Courses / Course

Applicants must hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) (or equivalent) with a minimum of a second-class honours, grade 1 (2:1) in a Geography, Planning, Physics, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geology, Mathematics, English, Geophysics or equivalent discipline.

Applicants who do not hold a primary degree but have at least 3-5 years of relevant experience may apply via Maynooth University's RPL process for Non-Standard Entrants. Please click here for further information.

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please see here. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 885

Applications must be made via the MU Apply portal. Please click here to start your application

When making your application, please ensure you upload the below documentation to your application prior to submission to avoid delays in application assessment:

• Full academic transcripts for all semesters/ years completed to date
• Graduation Certificate if you have graduated/conferred
• A copy of your passport
• Up to date CV
• Personal Statement (minimum 500 words on why you would like to study your chosen programme)
• An academic reference

Applicants for whom English is not their first language are required to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. For information about English language tests accepted and required scores, please click here. Please be advised criteria may differ for EU and Non-EU applicants

The course consists of six modules, five of which are compulsory. Two of these cover the theoretical concepts underpinning GIS and Remote Sensing. Two other modules involve gaining the theoretical and technical skills necessary to become proficient in the management and analysis of spatial data. A fifth module involves an assessed work placement during the summer months.

Duration: 1 year full-time

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually. Please check periodically for updates.

Year 1

GEOGRAP.INFORMATION SYSTEMS & REMOTE SENSING The MSc in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing provides students with the skills to manage, analyse, and interpret the rapidly increasing volumes of spatial data now available across research, industry, and society. The programme develops technical expertise in GIS and Remote Sensing, enabling students to process, analyse, and present spatial data effectively for a wide range of applications. The programme is structured around GIS and Remote Sensing in equal measure, with four core modules introducing the theory and practice of both areas at introductory and advanced levels. GIS is widely used across the physical and social sciences, and increasingly in the humanities, with applications in areas such as archaeology, astronomy, geomorphology, globalisation, soil science, and social planning. Remote Sensing—focused on the analysis and interpretation of aerial and satellite imagery—offers a synoptic view of the Earth that has transformed our understanding of atmospheric and oceanic processes, environmental management, and human–environment interactions. It is now a standard research tool in fields including geology, pollution control, agriculture, geography, and climatology. Students can further develop their technical skills through optional modules in Programming, Spatial Databases, and Marine Remote Sensing. All students also undertake a summer work placement, providing valuable practical experience and an opportunity to apply and test the skills acquired throughout the course. The MSc in GIS and Remote Sensing is accredited by both the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in the UK. Graduates are eligible to progress along the pathway to become Chartered Geomatics Surveyors. Aims of the Course To train highly qualified graduates in GIS, Remote Sensing, and Digital Image Processing, with the ability to apply these skills professionally. To produce graduates equipped to contribute to GIS and Remote Sensing application areas across industry, government, academia, and the community and voluntary sector. To provide a strong understanding of GIS and Remote Sensing technologies and their applications to specific investigations. Commences: September If you would like to receive updates about this programme, upcoming events, and postgraduate scholarships at Maynooth University, you can register your interest here.    ** Note for 2026-27 AY: Module GY643 will be offered subject to funding availability, and this will be confirmed in later 2026. ** GYA600 - GEOGRAP.INFORMATION SYSTEMS & REMOTE SENSING Credits: 90 Not compulsory: Module Code Credits Semester Compulsory AERIAL SURVEYS AND DRONE OPERATIONS GY641 10 1 ANALYSING SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DATA USING R GY672 10 1 GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SCIENCE IN PRACTICE GY638 20 2 INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND SCIENCE GY636 20 1 MARINE REMOTE SENSING- INFOMAR GY643 10 2 SATELLITE REMOTE SENSING AND EARTH OBSERVATION GY642 20 2 SPATIAL DATABASES CS621C 10 1 STRUCTURED PROGRAMMING CS620C 10 1 WORK PLACEMENT GY635 10 Year-Long

Programme Director Dr Conor Cahalane
Tel +353(0)1 7083748
Fax +353(0)1 7083573
Email conor.cahalane@mu.ie
Website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/geography
Address Department of Geography, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

General enquiries

To:	pgstudies@mu.ie
* Message:
* Your email:
	Please type the above security code into the field below.
* Security code:

Course enquiries

To:	Conor.Cahalane@mu.ie
* Message:
* Your email:
	Please type the above security code into the field below.
* Security code:

The MSc in GIS and Remote Sensing is first and foremost a course to skill students for work in a wide range of employment areas. These include a wide range of government and semi-state agencies, local authorities and the voluntary sector, especially in areas associated with the environment and planning. In addition, graduates have worked in a wide range of private sector organisations and businesses, where the ability to work with and critically managed big spatial data is increasingly valued. Successful students have also proceeded to PhD level research and gained employment in academia.
 

For further information on Postgraduate options please go to the Graduate Studies site