Geospatial Artificial Intelligence MSc

Overview

The Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (Geo-AI) MSc combines geospatial engineering with AI, big data science, and digital technologies. You'll be equipped with in-demand skills that are highly valued by employers worldwide.

This master’s programme combines geography, sustainability, and cutting-edge geospatial engineering with artificial intelligence (AI) and big data science. We will equip you with industry-standard skills and prepare you for a wide range of careers. Geo-AI engineers develop tools and technologies ranging from satellite positioning and earth observation to advanced Geographic Information System modelling and visualisation.

You'll gain skills in:

• geospatial science and engineering
• AI
• big data

The course is ideal for students from scientific backgrounds, including geography, environmental science and earth science. It's also well suited for those looking to improve their geospatial engineering expertise for today’s big data-driven workplace.

This course provides you with the location-based skills required to solve problems by linking different data sets together. This will help you harness data to understand the natural and built environment around us.

You’ll graduate with advanced skills in digital technologies and geospatial analysis. You'll be equipped to apply AI to real-world challenges and drive future environmental and spatial decisions.

There are several scholarships and bursary options available for this course, please see 'Search for funding' in the Fees and Funding section.

You’ll benefit from Newcastle’s leading research in:

• satellite positioning
• photogrammetric computer vision
• spatial modelling
• sustainable land-use planning

By covering all major geospatial disciplines, the programme provides a balanced learning experience, rooted in both theory and practical application.

 

Quality and ranking

Professional accreditation review and recognition of professional qualifications in Europe

Professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by professional bodies to ensure they meet the latest industry practices and regulatory standards. This keeps your degree rigorous, relevant, and highly valued by employers, providing a clear pathway into your chosen career.

If you are studying an accredited degree and considering a career in Europe after graduation, it is important to stay informed about international standards. The best resource for current information is the UK Government's guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states.

This official resource provides essential details on:

• whether your profession is regulated in another country.
• the specific steps you need to take to practice abroad.
• which organisations you should contact to begin the process.

What you'll learn

• Advanced Geo-AI skills

Develop advanced skills in geospatial science, AI and data analysis. You'll use digital technologies to understand environmental and spatial challenges.

• Practical digital experience

Build practical experience in coding, GIS, spatial modelling, earth observation and data processing. You’ll also strengthen your project management, communication and problem-solving skills.

• Responsible AI and data use

Explore the ethical and professional issues linked to AI, machine learning and location data. Learn how to use Geo-AI responsibly across different industries.

• Research and industry collaboration

Learn from leading researchers in satellite positioning, spatial modelling and sustainable land-use planning. You'll work on industry projects and research-led learning to prepare for specialist careers or further study in Geo-AI.

Modules

The module information on our course pages is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

Geospatial Artificial Intelligence MSc modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
MSc Project and Dissertation	60
Data Analysis and Geographic Information Systems	20
Geospatial Engineering Concepts and Applications	20
Industry, Sustainable Systems and Professionalism	20
Applied AI and Geospatial Sustainability	20
3D Geospatial modelling, digital twins and AI	20
Satellite positioning, navigation, timing and earth observation	20

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:

• lectures  
• seminars  
• practical lab/workshop sessions  
• field work
• group work
• case studies 

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Computer assessment
• Dissertation
• Lab exercise
• Practical lab report
• Poster
• Portfolio
• Problem-solving exercises
• Reflective log
• Written examination
• Written exercise

Additional assessment information

In Semester 3, you’ll complete a 60-credit independent research project, including a written dissertation. Most projects involve industry collaboration and let you explore a topic of personal or professional interest. 

Support

You’ll receive one-to-one academic guidance with an academic adviser and a dedicated dissertation supervisor. Advisers are available during office hours, and you’ll benefit from a supportive research environment throughout the course. 

