Geographical Information Science and Earth Observation MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Geography

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2026
Part-time
  • MSc | 2 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

School of GeoSciences

College

College of Science and Engineering

Study location

Central Area

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

This integrated MSc Geographical Information Science and Earth Observation creates experts capable of creating, managing and analysing spatial data through advanced technologies. 

With a legacy spanning over 40 years and nearly 1000 graduates from our Geographical Information Science (GIS) programme, combined with our expertise in Earth observation, we offer a fused and groundbreaking experience focused on innovation and applicability in both GIS and Earth observation. 

This MSc offers a curriculum that balances theoretical foundations with practical application. You will gain critical insights into GIS's capability to capture, store, manage, and display data related to Earth's positions, allowing you to understand spatial relationships, patterns, and processes. 

The programme also delves into the utilisation of Earth observation data collected via satellites, aircraft, and UAVs, focusing on its implications for major global challenges like sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and climate change. 

The programme is designed not only to impart theoretical knowledge, but also to develop strong practical skills through hands-on training in state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies. We are one of the few degree programmes in this subject area to offer a residential field trip where you get to use hands-on geospatial technology for data collection, including the latest UAVs. 

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this programme, we welcome students from diverse backgrounds, enhancing collaborative learning and innovation. These backgrounds include:

  • humanities
  • natural sciences
  • engineering
  • computer science
  • social sciences
  • archaeology

Key features of this programme

  • You will participate in labs, fieldwork and projects that use the latest technologies in GIS and remote sensing, ensuring skills remain relevant to industry needs.
  • Building on a long-established pedigree, this programme gives unrivalled access to employment opportunities. Through the Edinburgh Earth Observatory Seminar Series and partnerships with entities like AGI-Scotland, you will gain exposure to industry professionals, emerging trends and topics for independent projects, and job opportunities.
  • This MSc is embedded within an active research environment, with opportunities for you to engage in cutting-edge research that informs your academic and practical understanding of both GIS and Earth Observation.

Study options

Part-time study

A two-year part-time study option is available for this programme. 

Part-time study requires daytime weekday attendance. Therefore, we recommend living within a commutable distance from Edinburgh.

We encourage you to contact us to discuss part-time study in more detail.

Programme rankings

  • The University of Edinburgh is ranked joint 1st in the world in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 for Industry Innovation and Infrastructure (UN Sustainable Development Goal 9).

Programme benefits

  • You will receive guidance and instruction from internationally recognised staff, providing expert insights and fostering a deep understanding of the subject matter.
  • The School of GeoSciences hosts a large research facility in Airborne Research and Innovation, which will provide you with hands-on training in UAVs, to support geospatial data collection.
  • Our extensive research and professional networks offer a range of opportunities for you to engage with practitioners, discover new ideas, explore job opportunities, or participate in cutting-edge research that influences both academia and industry.
  • The practical applications of GIS and Earth observation in addressing global challenges such as biodiversity, human health, and water management, make this degree highly relevant and impactful for employment.
  • You will join one of the strongest alumni networks for GIS and Earth observation in the world, giving you unrivalled access to a global network of practitioners who will recognise the training you have undertaken in Edinburgh.

What I appreciated most about my masters degree in Edinburgh was how the programme perfectly balanced rigorous academics with personal freedom. I gained a strong foundation in advanced geospatial methods and their practical applications, and had the independence to pursue a dissertation project that reflected my interests, all with excellent support from my supervisor.

Farhiya Jarso MSc Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management, graduated 2025
Farhiya Jarso, MSc Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management graduate

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time
Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

If you receive an offer of admission you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place.

  • £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

Find out more about tuition fee deposits

Costs

Additional programme costs

Field trips and field courses

Your programme fees will cover the costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence on compulsory field trips or field courses. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses. You may wish to budget approximately £100 to £150 for suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for compulsory field work.

Depending on the location of the fieldwork, you may need to pay for any visa costs. However, this cost will be reimbursed.

Dissertation costs

The School of GeoSciences operates a fund to support you with activity related to your dissertation project, such as specialist software licenses or travel expenses for site visits. 

