Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Geospatial Data Analysis

MSc (NFQ Level 9)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Contact Us

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing are considered essential tools to spatially explore, analyze, visualize and disseminate data; and these skills are increasingly highly sought after in the workplace. The MSc in Geospatial Data Analysis will provide you with strong theoretical, conceptual and practical foundation on spatial analytics, covering legislative requirements and ethical considerations. The aim of the programme is to provide you with the skillset for real-world spatial exploration of social, economic and environmental patterns and interactions in support of evidence-based planning and decision-making. It will afford you the opportunity to apply acquired skills in pragmatic contextual settings.

The core modules will place a large emphasis on practical hands-on skill buidling on GIS/remote sensing, applied to real-world case-study analysis.  A range of optional modules will provide the flexibility to shape the learning to your own research or career needs.  All optional modules will have an applied geospatial analysis content.

At the end of the programme, you will have practical and applied GIS/remote sensing skills for problem-solving; and knowledge and understanding of tools, methods, and applications within geographic research and practice, across a range of disciplines and work areas.  The programme includes guest speakers from research and industry exposing you to potential internship and career opportunities in the area.

There is also an option to exit the programme with a Diploma in Applied Geospatial Analysis if you would prefer not to undertake the dissertation and having completed 60 credits.

About This Course

The main learning outcomes of the programme are twofold:

  • Practical and applied GIS and Remote Sensing skills for problem-solving; and
  • Knowledge and understanding of tool, methods and applications within geographic research and practice, across a range of disciplines and work areas.

​Knowledge and understanding – at the end of the programme, you will have acquired an advanced knowledge and understanding of: a) critical theoretical, conceptual and legislative considerations in geospatial data management and analysis; b) current technological advancements in the area; and c) good practice methods and applications.

Applying knowledge and understanding – you will have advanced analytical skills as well as critical thinking and questioning, that will help you to develop expertise in the application of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing  to the fields of social and environmental sciences.

Making judgments – you will have the ability to deal with data and analytical complexity, and be aware of and sensitive to ethical considerations, and you will be able to integrate and apply this knowledge within you professional and everyday lives.

Communication and working skills – the experiences of fieldwork, small group work, and links with industry representatives, GIS/RS researchers and experts as part of this programme will expose you to real-life applications and enable you to clearly articulate your ideas and draw conclusions based on knowledge and rationale, and facilitate communication with both specialists and non-specialists audiences.

Learning skills – At programme completion you will possess: a) a level of advanced learning skills that facilitates self-directed learning and independent research, study, and professional development; b) spatial data management and GIS/remote sensing skills and extensive understanding of technological advancements and applications in the area; and c) a transferable skillset across a range of disciplines and work areas.

This programme will provide you with practical and applied GIS/remote sensing abilities as well as a range of academic and transferable skills that will be a benefit in many careers.  Graduates of this programme may progress to doctoral study or to careers in:

  • Environmental and planning consultancies
  • Government departments and local authorities
  • State and semi-state agencies (e.g. Central Statisitics Office, Environmental Protection Agency, Ordnance Survey of Ireland)
  • Industry (e.g. ESRI, Google)
  • Think tanks and research bodies

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOG40820 GIS Principles and Applications Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOG40890 Remote Sensing Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOG40870 Advanced GIS Applications Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - *A)1 of:
Final Summer Assessment
 GEOG41140 Dissertation 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum)  35
Stage 1 Options - *A)1 of:
Final Summer Assessment
 GEOG41080 Research Project Summer  20
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
ARCT41260 Climate Carbon Cities Change Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40390 Research Design Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40450 Critical Geopolitics and Diplomacy Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40860 Practical Environmental Assessment Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40970 Critical Geographies: Spatialising Power and Inequalities Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40990 INFOMAR marine seabed data Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
GEOG41000 INFOMAR marine survey data Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
GEOG41050 Globalization, Empire and Race: Economic Geography Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
GEOG41090 Urban Data Analytics Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
SOC40640 Social Simulation: Methods and Models Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
COMP47670 Data Science in Python (MD) Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
ARCH41340 GIS, Cultural Heritage and Spatial Thinking Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
COMP41680 Data Science in Python Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40750 Reimagining Dublin: An Interdisciplinary Exploration in Urban Regeneration Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40940 International Urban Fieldwork Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40960 Coastal Risks Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 25CR:
Option - List B
GEOG41060 Geostatistics and Programming for GIS Spring  10

Connor Podkul
Project Developer at Apex Clean Energy,
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

“The MSc Geospatial Data Analysis programme provided an opportunity to develop the GIS skill sets and tools in one of the best geography schools in the world. GIS skills are in high demand, and opportunities are continuing to grow.

The programme is well-connected to the real-world use and application of GIS. It has been a tremendous experience. The content begins at a fundamental level that gives you confidence in your ability to use and apply spatial analysis skills.

The academic staff creates a supportive atmosphere full of opportunities to ask questions and collaborate with peers while immersed in a comfortable learning environment.”

MSc Geospatial Data Analysis (W477) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9100
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MSc Geospatial Data Analysis (W478) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 5460
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships and our website.

  • Applicants should have a minimum of an upper second class honours (2:1) degree or international equivalent at bachelors level. 
  • Relevant professional or voluntary experience may be considered as part of the application process. 
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent. 
  • Applicants should have basic computer skills  

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes


Applications are welcome from graduates from any discipline, though undergraduate disciplines with a thematic link to e.g. Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, Physics, Maths, Engineering or a related discipline may be advantageous. The programme would also be suitable for those with a professional background in related fields who might wish to develop and broaden their skillset.  



Please be aware that the modules for the part-time route are only available during working hours, from Monday to Friday. This course is not offered in the evenings or online. Instead, it is designed to spread your learning requirements over two years, which is ideal for those who are currently employed and can only attend campus for one to two days per week. If you are worried about managing your work and study commitments, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.


Print this page

General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Geospatial Data Analysis:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W477
Geospatial Data Analysis
Master of Science		 Full-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September		 Graduate Taught Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt W478
Geospatial Data Analysis
Master of Science		 Part-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September		 Graduate Taught Apply
* you can change options at the top of the page
Contact UsOpen Days & EventsDownload Brochure
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.