Everything you need to know...
International/EU: £14,460 for the course
January 2022
Course summary
- Develop your capability to use, apply and understand geographical information systems.
- Gain transferable skills such as communication skills, project management, and teamwork.
- Increase your employability by working on live projects in the industry.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is becoming increasingly important, both nationally and internationally, in the wide range of professions where acquisition, management, interpretation and analysis of geographical information is of use. Through this applied course, you will be well placed to work in a range of industry and academic sectors.

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How you learn
Work placements
Through the Professional Project module or the Major Research Project (dissertation) module, we offer opportunities to work with industry, which in the past has included organisations such as the Environment Agency, South Yorkshire Forest Partnership, Kew Gardens and United Utilities.
During the Professional Project module you have the opportunity to undertake a piece of work commissioned by a client organisation and this involves you engaging with the clients in their workplace, with different levels of contact depending on the nature of the project. In electing for this module, you will gain relevant work experience and real world problem-solving skills.
Networking opportunities
Members of the teaching team have extensive professional experience and contacts within the GIS field. This will be used to influence teaching, and also to advise you on employability-based issues in tutorials.
Course leaders and tutors

Dr Rebecca Sharpe
Lecturer in Geographical Information SystemsDr Sharpe joined Sheffield Hallam University as a Lecturer in 2014 continuing her research and teaching Data Analysis and Environmental Geography.
Applied learning
This course provides a balance of academic and practical content, giving you experience of using GIS in real life applied scenarios.
You learn through
- tutorials
- work based placements
- live projects
- lectures
- guest lectures
- a virtual learning platform
- self-directed study
- demonstrations and practical workshops
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career as a
- researcher
- statistician
- strategic analyst
- data analyst in a range of fields
- GIS technician
- planner
- environmental modeler within a range of disciplines
Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work in
- environmental and ecology fields
- hazard and risk management
- transport
- logistics
- planning departments
- housing
- emergency services
- health authorities
- public health
- education
- research
Student success story

"My work helps to lessen the impact of natural disasters."
Jack Lewis, MSc Geographical Information Systems.
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of online lessons and face-to-face teaching with access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | Campus facilities | Keeping safe on Campus

Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreEquipment and facilities
On this course you work with
- a range of GIS packages
- remote sensing equipment
Entry requirements
All students
A lower second class degree or above in a relevant subject ensures consideration for entry on to the course. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more
Individuals without a suitable degree will be considered where they can demonstrate they meet the applicant entry profile and have worked for two years at a management level using GIS in the workplace, or, have a sufficiently high level of technical ability and responsibility within their role to meet the satisfaction of the admissions tutor.
If English is not your first language you typically need an IELTS 6.0 score with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page. You can also watch a video guide on how to apply.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Modules
Module and assessment information for future years is displayed as currently validated and may be liable to change. When selecting electives, your choices will be subject to the core requirements of the course. As a result, selections may be limited to a choice between one of two or more specified electives in some instances.
Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Applied Research Methods | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Applied Research Methods | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Applying Gis | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Gis And Spatial Analysis | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Gis And Statistical Modelling | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Introduction To Gis | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Major Research Project | Credits: 45 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module | Credits | Assessment |
---|---|---|
Module: Comparative International Planning | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Ecological Field Survey And Evaluation | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Gis And The Environment | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Network Analysis And Transport Modelling | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Professional Project | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Module: Remote Sensing | Credits: 15 |
Assessment:
Coursework |
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2021/22 is £8,490 for the course.
† If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2021/22 is £14,460 for the course.

Postgraduate student loans
Up to £11,222 available for Home students on most masters courses.
Additional course costs
This link allows you to view estimated costs associated with the main activities on specific courses. These are estimates and, as such, are only an indication of additional course costs. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
Additional costs for Geography and environment courses (PDF)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
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