Geographical Information Science - Master's Programme
Start
Autumn 2026
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Distance learning
The Master's programme is aimed at students who wish to learn how to analyse and model spatial phenomena using geographic information systems (GIS). You will acquire knowledge and experience that will prepare you for a career in various fields where GIS is a key method.
These may include analysing climate change across larger or smaller geographic regions, nature conservation, resource management in agriculture, water accessibility, or planning tourism and urban development from an environmental perspective.
During your studies, you will learn how to process and critically assess geographic data in terms of precision and quality, and you will receive fundamental practical training in the latest GIS software. You will also gain knowledge of database methodology and cartography, as well as deepen your understanding of GIS methodology in different applications.
Many of our lecturers are also researchers. At our department, research focuses on climate and environmental issues both locally and globally, often with an interdisciplinary approach. Our researchers have an extensive international network and conduct field studies in many countries. The programme is taught in English.
The first part of the programme consists of compulsory modules that provide a theoretical and practical foundation for managing GIS. The second part of the programme offers greater flexibility, allowing you to choose modules based on your specific interests and focus area.
Examples of specialisation areas include GIS and climate change, GIS and hydrology, GIS and tourism/recreation, programming in GIS, spatial data infrastructure (SDI), environmental planning, algorithm theory, remote sensing, web GIS, and biodiversity.
A student version of one of the leading commercial GIS software packages is provided free of charge at the start of the programme for installation on your personal computer (currently not compatible with macOS). Most practical exercises are conducted on your own computer. The presentation and defence of degree projects take place either in person or via digital presentation tools.
The programme can be studied full-time or part-time. All courses are offered online through text, audio, or video lectures. You have the flexibility to choose the learning method that suits you best. Communication with lecturers takes place via email, online forums, or digital meeting platforms.
The Master's programme provides opportunities for employment in both the public and private sectors, nationally as well as internationally. Upon completion of the programme, you will have the knowledge required for planning, implementing, and managing GIS across various disciplines.
This expertise is highly sought after in the job market, particularly in applications of science, social science, and engineering where the spatial dimension is crucial.
Your skills will be relevant for applications in areas such as hydrology, agriculture, forestry, defence operations, and the planning of local, regional, and national activities. This may include projects such as wind farm planning, water supply management, road networks, urban development, nature conservation, and other essential societal functions.
Prerequisites
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
Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses, a statement of purpose for the application including how the applicant believes they meet the admission requirements for the programme, and professional qualifications and/or other practical experience of relevance to the study programme (from the applicant’s “Summary sheet”).
Computers in the programme
The programme requires that you have access to a computer, preferably a laptop, on which you can install software mainly provided by the University, such as Microsoft 365, CAD/CAM and development environments for Python, Matlab or other computational tools. It can be either a Windows computer or a Macintosh computer. 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, rules and instructions, and to move around in and evacuate premises safely.
Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens
Citizens of countries outside:
- The European Union (EU)
- The European Economic Area (EEA) and
- Switzerland
are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.
Tuition fees, payments and exemptions
Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 290,000
First payment: SEK 36,250
Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.
No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland
There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.
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
African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) 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 Scholarship: Global professionals
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden.
Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website
Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship
The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.
SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM
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. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.
External scholarships
In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries.