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GIS & Remote Sensing

MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Sustainable Development Goals

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

Duration:
1 Year
Attendance:
Full Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (90 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Master of Science
Next Intake:
September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Duration:
2 Years
Attendance:
Part-Time
Delivery:
On Campus
NFQ Level:
9 (90 credits)
Level:
Graduate Taught
Award:
Master of Science
Next Intake:
September
Country Specific Entry Requirements:
Visit the UCD Global Undergraduate Entry Requirements webpage.
Other School Leaving Requirements:
See www.ucd.ie/admissions
Curricular information is subject to change.

Apply Now

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing are considered essential tools to spatially explore, analyse, visualise
and disseminate data; and these skills are increasingly highly sought after in the workplace.


The MSc in GIS and Remote Sensing will provide you with strong theoretical, conceptual and practical foundation on spatial data
analytics, covering legislative requirements and ethical considerations.

The aim of the program 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.

About This Course

The program 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 program may progress to doctoral study or to careers in:
• Environmental and planning consultancies
• Governmental departments and local authorities (e.g. Dublin City Council)
• State and semi-state agencies (e.g. Central Statistics Office, Environmental Protection Agency,
Marine Institute, Ordnance Survey Ireland)
• Industry (e.g. ESRI, Google)
• Think tanks, research bodies and consultancies (e.g. KPMG)

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
 GEOG41160 Python for GIS Autumn  10
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOG40890 Remote Sensing Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - *A)1 of:
Option List A: If selecting the dissertation, please note that GEOG40390 Research Design is a prerequisite
 GEOG41140 Dissertation 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum)  35
Stage 1 Options - *A)1 of:
Option List A: If selecting the dissertation, please note that GEOG40390 Research Design is a prerequisite
 GEOG41080 Research Project Summer  20
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40390 Research Design Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40820 GIS Principles and Applications Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40860 Practical Environmental Assessment Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40960 Coastal Risks Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40970 Critical Geographies: Spatialising Power and Inequalities Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40990 INFOMAR marine seabed data Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG41000 INFOMAR marine survey data Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG41050 Globalization, Empire and Race: Economic Geography Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG41090 Urban Data Analytics Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG41170 Citizen Science Autumn  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
ARCH41340 GIS, Cultural Heritage and Spatial Thinking Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40450 Critical Geopolitics and Diplomacy Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40870 Advanced GIS Applications Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG40940 International Urban Fieldwork Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG41060 Geostatistics and Programming for GIS Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG41150 GIS for Environmental Health Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG41210 GIS for Decision-Making Spring  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG41130 Critical Reviews of GIS Summer  10
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 35CR:
Option - List B
GEOG41220 Critical Reviews of GIS Summer  5

UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 47th globally and 27th in Europe in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2026. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.

Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:

 

SDG1 SDG2 SDG3 SDG4 SDG5 SDG6 SDG7 SDG8 SDG9 SDG10 SDG 11 SDG 12 SDG 13 SDG 14 SDG 15

MSc GIS & Remote Sensing (W599) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9515
nonEU    fee per year - € 22600

MSc GIS & Remote Sensing (W600) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 5710
nonEU    fee per year - € 11300

***Fees are subject to change

  • 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 who do not meet the academic requirements but can confirm professional qualifications and/or experience will be considered.
  • 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 . 
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


The program 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 program may progress to doctoral study or to careers in:

• Environmental and planning consultancies

• Governmental departments and local authorities (e.g. Dublin City Council)

• State and semi-state agencies (e.g. Central Statistics Office, Environmental Protection Agency,

Marine Institute, Ordnance Survey Ireland)

• Industry (e.g. ESRI, Google)

• Think tanks, research bodies and consultancies (e.g. KPMG)


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to GIS & Remote Sensing:

ROWCLASS Apply to
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
W599
GIS & Remote Sensing
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Apply
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt
W600
GIS & Remote Sensing
Master of Science

Part-Time
Commencing September 2026
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
* you can change options at the top of the page
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