GIS: Geographical Information System for the Social Sciences

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to GIS as a research tool within the social sciences. You study how GIS has developed as a field, explore influential theoretical debates and learn key concepts that guide the use of geographic information in academic research. 

The course introduces you to a wide range of geographic data types, including remotely sensed data, and familiarises you with central analytical functions used in GIS. Through lectures, seminars and readings you gain an understanding of both the principles that underpin GIS and the practical considerations that shape its application in contemporary research. 

You also explore how GIS can be used across different thematic areas, with particular emphasis on issues within the social sciences. This allows you to connect spatial data with broader analytical frameworks and to reflect on how geographic information can support critical inquiry in your field. 

Throughout the course you are introduced to key concepts, and current research. During  laboratory sessions you will be given hands-on experience with both basic and advanced GIS methods – applied on a wide and varied source material.  

Course syllabus

The syllabus contains the formal and legal details of the entire course. It’s a legal document outlining the course structure and requirements, intended mainly for administrative use.

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

Teaching combines lectures, laboratory sessions, seminars, and small-group exercises.  

A series of practical seminars and workshops familiarise you with commonly used GIS software. These sessions help you understand different ways to manage spatial data, perform analysis and present results. They also allow you to explore how GIS can be applied to your own research interests. 

Throughout the course, literature studies run in parallel with practical tasks, supporting both your technical skills and your theoretical understanding of GIS. 

The course is assessed through assignments, written exams and a project work. 

After completing the course, you will be able to perform basic spatial analysis, evaluate geographic information critically and apply GIS methods independently. You will also be able to assess how GIS can be used in different research settings and communicate research results clearly.  

These competencies are valuable not only for future advanced studies but also for careers where spatial data and geographic analysis play a role, such as public agencies, NGOs, urban and regional planning, environmental assessment, development work and research. 

The course provides a strong methodological base that can support more advanced GIS work or further studies in human geography and related fields. 

You will study at the Department of Human Geography at Geocentrum I in central Lund – a place that brings together lecturers, researchers and students from all over the world in a stimulating and international study environment.

Prerequisites

At least 150 credits, including a Bachelor thesis in a discipline in social sciences, economics and management, social science-oriented disciplines in humanities, or another corresponding educational background. English course 6/B.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

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 33,750
First payment: SEK 33,750

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

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.