Geographical Information Systems & Remote Sensing

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.

The course consists of 6 modules, 5 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.

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

1 year full-time

Commences September



Closing Date : 14 August 2026

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.