MSc Geographical Information Science

Postgraduate entry requirements:

1. Academic Qualifications: Prospective postgraduate applicants to the University of Edinburgh are typically required to have achieved a minimum academic qualification of approximately 60%, based on their previous academic achievements and qualifications.  

2. English Language Proficiency:  

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Minimum overall score of 7.0, with at least 6.0 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

   • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Minimum score of 100 on the internet-based test (iBT), with at least 20 in each component (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing).

   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): Minimum overall score of 70, with at least 59 in each component (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing).

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.

It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.

The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs. These scholarships aim to promote diversity, academic excellence, and global engagement. 

Global Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh offers Global Scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards tuition fees and living expenses, enabling talented students from around the world to access quality education at Edinburgh.

Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships: International postgraduate students pursuing research-based programs (Ph.D., MSc by Research) can apply for Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships. These scholarships provide full or partial funding for tuition fees and living expenses during the research program.

School-specific Scholarships: Some academic schools and departments within the university offer scholarships targeting international students in specific disciplines or programs. These scholarships may be merit-based or need-based and vary in terms of eligibility criteria and funding amounts.

Commonwealth Scholarships: The University of Edinburgh participates in various Commonwealth scholarship schemes, providing opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships are funded by the UK government and other organizations.

External Funding Sources: International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, such as government scholarships, private organizations, and international foundations, to support their studies at the University of Edinburgh.

It is important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.

Graduates of the MSc Geographical Information Science (GISc) program at the University of Edinburgh are well-positioned for diverse and rewarding career opportunities in fields that require spatial data analysis, mapping, and geospatial technology expertise. With their specialized knowledge and practical skills in GISc, graduates can pursue careers in various sectors, including environmental management, urban planning, transportation, public health, natural resource management, and business analytics.

1. GIS Analyst/Consultant: Graduates may work as GIS analysts or consultants for government agencies, consulting firms, environmental organizations, and private companies. They use GIS software and spatial analysis techniques to analyze geographic data, create maps and visualizations, and solve spatial problems. Roles may involve environmental impact assessment, land use planning, transportation routing, or market analysis, depending on the sector and industry.

2. Urban Planner/Transportation Planner: Urban and transportation planners use GISc tools and techniques to analyze spatial patterns, assess land use suitability, and plan infrastructure projects. Graduates may work for local governments, urban planning agencies, or engineering firms, contributing to the development of sustainable and resilient cities. They may specialize in areas such as transit planning, traffic management, or smart city initiatives, leveraging GISc technology to improve urban mobility and accessibility.

3. Environmental Scientist/Natural Resource Manager: Environmental scientists and natural resource managers use GISc to assess environmental conditions, monitor natural resources, and manage conservation projects. Graduates may work for environmental agencies, conservation organizations, or research institutions, conducting spatial analysis of ecological data, habitat mapping, and biodiversity assessment. They may also be involved in land use planning, watershed management, or climate change adaptation initiatives.

4. Public Health Analyst/Epidemiologist: In the field of public health, GISc plays a crucial role in disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and health planning. Graduates may work for public health agencies, healthcare organizations, or research institutes, analyzing spatial patterns of disease occurrence, identifying high-risk areas, and designing targeted intervention strategies. They may also conduct spatial epidemiological research to understand the spatial determinants of health outcomes and disparities.

5. Data Scientist/Business Analyst: With the increasing importance of spatial data in business decision-making, graduates may pursue careers as data scientists or business analysts in various industries. They may work for technology companies, retail chains, or financial institutions, using GISc tools and spatial analysis techniques to analyze consumer behavior, optimize supply chains, or identify market opportunities. They may also develop geospatial applications and dashboards to visualize and communicate spatial insights to stakeholders.