Geographic Information Science
BSc Honours
- UCAS code: F862
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2022
This degree focuses on the systems and software for analysing geographic data about the world around us. It is highly ICT-orientated and spans technology, computing, mapping, geography and environmental management.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £25200
Entry requirements
- A Level:
- IB: points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Geographic Information Science BSc is highly practical degree. It enables you to learn a range of skills, such as programming and data collection. You'll work with technology such as satellite imagery and informatics. You'll use our state-of-the-art software to explore these topics.
The programme is ICT-orientated and will appeal to students with an interest in:
- technology
- computing
- mapping
- geography
- environmental management
During Year 3, you'll also have the opportunity to undertake an optional Year in Industry in the UK or abroad. This enables you to gain invaluable experience in the sector.
This specialist knowledge makes our graduates attractive to employers. This reflects in our exceptional employment rates.
This accredited degree is part of a subject area called Geospatial. This subject 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.
Our staff work closely with industry. This ensures your studies reflect the challenges engineers face in the real world. We ensure your practical, professional and academic skills develop through:
- guest lectures
- placement opportunities
- interactions with industry through projects and visits
This professionally accredited degree is part of a subject area called Geospatial, a subject which spans:
- geography
- science
- mathematics
- ICT
It is a fascinating area of study for anyone who has enjoyed these subjects at A level or equivalent.
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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 2022-23.
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.
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 Engineering | 10 |
Data Science 1 | 10 |
Geospatial Mathematics and Statistics | 30 |
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
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 |
---|---|
Applied Remote Sensing and Image Processing | 10 |
GIS Fieldcourse | 20 |
Geohazards and Deformation of the Earth | 10 |
Geospatial Informatics | 10 |
Applied Geospatial Data Handling | 10 |
Individual Research Project | 30 |
Law and Land Use | 10 |
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Treatment of Waste Water | 10 |
Professional Practice | 10 |
GNSS Theory and Practice | 10 |
Engineering Ethics and Sustainability | 10 |
Subsurface Investigations | 10 |
Photogrammetry and Laser Scanning II | 10 |
Renewable Energy Systems and Smart Grids | 10 |
Hydraulics | 10 |
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. This is a four-year programme.
You'll spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world. You'll receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between Year 2 and Year 3.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector. Here, you'll put your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
Placements are subject to availability.
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
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
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2022 entry.
A Level
International Baccalaureate
points
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Contextual offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2022 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£25200
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.
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.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Read more about fees and funding
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our undergraduate scholarship page for more information.
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:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year at our on-campus and virtual open days.
You'll be able to:
• explore our beautiful campus
• find out about our vibrant city
• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
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 UCASApply 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.
Get in touch
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