PhD in Geographical Information Systems

PhD students in Geographical Information Systems focus on the development and application of geographic information systems (GIS) technology. GIS systems capture and display data relating to positions on the Earth’s surface that can have a diverse range of applications from providing military intelligence to assisting with location-based marketing.

What’s it like to study a PhD in Geographical Information Systems?

You’ll be assigned a supervisory team that will guide you through the completion of an extended dissertation. Your final thesis should make a significant original contribution to the field, whether it be improving GIS technology or identifying new applications for it.

Day to day, you will spend most of your time conducting independent research – which may involve employing spatial analysis and image processing techniques and getting practical experience of GIS data collection in the lab or through field work.

You’ll likely have the opportunity to use cutting-edge technologies such as 3D laser scanners, GPS and UAV remote sensing.

Possible research topics include:

• Administrative boundaries
• Energy, environment and climate data
• Agriculture and food security
• Census and population demographics
• Transport and infrastructure
• Incidence of disease

Alongside your research, you may be required to attend additional training and help with undergraduate teaching. You may also have the chance to present at academic conferences and publish your work in journals.

There are a small number of advertised projects available in Geographical Information Systems, but most candidates will need to design their own project.

PhD in Geographical Information Systems Entry requirements

To apply for a PhD in Geographical Information Systems, you’ll usually need a good upper-second class Bachelors degree in a relevant subject area. A Masters degree may sometimes be required. It’s worth noting that applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and a postgraduate qualification will often be an advantage even if is not compulsory.

PhD in Geographical Information Systems funding options

Depending on your specific focus, PhD projects in Geographical Information Systems might be funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ERSC), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Council (EPRSC) or the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). Research Councils provide studentships that cover your tuition fees and living expenses.

Full studentships are very competitive, so many students will need to self-fund their PhD. There are numerous options for candidates taking this route, including the UK government’s doctoral loan, support from charities or trusts, and part-time employment.

PhD in Geographical Information Systems careers

Many students who complete a PhD in Geographical Information Systems will go on to pursue a career in research. However, there are plenty of options for those looking to take on a non-academic role – GIS is now a fundamental component of the global information infrastructure. It is used in countless sectors such as telecommunications, civil engineering, government, conversation and public health – to name just a few.