Our staff

Your teaching will be led by experts in their fields, including: 

Professor Jon Mills specialises in: 

• Development and assessment of new and integrated earth observation sensor systems and platforms 
• Novel methods and models for fusing multi-modal earth observation data 
• AI/machine learning for image information extraction 

Dr Craig Robson specialises in: 

• Using spatial data through data-science approaches to solve complex problems 
• The application of digital technologies such as AI, ML, BIM and digital twins in Engineering contexts and for exploring the impacts of climate change 
• Data handling and management for complex, diverse geospatial datasets 
• Approaches for data visualisation and decision support tools for real-time decision making 

Professor Peter Clarke specialises in: 

• Using global satellite geodesy to observe the seasonal water cycle, climate change, sea level, and glacial isostatic adjustment 
• Global geodetic reference frames – the basis of all spatial data 
• Geodetic observations of the earthquake cycle and associated geophysical inverse theory and data assimilation methods 

Dr Maria-Valasia Peppa specialises in: 

• Integrating multimodal and multiscale geospatial data and Earth Observations from various sources (e.g. drones, satellites, laser scanners, digital cameras, GNSS etc) 
• Applying photogrammetric, remote sensing, and computer vision techniques to real-world problems relating to the natural and built environment 
• Applying AI/machine learning with drone and satellite imagery to monitor water security-related challenges 

Dr Achraf Koulali Idrissi specialises in: 

• Using geodetic observations to study the active deformation of the Earth’s crust 
• Measuring 3D crustal movements to understand better modes of strain accumulation on major faults and the Earth’s rheology 
• Measuring the glacial isostatic adjustment in Antarctica using satellite geodetic observations. 
• Applying advanced machine learning methods, including physics-informed approaches, to extract meaningful geophysical signals from complex datasets. 

Dr Henny Mills specialises in: 

• Delivering in-depth instruction on modern surveying techniques and instrumentation. Including total stations, GNSS, and levelling, with emphasis on application in engineering and the built environment.
• Providing expertise in the design, processing, and management of spatial datasets using geospatial databases.
• Focusing on ensuring data integrity, interoperability, and practical application in engineering contexts.
• Instructing on BIM (Building Information Modelling) methodologies and tools for the digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of built environments. Highlighting workflows, collaboration, and lifecycle data integration in engineering projects.

Dr Alistair Ford specialises in: 

• Development of transport cost models through complex network analysis 
• Cellular automata modelling and multi-criteria analysis 
• Development of decision-support tools within commercial GIS software 

Xiang Xie specialises in: 

• Digital transformation of the built environment 
• Digital twin for existing built assets 
• Data-centric facilities asset management 
• Energy informatics for the decarbonisation of buildings 
• Whole-life carbon assessment for urban infrastructure 

Your development

You'll develop your:

• Professional skills

Develop professional skills in communication, collaboration, project management and leadership. Learn how to present geospatial and digital data clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Practical skills

Build hands-on experience in capturing, managing and analysing spatial data. Use modern geospatial and AI technologies in practical projects.

• Research skills

Develop independent learning and critical thinking skills through research-led and project-based learning. Learn how to test geo-AI solutions. Use data to understand environmental and spatial challenges.

Your future

This course prepares you for a wide range of careers, from applying Geo-AI technologies in climate change impact assessment to developing new Geo-AI solutions in the expanding digital and data sectors.  

You'll be well prepared for roles such as:  

• GIS Analyst 
• Surveyor (Engineering, Hydrographic, Land) 
• Spatial Data Specialist 
• Remote Sensing Analyst 
• Geospatial Consultant 

You could also enjoy a career in a wide range of sectors:  

• infrastructure 
• real estate 
• government (public sector) 
• events 
• environmental planning 
• offshore energy 
• retail 
• urban planning 

Further study   

This course provides a route into PhD level study, offering a strong foundation in Geospatial and AI. As a graduate of this course, you’ll be prepared for PhD-level study and advanced research opportunities in academia. 

Industry/business links 

We work closely with leading organisations, including: 

• Airbus 
• DSTL 
• Esri 
• Knight Frank 
• Leica Geosystems 
• Ordnance Survey 

These industry connections inform our teaching and support mentoring, project collaboration, and networking.  

Our Careers Service

Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.

You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.

We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.

Visit our Careers Service website

Facilities

Based within Newcastle’s integrated School of Engineering, you’ll have access to specialist labs, industry-standard equipment and workshops used across all engineering disciplines, including: 

• Makerspace for prototyping and innovation 
• Dedicated Geospatial Laboratory for Geo-AI data processing and analysis 
• Geospatial Field Equipment Store, including total stations, GNSS receivers, Terrestrial Laser Scanners, Cameras and Mobile Mapping
• Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicles
• Rooftop GNSS test facility 

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

Tuition fees for 2027 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database. 

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

Search for funding and scholarships

Find funding available for your course

Select your country

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Find out more about:

• living costs
• tuition fees

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

How to apply

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