GIS and Remote Sensing - Master Programme
Start
Autumn 2026
Duration
2 years
Level
Master's
Language
English
Place of study
Lund
In this programme, you will learn how to collect 2D and 3D spatial data using advanced satellite remote sensing and drone technologies. You will also gain knowledge and skills in storing and managing spatial information in geographical databases.
You will learn to process and analyse data using both established GIS methods and cutting-edge geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI). In addition, you will learn to build and publish geospatial web applications and to share maps through interoperable, standards-based map services.
While environmental applications are central to the programme, you will also explore how GIS supports urban planning, health and epidemiology, forestry, hydrology, and disaster risk management.
Many of our lecturers are active researchers across GIS, remote sensing, GeoAI, and environmental applications. Their interdisciplinary work and extensive international collaborations will give you access to insights from both technological innovation and field-based studies worldwide.
The programme also provides opportunities for internships and industry collaboration, strengthening your practical and professional experience through real-world applications.
The entire programme is delivered in English. Teaching combines lectures with extensive practical laboratory work and hands-on projects, giving you many opportunities to apply the methods you learn.
You will have access to modern GIS software, remote sensing tools, and other specialised equipment. Throughout your studies, you will also develop both oral and written communication skills and gain valuable teamwork experience.
The programme includes three core courses focusing on programming for GIS and remote sensing, applied GIS, and satellite remote sensing. You can then choose elective courses on subjects such as algorithms and data structures in GIS, web GIS, spatial analysis, geographical databases, geospatial AI, or 3D data collection and analysis.
For further specialisation, you may focus on areas such as ecosystem modelling, global ecosystem dynamics, or climate change, or choose to complete an internship. The programme concludes with a 30-credit Master’s thesis.
Students with prior GIS experience, equivalent to 30 credits, may follow an alternative study path, including a different course order and the option of additional electives or an exchange semester.
The demand for skills in geomatics is growing quickly. GIS and remote sensing are now used across a wide range of sectors in society and industry. This Master’s programme provides you with qualifications that are highly valued in the job market and offers a solid starting point for future research or academic work.
Graduates can pursue careers as GIS and remote sensing specialists in public or private sectors, working in areas such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, natural resource management, health and epidemiology, forestry, agriculture, disaster management, and sustainability. The programme also prepares you for research-oriented roles and continued studies at the PhD level.
Prerequisites
Degree of Bachelor of Science or Engineering amounting to at least 180 credits or the equivalent, within a specialisation of relevance to the study programme. The degree must include at least 15 credits in GIS Geographical Information Systems. Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.
Selection criteria
Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses, as well as a statement of purpose for the application 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 370,000
First payment: SEK 92,500
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.