On the rare occasion that costs exceed the funding amount, you may be required to cover additional costs. This is not common, and the University is typically able to provide any resources required to undertake your dissertation project.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent. 
 
We will also accept a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with relevant industry experience. 
 
We also welcome applications from applicants without a degree but who are working as geospatial professionals who have undertaken relevant training including but not limited to, UK armed forces. Please provide information on any relevant industry experience or training in your personal statement when you apply. 

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

This MSc programme (total 180 credits) comprises:

  • compulsory and option courses (total 120 credits)
  • dissertation (60 credits)

You will study a variety of topics that integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, including:

  • GIS fundamentals, such as understanding the principal specialised theories and concepts of GIS and how GIS technologies can be used for managing and integrating data
  • fundamentals and future direction of Earth observation, and how to critically analyse and evaluate the utility of Earth observation data
  • implementation of a range of relevant methods for measuring, analysing and visualising data
  • use of field equipment and techniques for the acquisition, wrangling and presentation of geospatial information
  • project management and adaptability in relation to working individually and in a group
  • theory and use of the following datasets:
    • multispectral
    • topographic
    • hyperspectral
    • LiDAR
    • RADAR datasets
  • programming techniques for handling, analysing and visualising large datasets
  • applications of GIS and Earth observation data and methods to SDGs, such as:
    • Disaster Risk Reduction (SDG11)
    • Poverty mapping (SDG1)
    • Food security (SDG2)
    • Life on Land (SDG15)
    • Good health and well-being (SDG3)

Compulsory courses

You will take 60 credits of compulsory taught courses. Compulsory courses currently include:

  • Introduction to Earth Observation
  • Approaches to Storing, Analysing and Delivering Spatial Data
  • Research Planning and Project Management 
Dissertation

You will also complete an independent research project called a dissertation. This is your opportunity to explore, in-depth, a topic of your choice in relation to the programme. You can use the dissertation to demonstrate your work to potential employers.

This is worth 60 credits and typically consists of producing a research paper and technical report of 15,000 words (combined total). You may also be required to write a project proposal and present the findings from your dissertation.

Your project is mostly completed over a period of several months between March and August. However, the teaching team will work with you throughout the programme to help you prepare for the dissertation project. 

The process usually starts in Semester 1 when you can begin to identify a topic of interest with the support of the academic staff, and often with support from industry. Your academic supervisor will help you navigate through the process of researching your chosen topic and writing up the results.

Benefitting from the research portfolio of our staff, you may find yourself working within larger teams on active research projects, increasing your exposure to research cultures and practices, and giving greater opportunities to build your own networks.  

Dissertations with external partners

You may also have the option to complete a dissertation project in partnership with an external organisation. We work with our wide network to find opportunities for these projects, enhancing the real-world relevance of your degree. Projects can either be proposed by the organisation, or be student-led but of interest to particular partners.

Recent dissertation partners include:

  • The Scottish Sea Bird Centre
  • Scottish Government
  • UNICEF
  • Historic Environment Scotland
  • Forestry and Land Scotland
  • NatureScot
  • UK Space Agency
  • NASA
  • The Conflict and Environment Observatory

This option is not guaranteed and may require an additional application or interview, depending on the popularity and competitiveness of the project offered by the external organisation.

Option courses

You will take 60 credits of taught option courses. You must take at least two courses (40 credits) from the following curated list of GIS and Earth observation specialisms:

  • Visual Analytics
  • Advanced Earth Observation
  • Geospatial Programming for Planetary Scale Analysis
  • Remote Sensing for Disaster Management and Risk Mitigation
  • GIS and Spatial Analytics for Health

You may choose to take all 60 credits of your option courses from the above list. However, if you only choose two courses (40 credits) from the above list, you have the ability to select your final option course from a wider selection across the University. Examples of popular choices include:

  • Introduction to Environmental Modelling
  • Water Resource Management
  • Environmental Governance and Policy
  • Making Science Relevant to Policy and Decision Making
  • Environmental Survey and Monitoring
  • Nature Based Solutions

Although we try to provide a wide range of option courses to choose from, these can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Places on option courses can be limited due to course capacity and timetabling constraints. It may not be possible to guarantee every offer holder their top choice of option courses.

Disclaimer

New programme

This is a new programme, and draws upon our previous MSc programmes:

  • MSc Geographical Information Science
  • MSc Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management

As this is a new programme, the specific courses and programme structures are subject to change.

Fieldwork course review

The School of GeoSciences is undergoing a review of its fieldwork courses. This review focuses on improving the inclusivity and accessibility of fieldwork, whilst delivering sustainable and low-carbon experiences, and maintaining pedagogical excellence.

As a result, field course locations may vary year to year, but will always align with course learning outcomes.

Field trips

Our compulsory field trip is free, including travel and accommodation. As part of the programme, you will have the opportunity to undertake a residential field course.

During the field trip, you will work together in small groups to conduct a project that requires use of geospatial data and methods.  

You will receive guidance and support from academic supervisors and experienced professionals on how to use specialist surveying equipment, gain experience of flying UAVs and learn how to integrate data from multiple sources to answer a range of real-world questions. 

The field course will enable you to experience the challenges of managing and executing a ‘real-world’ project and completing it within time and resource constraints. 

We aim to visit the world-famous Scottish Highlands. Since we strive to deliver a low carbon experience, we ensure our field trip has a low environmental footprint. We also aim to support the local economy.

Get involved with geospatial data collection for your research projects in a range of environments.

Accessibility on field trips

We are committed to making our degree as accessible and inclusive as possible. In the event that you cannot attend a fieldwork trip, we will provide alternatives with comparable learning outcomes where necessary.

Students using drones during field work.
You will be given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience operating UAVs (drones) and a range of sensors as part of our residential field course.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will experience a range of learning styles, depending on the subject matter and courses you are taking. Examples include:

  • lectures
  • computer lab classes
  • discussion forums with staff, demonstrators and peers
  • multiple choice quizzes

Most courses are practical-based and involve a mixture of lectures and computer laboratory classes. Some of our courses use a mix of formative assessment to help our staff measure the levels of understanding within a class, allowing them to adjust their teaching accordingly.

We also provide you with access to additional resources such as the student-led groups, Coding Club and ML4GEO (Machine Learning for GeoScience and Earth Observation). These groups provide additional opportunities to learn new skills and collaborate with people from PhD programmes as well as other Schools within the University.

Assessment

In most cases, assessments will be coursework-based and designed to be undertaken over several weeks. Examples of assessment methods include:

  • reports describing analysis undertaken in practical classes
  • group and individual presentations
  • group and individual reports
  • multiple choice questions
  • designing and delivering seminars
  • producing online content such as story maps and web-apps
  • briefing documents
  • keeping a learning journal
  • writing research papers

Learning outcomes

  • Provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals and future direction of GIS and Earth Observation techniques.
  • Explain the theory and design of a broad range of remote sensors and discuss how these connect with GIS technologies.
  • Develop and build creative solutions using data from multiple sources analaysed with a range of open-source and commercial geospational software and coding language.
  • Critically analyse and evaluate methods, approaches and solutions of how GIS can enhance the interpretation and utility of Earth Observation data.
  • Develop reasoned judgement in synthesising geospatial information of variable sources and quality.
  • Implement a range of relevant methods for collaboratively and independently:
    • measuring
    • recording
    • storing
    • managing
    • analysing
    • modelling
    • visualising
    • communicating data.

Support for your studies

Student Experience Team

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a Student Adviser within the School's Student Experience Team, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.

How we support you

Cohort activities

You will also have access to a range of cohort activities. These are a mix of social and academic support events. 

Social events are typically student-led, and often include activities like cohort dinners and film nights. Academic events often include workshops to support you with planning for your dissertation project.

Our academic staff

Courses are delivered by staff who are active researchers in each field. Their expertise is supplemented by selected guest speakers, generally from industry or other research organisations. Key staff members involved with the delivery of this programme include:

Dr Gary Watmough (Programme Director)

Dr Gary Watmough specialises in the application of Earth Observation and GIS to explore human health and poverty, especially in hard-to-reach places.

Dr Gary Watmough's University profile

Dr Qi Ou (Cohort Lead)

Dr Qi Ou is a lecturer in Radar Remote Sensing. She applies big‑Earth‑observation data, especially InSAR, to capture continental‑scale surface deformation.

Dr Qi Ou's University profile

Professor Iain Woodhouse (Field Trip Leader)

Professor Iain Woodhouse is a Professor of Applied Earth Observation. As a specialist in radar and LiDAR remote sensing, he maps forests to gauge carbon, biodiversity, and climate impacts.

Professor Iain Woodhouse's University profile

Professor Caroline Nichol (Academic lead for University Airborne Research and Innovation Facility)

Professor Caroline Nichol focuses on the collection of new geospatial data at very high resolution (mm level), which can generate 2- and 3-D models of the environment in ways we have never seen.

Professor Caroline Nichol's University profile

Core teaching staff

Read more about some of our core teaching staff:

Many of our academic staff are involved in world-leading space start-ups, either as founders, owners or consultants. This experience feeds into our programme through our ongoing commercial engagements with the geospatial sector, and this can lead to unique dissertation opportunities with external partners.

Where you will study

Study location

The majority of your teaching will take place at the Central campus. Depending on your choice of option courses, you may need to travel to our King's Buildings campus.

Most practical classes are held in the GIS computer lab, located in the Institute of Geography on Drummond Street.

Academic facilities

You will have access to the University's facilities across all University sites.

For example:

  • libraries
  • study spaces (some of which are open 24 hours)
  • laboratories
  • computing facilities
  • social spaces
  • leisure facilities

You will also have access to the Masters Hub, located in the ECCI building at the Central campus.

Visit the ECCI website

Specialist facilities
GIS computing lab

Our computing lab has 50 specialist desktop machines with leading GIS and Earth observation software. 

High Performance Computing

The School of GeoSciences has its own High Performance Computing clusters. We also have access to the University of Edinburgh Super Computer. These are used to process large datasets through to decision-ready data. 

Airborne Research and Innovation facility

You will be exposed to the University's own Airborne Research and Innovation facility (ARI), run by specialist aviation staff and instrument scientists. The facility operates an extensive fleet of crewed and uncrewed aircraft, all equipped with state-of-the-art sensors to support research and teaching across the School of GeoSciences, and beyond.

Airborne Research and Innovation facility

Laboratory with drones on the tables
You will benefit from access to a wide range of cutting-edge remote sensing technologies and platforms throughout the taught content of the course and, optionally, to support their individual dissertations (Airborne Research and Innovation UAS hangar, Kings Buildings campus).

Career opportunities

Graduate destinations

Examples of types of roles that GIS and Earth Observation graduates might go into:

  • GIS Analyst
  • Geospatial Data Scientist
  • Researcher
  • GIS Developer
  • Geospatial Analyst
  • Earth Observation Scientist
  • GIS Project Manager
  • Research Engineer
  • Earthquake Catastrophe Model Developer
  • PhD Researcher
  • Hydraulic Modeller

Examples of organisations our graduates (from our previous MSc GIS, and MSc Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management programmes) have gone on to work with include: 

  • Google
  • NIRAS International Consulting
  • ESA
  • Scottish Government  
  • HALO Trust
  • EOLAS Insight Ltd
  • Space Intelligence
  • AON
  • Cairngorms National Park Authority
  • ESRI UK and USA
  • AECOM
  • Caley Water
  • Space Applications Catapult

Professional links

Professional networks

Our extensive research and professional networks offer a range of opportunities for you to engage with practitioners, discover new ideas, explore job opportunities, or participate in cutting-edge research that influences both academia and industry.

The programme covers student attendance fees at the Association for Geographic Information (AGI) Scotland annual meeting. The AGI Scotland aims to:

  • nurture and connect active GI communities
  • support career and skills development for GI professionals
  • provide thought leadership to inspire future generations

The annual meeting is an excellent opportunity for you to meet leading figures in the industry and find out more about the future direction of the field.

Alumni network

This programme benefits from an active alumni network on LinkedIn, with over 350 members. You will be encouraged to join our networking group to allow you to hear about and share opportunities during and after the programme.

We also invite alumni to come back to speak to current students about their careers since graduating, during our annual one-day conference in the Summer.

Research network

Edinburgh Earth Observatory

You are welcome to participate in seminars offered by our research group, Edinburgh Earth Observatory.

Talks are given by top-ranking academics and researchers, and industry-leading professionals from across the UK, Europe and worldwide. The seminar series aims to interest the broadest possible audience by promoting 'hot' research, policy and professional debates, together with novel technologies and organisational issues.

Edinburgh Earth Observatory Seminars

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Graduates of this MSc programme may be interested in the Edinburgh Earth, Ecology and Environment Engagement Doctoral Training Partnership (E5 DTP).

Visit the E5 DTP website

Student blog

Read about Reason's academic journey, returning to study a PhD in the School of GeoSciences after studying our previous MSc GIS programme 10 years ago.

Academic Journey – From MSc Geographical Information Science to PhD

Graduate profiles

Amy Tyndall

Amy poses for a photo at Bass Rock, with birds flying in the background

Degree: MSc Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management

Year of graduation: 2023

Current work: GIS & EO Data Analyst, EOLAS Insight Ltd.

EOLAS is a geospatial company at its heart, and they were looking for a GIS/EO specialist to join their expanding team. My dissertation work on using machine learning to detect seabirds caught their eye, as they were also working on wildlife detection models. I've also previously held science communication and public engagement job roles at the University of Edinburgh - another useful skill set to have when it comes to meetings and pitching to potential customers and collaborators!

Amy's profile

Hear from our alumni about their experiences during, and after, postgraduate study

School of GeoSciences postgraduate alumni profiles

Hear more reflections from graduates of our previous MSc programmes in GIS, and Earth Observation and GeoInformation Management, and see where their postgraduate studies have taken them:

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:

  • tailored advice
  • individual guidance and personal assistance
  • internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
  • access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.

Careers Service

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

You should avoid applying to more than one degree within the School of GeoSciences. Applicants who can demonstrate their understanding and commitment to a specific programme are preferred.

If you plan to apply to more than one programme within the School, you should discuss your choices with us before you submit your application.

Where possible, we may make an alternative programme offer if you have been unsuccessful in your chosen programme.

School of GeoSciences deadlines

When to apply

Due to high demand, the school operates a number of selection deadlines.

We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications may close earlier than the published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

We may make a small number of offers to the most outstanding candidates on an ongoing basis. However, the majority of applications will be held until the advertised deadline.

We aim to make the majority of decisions within eight weeks of the selection deadline.

If we have not made you an offer by a specific selection deadline this means one of two things:

  • your application has been unsuccessful, in which case we will contact you to let you know
  • your application is still being considered, it will be carried forward for consideration in the next selection deadline, and we will be in touch once a decision is made

The final deadline may be extended if any places remain on the programme.

If the final deadline is extended, we encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

Selection deadlines

RoundApplication deadlineDecisions made or applications rolled to the next deadline
115 December1 March
231 March31 May
331 May31 July

When to submit your supporting documents

You must submit all supporting documents by the application deadline, or we will be unable to consider your application. Regardless of when you apply, you have 28 days from submitting your application to supply any supporting documents through the Application Hub, after which we will automatically reject your application.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

For this programme, you will need to submit a CV/Resume with your application.

Find out more about applications and CVs for further study

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

No one knows what it is like to study here better than the students themselves. Our students are sharing their experiences - from studying to living in Edinburgh and everything in between.

Get social with us:

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Admissions

Lines open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

College of Science and Engineering Admissions Enquiries
Phone:+44 (0)131 650 5737

Academic contact

Please get in touch with the Programme Director for programme-specific enquiries, such as:

  • ideas for dissertations
  • general questions about GIS and Earth observation
  • if an MSc is right for you

Dr Gary Watmough

Programme Director

Contact details

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