Course overview

You learn a range of skills such as programming and data collection, and work with technology such as satellite imagery and informatics.

The degree is very hands-on, with plenty of opportunities to use our state-of-the-art software.

This combination of practical skills and specialist knowledge makes our graduates attractive to employers and we have exceptional employment rates.

This degree is part of a subject area called geospatial.

Geospatial spans geography, science, mathematics and ICT. It is a fascinating area of study for anyone who has enjoyed these subjects at A level or equivalent.

Download information about this course as a PDF

Your course during COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption.

Given the changing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the commitments outlined are subject to guidelines that may be in place from time to time.

View our COVID-19 Study page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2021-22.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information

Quality and ranking

We have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, recognised in many external surveys and assessments, but also by our own students.

Our commitment to teaching quality and an excellent student experience is reflected through our results in national and international student satisfaction surveys.

Teaching excellence

TEF Gold

A ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Professional accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES). Newcastle is unique in the UK in having this dual accreditation for its geospatial degrees.

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.

Modules and learning

Modules

The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage. 

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

Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

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.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

You explore a wide range of geographic techniques including land surveying; GPS; satellite imagery; and Geographic Information Systems.

This year is very hands on, with plenty of opportunities to start using our state-of-the-art equipment, particularly on our residential field course in the Lake District. You will learn the fundamental mathematical techniques required to analyse and process geographic data.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Mapping Fieldcourse	20
Geographic Information Systems	10
Surveying	20
An Introduction to GNSS and its Applications	10
Principles of Remote Sensing	10
Tutorial Study Skills for Geospatial	10
Data Science 1	10
Geospatial Mathematics and Statistics	30

Optional Modules	Credits

You undertake more advanced studies in GIS and develop your knowledge of how it is used to collect, manage and analyse geographical data in a range of jobs and applications.

You will deepen your knowledge of GIS theory and learn to use informatics tools to manage, manipulate and visualise data.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Observation Processing and Analysis	10
Geographic Information Systems: Theory and Application	10
Map Projections and Geodetic Datums	10
Applied Remote Sensing and Image Processing	10
Geospatial Engineering Practice and Research	10
Spatial Data Modelling and BIM	10
Data Science 2	10
Digital Data Acquisition	20
Photogrammetry and Laser Scanning	20
Geospatial Data Analysis I	10
Information Storage and Retrieval	20

The year starts with a field course that gives you the chance to use professional GIS software and field equipment. You then undertake advanced GIS modules that cover emerging, cutting-edge industrial techniques, approaches and applications.

A major aspect of Stage 3 is the independent research project that you develop throughout the year and which forms a quarter of the final-year assessment.

Modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Photogrammetry and Laser Scanning	20
Advanced GIS Fieldcourse	20
Professional Practice	10
Photogrammetry and Laser Scanning II	10
Geohazards and Deformation of the Earth	10
Geospatial Informatics	10
Applied Geospatial Data Handling	10
Individual Research Project	30

Optional Modules	Credits
Land Traffic and Highways	10
GNSS Theory and Practice	10
Law and Land Use	10
Creativity, Innovation and Market Research in Science and Engineering UG	10

Information about these graphs

We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They combine data on the planned delivery and assessments of our courses in 2021-22 with data on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.

Teaching time is made up of:

• scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present
• structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision

Teaching and assessment

Teaching methods

You will have around 20–25 hours of contact time per week.

You usually study six modules per semester. Each module involves around two one-hour lectures per week, together with several field/computer practicals of around three hours each during the semester.

Assessment methods

You'll be assessed through a combination of:

• 

  Coursework

• 

  Examinations – practical or online

Skills and experience

Practical skills

This degree is very hands-on and you'll take part in regular practicals in and around Newcastle and have opportunities to take part in residential field courses across the UK.

In Stage 1, you'll head to the Lake District to map the Borrowdale Valley and your second year will include a three-day tour visiting organisations to see geographic information science in action.

Stage 3 includes an eight-day field course where you'll put all the skills and knowledge you've learned so far in your degree to the test.

Research skills

You'll undertake independent research as part of your final-year project, this will help you to develop your research skills further and dig deeper into a topic that interests you.

Opportunities

Study abroad

Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.

You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.

If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year. 

Find out more about study abroad

Work placement

This geographic information science degree is also available with a year's work placement, as a four-year programme.

You'll apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place in Stage 3.

You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.

Placements are subject to availability.

Find out more about work placements

Facilities and environment

Facilities

As a geospatial student at Newcastle, you will join a close-knit community within the School of Engineering.

You will have access to an exceptional pool of advanced industry-standard field and computer laboratory equipment including:

• 3D laser scanners
• GPS and electronic survey equipment
• satellite imagery
• state-of-the-art computer software

Support

To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive:

• a tablet so you can download the online learning resources you'll need for your course (helping us to make our campus more sustainable)
• a start-up pack containing essential personal protective equipment and textbooks

You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.

Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have, when starting university.

You'll also benefit from:

• a team-building field trip in North Yorkshire in your first week, to help you quickly settle in
• our high level of practical and group work, which helps you get to know staff and fellow students

Your future

Graduates from our Geographic Information Science degree have gone on to take up a range of roles, including:

• GIS analysts
• surveyors
• CAD technicians
• GIS consultants
• transport planners

Our graduates work in a range of organisations, including:

• specialist land, air and offshore mapping companies
• central and local government agencies
• cartographic publishers
• suppliers of computer-based mapping technology and GIS
• utility companies
• civil engineering contractors
• oil exploration multinationals
• geophysical consultants

Make a difference

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Careers support

Our annual careers fair: GENIE - Geospatial Engineering Newcastle Industry Engagement, is held at the start of each academic year and allows students to engage directly with industry partners. With around 20 companies from the geospatial sector present, it allows you to get a flavour of what different organisations do in the industry.

You'll be able to find out more about:

• career and placement opportunities and advice
• industry trends/emerging areas
• latest software/equipment demonstrations
• postgraduate study options
• professional qualifications and pathways

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.

Read our detailed explanation

Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme

This degree is approved by DTUS, a Ministry of Defence sponsorship programme for students who wish to join the Royal Navy, British Army, RAF, or Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG) as technical officers after graduation. 

This scheme is for 2021 entry only. DTUS will not be running for 2022 entry.

Find out more about the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme

Tuition fees and scholarships

Tuition fees for 2021 entry (per year)

Home Fee Students

£9250

International Fee Students

£23400

The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.

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.

Read more about fees and funding

You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme). 

The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.

For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.

If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.

Read more about fees and funding

Year abroad and additional costs

For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year. 

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

• different tuition fees
• additional costs

Scholarships

Find out more about:

• scholarships for UK, EU and international students
• Student Loans and Government financial support for UK and EU students

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:

• the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
• the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
• the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college

If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.

Apply through UCAS

Apply through an agent

International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.

Visit our International pages