Master's Programme in Human Geography with specialisation in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) 60 credits

Umeå Universitet, Beteendevetarhuset. Studenter pluggar och äter lunch.

Image: Malin Gronborg

About the programme

Geographical information systems (GIS), used for managing geographic data, map-making and spatial analysis, has increased in importance in recent years. GIS knowledge is in demand on many parts of the labour market. The Master's Programme in Human Geography with specialisation in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is suitable for social science and other students, as well as gainfully employed, who want to further develop their GIS knowledge.

While studying

The programme offers students to further develop GIS knowledge and skills. Topics include geodatabase design and applied cartography, as well as advanced editing, geoprocessing and analysis. In addition, the programme covers two important applications of GIS: transport planning and 3D modelling in a planning context. The utilization of computer-aided design (CAD) in conjunction with GIS is also given attention. The programme is taught in English.

Learning environment

The department has its own GIS computer lab equipped with up-to-date software. The main software used is ArcGIS Pro. During the course of the programme, you will also use other GIS software, work with CAD programs and learn post-processing of maps in raster and vector graphics editors. Parts of the programme may be studied abroad by applying for exchange studies at a partner university.

Teacher and Researchers

Magnus Strömgren
Cenk Demiroglu
Roger Marjavaara
Erika Sandow

Courses within the programme

Semester 1

Geodatabase Design

Applied Cartography

Advanced GIS Analysis

Semester 2

GIS for Transportation

3D Modelling and Visibility Analysis

Magister Thesis in Human Geography

Show programme syllabus

Future and career opportunities

Successful students will acquire in-depth GIS knowledge and skills of considerable societal relevance. The ability to conduct qualified GIS analyses is demanded in many sectors of the labour market. The programme also grants basic eligibility for doctorate studies.

Labour market

The programme qualifies students for professional positions involving GIS in state agencies and municipal functions as well as the private sector. The labour market for students with in-depth GIS knowledge is considered favourable, both now and in the longer run. In addition to the general demand for geodatabase management skills, GIS constitutes an important tool in many professions working with topics such as traffic, the environment, urban planning and regional development.

Degree

Master of Science (60 credits). Major field of study; Human Geography. Specialisation; Geographical Information Systems.

Apply

Autumn 2025
- Master's Programme in Human Geography with specialisation in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  
  International admissions round
  
  Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn Term 2025
  
  Number of credits
  60 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Length
  1 year
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-M2072
  
  Eligibility A Bachelor's degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognised university. Special requirements: 15 ECTS in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
  
  Degree
  Master of Science (60 ECTS). Major field of study: Human Geography. Specialisation: Geographical Information Systems
  See http://www.student.umu.se/english/getting-your-degree/
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 January 2025. The application period is closed.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
  
  Total fee: SEK 152,300
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding
- Master's Programme in Human Geography with specialisation in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn Term 2025
  
  Number of credits
  60 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Length
  1 year
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-P2072
  
  Eligibility A Bachelor's degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognised university. Special requirements: 15 ECTS in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
  
  Degree
  Master of Science (60 ECTS). Major field of study: Human Geography. Specialisation: Geographical Information Systems
  See http://www.student.umu.se/english/getting-your-degree/
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 April 2025. The application period is closed. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
  
  Total fee: SEK 152,300
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding
Autumn 2026
- Master's Programme in Human Geography with specialisation in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  
  International admissions round
  
  Autumn 2026 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Application opens 16 October 2025
  
  Save education at universityadmissions.se
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn Term 2026
  
  Number of credits
  60 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Length
  1 year
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-M2072
  
  Eligibility A Bachelor's degree comprising at least 180 higher education credits or an equivalent foreign degree. Specific entry requirements: At least 7.5 higher education credits in geographical information systems (GIS), geographic information technology or geoinformatics, or in related subject areas such as cartography, remote sensing or spatial analysis, provided that the course includes practical use of GIS software. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
  
  Degree
  Master of Science (60 ECTS). Major field of study: Human Geography. Specialisation: Geographical Information Systems
  See http://www.student.umu.se/english/getting-your-degree/
  
  Application
  The online application opens 16 October 2025 at 13:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 January 2026.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
  
  Total fee: SEK 152,300
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding
- Master's Programme in Human Geography with specialisation in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  
  Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
  
  Autumn 2026 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Application opens 16 March 2026
  
  Save education at universityadmissions.se
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn Term 2026
  
  Number of credits
  60 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Length
  1 year
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-P2072
  
  Eligibility A Bachelor's degree comprising at least 180 higher education credits or an equivalent foreign degree. Specific entry requirements: At least 7.5 higher education credits in geographical information systems (GIS), geographic information technology or geoinformatics, or in related subject areas such as cartography, remote sensing or spatial analysis, provided that the course includes practical use of GIS software. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
  
  Degree
  Master of Science (60 ECTS). Major field of study: Human Geography. Specialisation: Geographical Information Systems
  See http://www.student.umu.se/english/getting-your-degree/
  
  Application
  The online application opens 16 March 2026 at 09:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 April 2026. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
  
  Total fee: SEK 152,300
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

Apply online via universityadmissions.se
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Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

More about application and admission

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