Geographic Information and Climate Change, MSc

The first part of this MSc contains compulsory and optional 20-credit modules on subjects such as modelling earth systems, satellite remote sensing and climate science and policy. The second part exclusively involves a 60-credit research project module on geographic information and climate change.

Normally a 2:1 degree (with 55% average) in an approved subject. Applicants are expected to have good mathematical and computing skills.

IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) or equivalent. 

Taught Masters degrees are assessed through a combination of examinations, coursework and a dissertation or research project. 

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study through the medium of Welsh and our dedicated academy for Welsh-medium study, Academi Hywel Teifi, is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We offer you:

• An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
• The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh - we will then communicate with you in your language of choice.
• The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and every effort will be made to mark your work in its original language.
• A Welsh-speaking personal tutor.
• One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.

To see further details about the level of provision delivered in Welsh on this particular degree scheme, please see the Welsh-language course page for further information.

Since 2011, there has been a 113% increase in the number of students studying through the medium of Welsh at Swansea University and our TEF* data over the last two years shows that Welsh-medium students are high achievers with regard to employability (*Swansea University TEF return 2017 and 2018).

You will be taught by world-class lecturers who are all active researchers. Their research activities in areas such as climate change, glaciology, poverty alleviation through control of disease and pollution risks from wildfire ash, help to change the world for the better.

Dr Joanne Maddern, Programme Director

Dr Iain Robertson PGT Admissions Tutor:  

Dr Emilia Urbanek PGR Admissions Tutor:

See all of the Geography staff

Annual tuition fees for entry in the academic year 2020/21 are as follows:

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study: It is now possible for some students to study part-time under the Tier 4 visa route. This is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category. Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

To find out about scholarships, loans and other funding opportunities, please visit our Postgraduate Scholarships page

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but are not limited to):

• Parking and travel to and from campus
• Printing, photocopying, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
• Purchase of books or texts
• Printing and binding
• Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

• Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
• Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
• Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
• Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
• Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

The MSc in Geographic Information & Climate change improves your prospects for a rewarding career.

You will have employment opportunities in utilities, county councils, the environmental service industry or regulating bodies. A future career in academia will also be open to you. Our graduates have progressed to a range of stimulating roles. Below are just a few examples. 

• Multi site supervisor (Phase Eight)
• Data analyst (PHS Group)
• Account manager support (Handelsbanken)
• Geographical data processor (Western Power Distribution)
• Catchment scientist (Welsh Water)

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

• Academic writing
• Maths and statistics
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Digital skills
• Presentation skills
• Note taking
• Revision, memory and exam techniques
• English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Our lecturers operate an ‘open door’ policy so you can chat with them about any concerns you may be having. These do not have to be just course related; our academic staff are there to help you with anything at all during your time in Swansea.

Each course has a student rep. They are there to make sure that every student voice is heard. Their role is to listen and feedback on your opinions, attend regular meetings and make sure that the people who can make changes listen to the people who really matter - you!

We offer both academic mentoring and peer mentoring. Our Peer mentoring scheme is in place to help new students settle into university life here at Swansea. You will get a chance to talk to your mentor who can tell you about their experiences as a student and also chat about student life. The peer mentoring scheme is a great way to meet students and widen your friendship circle while at Swansea.

You can also get help with personal issues from our wide range of student support such as CampusLife, Inclusive Student Support Services and The Centre for Academic Success.

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.