Geographical Information Science - Master's Programme
Master's programme · 2 years · 120 credits
Description
Do you want to obtain leading-edge expertise in processing digital geographical data? If so, our Master’s programme in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is for you. GIS is highly usable and in demand among many employers involved in environmental issues and community planning, but also other work areas . Teaching is conducted entirely online.
This Master’s (120 credits) programme is intended for students who wish to learn to analyse and model spatial phenomena using GIS. A degree from the programme leads to opportunities to work in a range of areas in which GIS is an important method. This could, for example, involve analysis of climate change in large or small geographical regions, nature conservation, resource management in agriculture, access to water or the planning of tourism and urban development from an environmental perspective.
During the programme, you learn to process and critically review geographical data regarding precision and quality, and you receive basic practical training in the latest GIS software. You will also learn database methodology and cartography, and deepen your knowledge of GIS methodology in different applications.
Programme structure
The first part of the programme consists of compulsory modules that provide a theoretical and practical basis for managing GIS. The second part of the studies entails a freer choice of modules in which you can deepen your knowledge depending on specialisation and interest. These specialised areas include GIS and climate change, GIS and hydrology, GIS and tourism/recreation, programming in GIS, spatial infrastructure (SDI), environmental planning, algorithm theory, remote sensing, online GIS and biodiversity.
A student version of one of the biggest commercial GIS programs is distributed to you free of charge at the start of the programme for installation on your computer (barring Mac operating systems at present). Most of the practical exercises are conducted on your own computer. Presentations and defence of degree projects are conducted in person or through digital presentation tools.
The programme can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. All courses are offered online as text, audio or video lectures. You have the option to select the learning method that work best for you. You and you lecturers correspond with each other via email, internet forums or digital meeting platforms.
Career prospects
The Master’s programme provides opportunities for employment in the public and private sector, both nationally and internationally. After completing the programme, you will have knowledge that can be used in planning, implementing and managing GIS within different application areas. This expertise is sought after in the labour market, particularly in science, social sciences and engineering applications where the spatial dimension is important. Your knowledge is relevant for applications in, for example, hydrology, agriculture, forestry, military activities and for planning on a local, regional and national level in areas such as wind power, water supply, road networks, urban planning, nature conservation and other societal functions.
Computers in the programme
The programme requires that you have access to a computer, preferably a Windows laptop, on which you can install software mainly provided by the University, such as Microsoft 365, ArcGIS and development environments for Python, Matlab or other computational tools. On some courses you may need to buy or rent your own software.
Conditions in the study environment and during study visits and field studies
The programme contains compulsory elements that require you to be able to work independently and safely in a laboratory environment, in a hospital environment, in workshops, in production facilities, or during study visits and field studies. These elements require the ability to comply with safety regulations and instructions, and to move around in and evacuate premises safely. The elements also require the ability to monitor and control the processes studied.
Open for applications
Application opportunitiesThis programme is open for applications from 15 October 2024 to 15 January 2025.
Contact
Professor
David Tenenbaum
Email: david [dot] tenenbaum [at] nateko [dot] lu [dot] se
Requirements and selection
Entry requirements
Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits or the equivalent.
Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.
Selection criteria
English language requirements
Most of Lund University’s programmes require English Level 6 (unless otherwise stated under 'Entry requirements'). This is the equivalent of an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 90. There are several ways to prove your English language proficiency – check which proof is accepted at the University Admissions in Sweden website. All students must prove they meet English language requirements by the deadline, in order to be considered for admission.
How to prove your English proficiency – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements
Check if there are any country-specific eligibility rules for you to study Bachelor's or Master's studies in Sweden:
Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
Apply
Start Autumn Semester 2025
Mixed-time Lund, full time 100%
In English, distance learning
No mandatory meetings
Study period
1 September 2025 - 6 June 2027
Application
Last application date 2025-01-15
Mixed-time Lund, part time 50%
In English, distance learning
No mandatory meetings
Study period
1 September 2025 - 3 June 2029
Application
Last application date 2025-01-15
How to apply
Lund University uses a national application system run by University Admissions in Sweden. It is only possible to apply during the application periods.
Step 1: Apply online
- Check that you meet the entry requirements of the programme or course you are interested in (refer to the section above on this webpage).
- Start your application – go to the University Admissions in Sweden website where you create an account and select programmes/courses during the application period.
Visit the University Admissions in Sweden website - Rank your programme/course choices in order of preference and submit them before the application deadline.
Step 2: Submit documents
- Read about how to document your eligibility and how to submit your documents at the University Admissions in Sweden website. Follow any country-specific document rules for Master's studies or Bachelor's studies
Country-specific requirements for Bachelor's studies – universityadmissions.se
Country-specific requirements for Master's studies – universityadmissions.se
- Get all your documents ready:
- official transcripts and high school diploma (Bachelor's applicants)
- official transcripts and degree certificate or proof that you are in the final year of your Bachelor's (Master's applicants)
- passport/ID (all applicants) and
- proof of English proficiency (all applicants).
- Prepare programme-specific documents if stated in the next paragraph on this webpage.
- Upload or send all required documents to University Admissions before the document deadline.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable – refer to the section below on this webpage) before the document deadline.
* Note that the process is different if you are applying as an exchange student or as a part of a cooperation programme (such as Erasmus+).
* If you have studied your entire Bachelor's programme in Sweden and all of your academic credits are in Ladok, you do not have to submit transcripts or your diploma when applying for a Master's programme. However, there may still be other documents you need to submit! See the link below.
* Svensk student?
Läs instruktionerna om att söka till ett internationellt masterprogram på lu.se
Programme-specific documents
In addition to the documents mentioned under Step 2, you must also submit a 'Summary Sheet' when you apply to this programme.
Summary Sheet for Geographical Information Systems (PDF 79 kB, new window)
Tuition fees
Non-EU/EEA citizens
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 270 000
First payment: SEK 67 500
Citizens of a country outside of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland are required to pay tuition fees. You pay one instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
EU/EEA citizens and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
Application fee
If you are required to pay tuition fees, you are generally also required to pay an application fee of SEK 900 when you apply at the University Admissions in Sweden website. You pay one application fee regardless of how many programmes or courses you apply to.
- Paying your application fee – universityadmissions.se
- Exemptions from paying the application fee – universityadmissions.se
- Convert currency – xe.com
*Note that there are no tuition or application fees for exchange students or doctoral/PhD students, regardless of their nationality.
Scholarships & funding
Lund University Global Scholarship programme
The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.
Lund University Global Scholarship
Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities.
Swedish Institute Scholarships
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students applying for studies in Sweden at Master's level.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Country-specific scholarships and funding options
Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University.