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Geographical Information Systems (Work Experience) at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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Course summary

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information. Course Summary

  • Gain advanced skills in implementing Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
  • Apply GIS to map and analyse real-world problems.
  • Develop your ability to communicate complex concepts to a range of audiences.
  • Increase your employability skills by working on live projects in the industry.
Geographical Information Systems are increasingly important for understanding our changing planet. On this course you’ll develop cutting-edge skills while exploring the power of GIS – for both analysing and communicating spatial data. Along the way you’ll gain real-world experience in a range of industrial and academic sectors, giving you the knowledge and skills you need to kickstart your career. How You Learn The course provides a balance of academic and practical content, enabling you to apply GIS to real-life scenarios. You’ll be taught by staff with a range of academic and industry experience, who apply their GIS skills to produce world-leading research. We’ll challenge you to use GIS to understand our changing world, to find solutions, and to communicate with different audiences. Most sessions are taught through interactive practical exercises, with support provided by a tutor. You’ll also have short lectures and opportunities for group discussion and collaboration. You learn through:
  • Interactive practical exercises
  • Engagement with external professional collaborators
  • Tutorials
  • Work-based placements
  • Live projects
  • Lectures
  • Guest lectures
  • A virtual learning platform
  • Self-directed study
Applied learning Work placements You’ll have the opportunity to source a work placement for up to 12 months, where you’ll apply academic theory and your skills in a real-world setting. This hands-on experience will enhance your professional development and help you to make informed career choices after graduation. Throughout your placement, you’ll be supported to reflect on your experience and contribution to the organisation you work for. You'll also share your progress and achievements with your Placement Academic Supervisor as part of your final assessment. Work placements are competitive and will require you to make formal applications to employers and be successful in securing an opportunity. The application process for placements takes place while you are a student with us. To support you in applying for placements, you’ll complete an additional placement preparation program that introduces you to the UK employment landscape and prepares you for the recruitment and assessment activities you will experience during that process. We also maintain a large database of placement offers that you can search to find opportunities most relevant to your course that you can apply for. Live projects Through the GIS Professional module or your independent project, we offer opportunities to work with industry and bodies like the British Cartographic Society. Previously this has included the Environment Agency, South Yorkshire Forest Partnership, Kew Gardens and United Utilities. On the GIS Professional module you’ll take on work commissioned by a client organisation. Here you’ll engage with the client – giving you valuable real-world experience and problem-solving skills. Previous students have worked on projects such as analysing the Manchester bus network, conducting detailed geological mapping, and identifying new sites for local businesses. Field trips The course includes site visits with employers who have won awards for their innovative use of GIS. Networking opportunities We’ll prepare you to attend and network at a large GIS conference. Members of the teaching team also have extensive professional experience and contacts within the GIS field. These will influence teaching and advise you on employability-based issues in tutorials.

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. You will be able to complete a placement year as part of this course. See the modules table below for further information. Year 1 Compulsory Modules Advances In Gis | Coursework (100%) Gis Professional | Coursework (100%) Monitoring Change With Gis | Coursework (100%) Postgraduate Work Experience Applied Professional Diploma Spatial And Environmental Skills | Coursework (100%) Final Year Compulsory Modules Independent Project | Coursework (100%)

Assessment method

Coursework

Entry requirements

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: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/how-to-apply/recognise-prior-learning). 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.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6An 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.

Please click the following link to find out more about English language requirements for this course

https://www.shu.ac.uk/courses/geography-and-environment/msc-geographical-information-systems-work-experience/full-time/

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Our postgraduate fees vary depending on course, level and mode of study. Each postgraduate course page tells you how much the tuition fees are, and what additional costs you might have to budget for during your studies. Please refer to our website for up-to-date information on costs and fees for both full-time and part-time postgraduate study options.

Sponsorship information

Scholarships, discounts and bursaries may be available to students who study this course.

Geographical Information Systems (Work Experience) at Sheffield Hallam University - UCAS