Engineering

Master of Science in Geospatial Information Systems and Remote Sensing

The Master of Science in Geospatial Information Systems and Remote Sensing is a postgraduate programme that trains graduates in GIS, remote sensing, and geospatial technology. The programme prepares graduates for advanced careers in geospatial analysis, remote sensing applications, spatial data management, and geomatics engineering.

Core areas include geographic information systems, remote sensing, spatial data analysis, photogrammetry, geodesy, digital image processing, GPS and positioning, spatial databases, geospatial modelling, and research methods. Students engage with theoretical foundations and practical geospatial technology applications.

The programme is offered by Kirinyaga University, Strathmore University, and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, with JKUAT as a college. JKUAT offers MSc in GIS and Remote Sensing through its Department of Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems, with PhD programmes in GIS, Remote Sensing, and Geodesy.

Students develop competencies in GIS analysis, remote sensing image processing, photogrammetry, geodetic surveying, spatial data management, geomatics, and research. The programme includes coursework, laboratory practicals, field work, examinations, supervised research, and thesis.

The programme is delivered over two years with full-time study mode at JKUAT. JKUAT requires Second Class Lower with 2 years experience or Upper Division. JKUAT fees are KES 362,000 total (~KES 181,000/year) for MSc GIS and Remote Sensing.

Graduates pursue careers as GIS analysts, remote sensing specialists, photogrammetrists, geodetic surveyors, geospatial developers, and lecturers in government agencies, surveying firms, mining companies, environmental organisations, and universities.

Skills Required

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysis
Remote Sensing and Image Processing
Photogrammetry and 3D Mapping
Geodesy and Geodetic Surveying
Spatial Data Analysis and Modelling
GPS and GNSS Positioning
Digital Image Processing and Classification
Spatial Database Management
Geospatial Data Collection and Surveying
Geospatial Research Methods

Key Subjects

Geographic Information Systems
Remote Sensing
Photogrammetry
Geodesy
Spatial Data Analysis
Digital Image Processing
GPS and Positioning
Spatial Databases
Geospatial Modelling
Geospatial Research Methods

Certifications

KSGS Professional Certification
ISPRS Professional Membership

Specializations

Geographic Information Systems

Focuses on GIS, spatial analysis, GIS modelling, spatial data management, and using GIS for spatial problem-solving and decision-making.

Remote Sensing

Examines remote sensing, satellite remote sensing, aerial photography, image processing, image classification, and acquiring and analysing remote sensing data.

Photogrammetry

Covers photogrammetry, aerial photogrammetry, digital photogrammetry, 3D mapping, terrain modelling, and extracting spatial information from photographs.

Geodesy and Surveying

Focuses on geodesy, geodetic surveying, land surveying, hydrographic surveying, positioning, and understanding and applying geodetic and surveying principles.

Spatial Data Management

Examines spatial data management, spatial databases, spatial data infrastructure, data quality, and managing and organising spatial data.

Geospatial Modelling

Covers geospatial modelling, spatial modelling, suitability analysis, terrain analysis, network analysis, and building and applying geospatial models.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 195,750
Private, up to: Ksh 300,000
Job market: High

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Geographic Information Systems
Remote Sensing
Photogrammetry
Geodesy
Spatial Data Analysis
Digital Image Processing
GPS and Positioning
Spatial Databases
Geospatial Modelling
Geospatial Research Methods

