MSc in Land and Hydrographic Surveying with Work Placement, University of Glasgow

Glasgow,

15 Months

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About this course

The MSc Land & Hydrographic Surveying with Work Placement is a program designed to introduce students to the surveying discipline and prepare them for employment in the industry. It covers important aspects of engineering and land survey, vital for infrastructure projects like buildings, roads, rail networks, and underwater infrastructure such as pipelines and offshore wind turbines. This course uniquely includes a 6-month work placement instead of a traditional MSc project, providing students with practical industry experience. The program employs a blend of lectures, practical exercises, and real-world experience using state-of-the-art equipment like RTK GNSS, UAVs, and terrestrial laser scanners. Upon graduation, students will be equipped with current industry tools and knowledge, making them valuable for roles in geospatial, land, engineering, or hydrographic surveying.

Why this course is highly recommended

The course is developed in collaboration with industry, ensuring the curriculum meets the employment needs of employers. It offers access to the latest surveying equipment and software, including UAVs and terrestrial laser scanners, and includes a paid, full-time work placement in industry—an excellent pathway to employment. The program is accredited by both RICS and CICES, signaling high professional standards. With over 50 years of experience in geospatial education and strong industry links, graduates are well-positioned to secure roles such as land, engineering, and hydrographic surveyors.

Specialisation

This MSc program focuses on land and hydrographic surveying, emphasizing advanced geospatial techniques, GIS principles, topographic modelling, and applications of hydrographic survey methods. It provides speciality training in applied land surveying, engineering survey, GNSS and geodesy, and hydrographic survey, preparing students for diverse roles within the geospatial and surveying industries.

Course fees

Application fees

1st year tuition fees

31.35L

Living cost

Degree requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Civil Engineering, Earth or Environmental Science, Geography, Geomatics, Mathematics, Physics, or Planning. Those with a related geomatics degree or meeting certain professional experience criteria may also be considered, with some exemptions possible under specific circumstances. The program has higher entry requirements than some other MSc surveying courses due to its work placement component.

English language test

PTE

TOEFL

DUOLINGO

IELTS

6.5

Career prospects

Graduates are in high demand by industry partners for roles such as Land Surveyor, Engineering Surveyor, Hydrographic/Offshore Surveyor, Geospatial Surveyor, and Reality Capture Specialists. Recent alumni have found employment with notable companies including Ordnance Survey, Jacobs, Fugro, AECOM, and Subsea 7. The program’s industry alignment and accreditation facilitate direct entry into the professional geospatial surveying workforce.

FAQs

What is the duration of this MSc program?

It is a full-time program lasting approximately 15 months, including a 6-month work placement.

What English language test scores are required for international students?

International applicants need IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0, or equivalent scores in TOEFL, PTE, or other accepted tests.