific modelling and decision-support professionals.

The programme combines a rigorous treatment of underlying theory for, and methods of implementing and exploiting, spatial analysis and decision support. Optional courses provide the opportunity to develop expertise in modelling and analysis in one or more areas of social and environmental science with social and policy dimensions.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four core modules (60 credits), four optional modules (60 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months, part-time two years) is offered.

A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, full-time 12 weeks, part-time one year) is offered.

Core modules

• GIS Principles and Technology
• Mapping Science
• Principles of Spatial Analysis
• Representation, Structures and Algorithms

Optional modules

• Airborne Data Acquisition
• Climate Modelling
• Geodemographics and Population Geography
• GIS Design
• Network and Locational Analysis
• Spatial Decision Support Systems
• Spatio-temporal Analysis and Data Mining
• Surface Water Modelling
• Terrestrial Carbon: Modelling and Monitoring
• Web and Mobile GIS

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of approximately 12,000 words and a poster presentation.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory and computer-based practical classes. Assessment is through independent project work, practical-based and written coursework, and the dissertation.

Normally a minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.