Modules

12 in the programme

Geographic Information Systems Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines GIS principles, spatial data models, spatial analysis, GIS modelling, spatial data management, and using GIS for spatial problem-solving and decision-making.
Remote Sensing Principles and Applications
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers remote sensing principles, satellite remote sensing, aerial photography, sensor systems, electromagnetic radiation, and acquiring and understanding remote sensing data.
Photogrammetry and 3D Mapping
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines photogrammetry, photogrammetric principles, aerial photogrammetry, digital photogrammetry, 3D mapping, terrain modelling, and extracting spatial information from photographs.
Geodesy and Geodetic Surveying
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers geodesy, geodetic surveying, coordinate systems, datums, projections, geoid, ellipsoid, and understanding and applying geodetic principles.
Digital Image Processing
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines digital image processing, image correction, image enhancement, image classification, feature extraction, change detection, and processing and analysing remote sensing images.
GPS and GNSS Positioning
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers GPS, GNSS, positioning, surveying, field data collection, and using GPS and GNSS for spatial data collection and positioning.
Spatial Data Analysis and Statistics
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines spatial data analysis, spatial statistics, spatial analysis methods, interpolation, spatial autocorrelation, and analysing spatial patterns and relationships.
Spatial Database Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers spatial databases, spatial data models, spatial indexing, spatial SQL, spatial data infrastructure, and managing and querying spatial databases.
Geospatial Modelling and Applications
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines geospatial modelling, spatial modelling, suitability analysis, network analysis, terrain analysis, and building and applying geospatial models.
Geospatial Research Methods
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research methods for geospatial science, experimental design, field methods, data analysis, and conducting geospatial research, preparing students for their thesis.
Environmental Information Systems
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines environmental information systems, environmental GIS, environmental monitoring, environmental modelling, and applying GIS and remote sensing to environmental management.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on a geospatial information systems and remote sensing topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and geospatial knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Geographic Information Systems
Focuses on GIS, spatial analysis, GIS modelling, spatial data management, and using GIS for spatial problem-solving and decision-making.
Remote Sensing
Examines remote sensing, satellite remote sensing, aerial photography, image processing, image classification, and acquiring and analysing remote sensing data.
Photogrammetry
Covers photogrammetry, aerial photogrammetry, digital photogrammetry, 3D mapping, terrain modelling, and extracting spatial information from photographs.
Geodesy and Surveying
Focuses on geodesy, geodetic surveying, land surveying, hydrographic surveying, positioning, and understanding and applying geodetic and surveying principles.
Spatial Data Management
Examines spatial data management, spatial databases, spatial data infrastructure, data quality, and managing and organising spatial data.
Geospatial Modelling
Covers geospatial modelling, spatial modelling, suitability analysis, terrain analysis, network analysis, and building and applying geospatial models.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc Geospatial Information Systems and Remote Sensing programme begins with morning lectures on GIS, remote sensing, or photogrammetry at JKUAT's Department of Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems. Students engage in theoretical discussions on spatial data, geospatial technology, and surveying principles. GIS sessions cover GIS principles, spatial analysis, GIS modelling, spatial data management, and using GIS for spatial problem-solving. Remote sensing sessions examine satellite remote sensing, aerial photography, sensor systems, electromagnetic radiation, and acquiring and understanding remote sensing data. Photogrammetry sessions cover photogrammetric principles, aerial photogrammetry, digital photogrammetry, 3D mapping, terrain modelling, and extracting spatial information from photographs. Geodesy sessions examine geodesy, geodetic surveying, coordinate systems, datums, projections, and understanding and applying geodetic principles. Spatial data analysis sessions cover spatial statistics, spatial analysis methods, interpolation, spatial autocorrelation, and analysing spatial patterns. Digital image processing sessions involve image correction, image enhancement, image classification, feature extraction, and processing remote sensing images. GPS sessions cover GPS, GNSS, positioning, surveying, and using GPS for spatial data collection. Spatial database sessions examine spatial databases, spatial data models, spatial indexing, spatial SQL, and managing and querying spatial databases. Geospatial modelling sessions cover spatial modelling, suitability analysis, network analysis, terrain analysis, and building and applying geospatial models. Laboratory sessions provide extensive hands-on experience with GIS software, remote sensing software, photogrammetric software, and GPS receivers. Field work provides hands-on experience in GPS surveying, field data collection, ground truthing, and geodetic surveying. Research methodology sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering geospatial research methods, experimental design, and data analysis. Guest lectures from RCMRD specialists, KSGS professionals, KNBS statisticians, and industry experts provide real-world insights. The two-year programme culminates in a research thesis.

The trade offs

In its favour

JKUAT offers MSc GIS and Remote Sensing at KES 362,000 total through its established Department of Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems with PhD programmes.
Kenya's mining sector, land management, environmental monitoring, agricultural mapping, infrastructure development, and surveying needs create high demand for qualified geospatial professionals.
Programme combines IT, surveying, and spatial analysis, providing highly transferable skills for growing geospatial technology market.
RCMRD headquartered in Nairobi provides unique opportunities for geospatial professionals in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Against it

JKUAT programme is full-time only, which may not accommodate working professionals.
Programme requires access to specialised GIS, remote sensing, and photogrammetric software and equipment, which may vary across institutions.
Programme involves rigorous quantitative and technical content, which may be challenging for some students.
Specific fee structures could not be independently verified from all official websites, making cost planning challenging.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 332 engineering courses

Public156k to 196k

156k at Kirinyaga University196k at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology

Private195k to 300k

195k at Kabarak University300k at Strathmore University

Annual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.

