MSc Geographical Information Systems

Postgraduate Entry Requirements:

• Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 55% or equivalent.
• English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
  • IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.
  • TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 91, with at least 17 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 21 in Speaking, and 20 in Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 62 with no individual score below 51.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Students must provide:

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

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 Portsmouth offers a range of scholarships and funding opportunities to support students in their academic journey. These scholarships are aimed at both domestic and international students and are awarded based on various criteria such as academic excellence, financial need, and specific areas of study. 

1. Chancellor's Scholarship: This prestigious scholarship is awarded to exceptional students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. It provides a significant fee reduction for the duration of the student's course.
2. Vice-Chancellor's Global Development Scholarship: This scholarship is available to international students from selected countries who are applying for undergraduate or postgraduate taught courses. It offers a fee reduction of up to £4,000.
3. Country-Specific Scholarships: The university offers scholarships specifically for students from certain countries or regions. These scholarships vary in value and eligibility criteria.
4. Sports Scholarships: The University of Portsmouth recognizes the achievements of talented athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their development and academic success. These scholarships provide financial support, training facilities, and other benefits.
5. Departmental Scholarships: Some academic departments at the University of Portsmouth offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance or have a particular interest in a specific field of study. These scholarships are often subject-specific and may vary in terms of eligibility and value.

Graduates of the MSc Geographical Information Systems program from the University of Portsmouth have promising career prospects.

1. GIS Analyst/Consultant: Graduates can work as GIS analysts or consultants, providing GIS expertise to organizations in sectors such as urban planning, environmental consulting, engineering, and government agencies. They can be involved in spatial data analysis, modeling, and visualization, supporting projects related to infrastructure planning, environmental impact assessment, and location-based decision-making.

2. Geospatial Data Manager: Graduates can pursue careers as geospatial data managers, responsible for organizing, maintaining, and updating GIS databases. They can work for government agencies, research institutions, or companies that rely on accurate and up-to-date spatial data. Graduates can ensure data integrity, develop data management protocols, and implement data sharing initiatives.

3. GIS Specialist in Environmental Management: Graduates can work in environmental management roles, leveraging GIS to address environmental challenges. They can contribute to projects related to natural resource conservation, land use planning, and environmental impact assessment. Graduates can analyze spatial data to identify sensitive areas, model ecological processes, and support sustainable environmental practices.

4. GIS Developer/Programmer: Graduates with programming skills can pursue careers as GIS developers or programmers. They can work on developing GIS applications, customizing GIS software, or creating geospatial web applications. Graduates can be involved in building interactive maps, implementing spatial algorithms, and integrating GIS with other software systems.

5. Research and Academia: Graduates can pursue research positions or academic careers, working in universities, research institutions, or think tanks. They can contribute to advancing GIS technology, conducting research on spatial analysis methods, developing new algorithms, or exploring the application of GIS in emerging fields. Graduates can also teach GIS courses and mentor future GIS professionals.