The fine print

MMUST ~196K/yr w/lab(mmust.ac.ke). KYU ~156K/yr(kyu.ac.ke). Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. RCMRD supports geospatial training and capacity building in Eastern and Southern Africa. ISPRS supports remote sensing and photogrammetry research. OGC supports geospatial standards development. The programme's geospatial technology focus attracts regional and international organisation funding.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
RCMRD Training Funding
ISPRS Research Grants

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate geospatial information systems and remote sensing studies at recognised universities.
RCMRD Training Funding
GrantKsh 300,000Kenyan
RCMRD provides geospatial training and capacity building, supporting training in GIS, remote sensing, and mapping for Eastern and Southern Africa.
ISPRS Research Grants
GrantKsh 300,000
ISPRS supports remote sensing and photogrammetry research, providing funding for research and training in remote sensing globally.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: The programme accepts graduates from GIS, geomatics, surveying, geography, IT, engineering, geology, environmental science, computer science, mathematics, physics, and related fields. Two-year full-time programme at JKUAT. JKUAT requires Second Class Upper or Lower with 2 years experience or research evidence. JKUAT fees KES 362,000 total for MSc GIS and Remote Sensing.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Assignments
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, GIS lab exercises, remote sensing practicals, photogrammetry projects, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination30% of the mark
Written examinations covering GIS, remote sensing, photogrammetry, geodesy, and spatial analysis, conducted at end of each semester.
Laboratory and Field Assessment
Practical40% of the mark
Assessment of laboratory work, field work, GIS projects, remote sensing projects, GPS surveying, photogrammetric processing, and practical reports.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on a geospatial information systems and remote sensing topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and geospatial knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). JKUAT offers MSc in GIS and Remote Sensing through its Department of Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems, with PhD programmes in GIS, Remote Sensing, and Geodesy. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate geospatial information systems and remote sensing training. KSGS regulates surveying and geospatial practice in Kenya.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. JKUAT offers MSc in GIS and Remote Sensing through its Department of Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems, with PhD programmes in GIS, Remote Sensing, and Geodesy. The programme meets CUE standards for postgraduate geospatial training.
Kenya Surveying and Geospatial Society (KSGS)
Professional accreditation
KSGS supports surveyors and GIS professionals in Kenya. Graduates working in surveying and geospatial practice may benefit from KSGS membership and professional certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

GIS Analyst
High demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Analyses spatial data using GIS, conducting spatial analysis, GIS modelling, map production, and supporting spatial decision-making in organisations.
Remote Sensing Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Processes and analyses remote sensing data, conducting image processing, image classification, feature extraction, and supporting remote sensing applications.
Photogrammetrist
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Extracts spatial information from photographs, conducting photogrammetric processing, 3D mapping, terrain modelling, and producing spatial data from imagery.
Geodetic Surveyor
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Conducts geodetic and land surveys, overseeing positioning, coordinate systems, survey data, and ensuring accurate spatial data collection.
Geospatial Developer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Develops geospatial software and applications, overseeing web GIS, geospatial web services, and building geospatial technology solutions.
University Lecturer
High demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches geospatial information systems and remote sensing in universities, conducting research and training future geospatial professionals.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates pursue careers as GIS analysts, remote sensing specialists, and photogrammetrists in government agencies, surveying firms, mining companies, and environmental organisations.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

ArcGIS
SoftwarePrimary
Industry-standard GIS software for spatial analysis, map production, GIS modelling, spatial data management, and geospatial analysis.
ERDAS Imagine
SoftwarePrimary
Remote sensing and image processing software for satellite image processing, image classification, and remote sensing analysis.
QGIS
Software
Open-source GIS software for spatial analysis, map production, GIS modelling, and geospatial data processing.
Python
Software
Programming language for geospatial scripting, spatial data processing, GIS automation, and geospatial data analysis with libraries like GDAL and GeoPandas.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Geospatial information systems and remote sensing is just about Google Maps.
The programme involves spatial analysis, photogrammetry, geodesy, remote sensing, databases, and research, far beyond consumer mapping applications.
GIS and remote sensing is the same as geography.
While related to geography, GIS and remote sensing is a technology-focused discipline involving computing, databases, image processing, and surveying technology.
There is limited demand for geospatial professionals in Kenya.
Kenya's mining sector, land management, environmental monitoring, agricultural mapping, infrastructure development, and surveying needs create high demand for qualified geospatial professionals.
This programme is only for geography or surveying graduates.
The programme accepts graduates from geography, surveying, IT, engineering, geology, environmental science, and related fields with geospatial or quantitative background.
Remote sensing is just about taking satellite photos.
Remote sensing involves complex image processing, spectral analysis, image classification, change detection, and extracting information from satellite and aerial data.
A master's in GIS is redundant after a bachelor's in geography or IT.
The master's provides specialised geospatial technology skills, research capability, and career progression to senior GIS, remote sensing, and geomatics positions.