Engineering

Master of Science in Geospatial Science

The Master of Science in Geospatial Science is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in geographic information systems, remote sensing, and geospatial data analysis. The programme combines geospatial theory with practical GIS, remote sensing, and surveying application.

Core areas include geographic information systems, remote sensing, satellite imagery analysis, spatial data analysis, cartography, GPS and surveying, geodesy, spatial database management, web GIS, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both geospatial theory and practical GIS and remote sensing work through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by JKUAT through the Department of Geomatic Engineering and Geospatial Information Systems, the University of Nairobi through the Department of Geospatial and Space Technology, and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology through its Geospatial and Mapping Services unit. All are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in geographic information systems, remote sensing, satellite imagery analysis, spatial data analysis, cartography, GPS and surveying, geodesy, and spatial database management. The programme includes coursework, examinations, laboratory work, field surveys, and a supervised research thesis.

JKUAT charges approximately KES 181,000/year (KES 362,000 total) for GIS and remote sensing programmes. UoN charges approximately KES 266,500/year for science-based masters. DeKUT charges approximately KES 200,000/year for geospatial programmes. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in geomatics, surveying, geography, environmental science, computer science, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as GIS analysts, remote sensing specialists, geospatial engineers, surveyors, cartographers, spatial data scientists, and lecturers in geospatial science across government agencies, surveying firms, technology companies, environmental organisations, and universities.

Skills Required

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysis and Design
Remote Sensing and Satellite Image Processing
Spatial Data Analysis and Geostatistics
Digital Cartography and Map Design
GPS Surveying and Geodetic Measurement
Spatial Database Management and Geodata Infrastructure
Web GIS and Geospatial Web Services
Photogrammetry and Digital Elevation Modelling
Research Methods in Geospatial Science
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysis and Design
Remote Sensing and Satellite Image Processing
Spatial Data Analysis and Geostatistics
Digital Cartography and Map Design
GPS Surveying and Geodetic Measurement
Spatial Database Management and Geodata Infrastructure
Web GIS and Geospatial Web Services
Photogrammetry and Digital Elevation Modelling
Research Methods in Geospatial Science
Thesis Research

Certifications

GIS Professional (GISP) Certification
OGC Professional Membership

Specializations

GIS Analysis

Focuses on GIS analysis, covering spatial analysis, overlay, buffering, network analysis, spatial modelling, and managing GIS analysis.

Remote Sensing

Examines remote sensing, covering satellite imagery, image processing, classification, change detection, and managing remote sensing.

Surveying and Geodesy

Covers surveying and geodesy, covering GPS, geodetic surveying, cadastral surveying, positioning, and managing surveying.

Cartography

Focuses on cartography, covering map design, digital cartography, visualisation, map projections, and managing cartography.

Spatial Data Infrastructure

Examines spatial data infrastructure, covering SDI, spatial databases, data standards, interoperability, and managing spatial data.

Web GIS

Covers web GIS, covering web mapping, geospatial web services, cloud GIS, mobile GIS, and managing web GIS.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 531,500
Job market: High

The programme

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

Practicalities

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

What you study

10 subjects

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Analysis and Design
Remote Sensing and Satellite Image Processing
Spatial Data Analysis and Geostatistics
Digital Cartography and Map Design
GPS Surveying and Geodetic Measurement
Spatial Database Management and Geodata Infrastructure
Web GIS and Geospatial Web Services
Photogrammetry and Digital Elevation Modelling
Research Methods in Geospatial Science
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Geographic Information Systems Analysis and Design
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines spatial analysis, overlay, buffering, network analysis, spatial modelling, and managing GIS.
Remote Sensing and Satellite Image Processing
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers satellite imagery, image processing, classification, change detection, spectral analysis, and managing remote sensing.
Research Methods in Geospatial Science
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, spatial methods, and conducting geospatial research, preparing students for their thesis.
Spatial Data Analysis and Geostatistics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines geostatistics, interpolation, spatial statistics, point pattern analysis, and managing spatial data.
Digital Cartography and Map Design
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers map design, digital cartography, visualisation, map projections, symbology, and managing cartography.
GPS Surveying and Geodetic Measurement
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines GPS, GNSS, geodetic surveying, cadastral surveying, positioning, and managing surveying.
Spatial Database Management and Geodata Infrastructure
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers spatial databases, SQL, PostGIS, data standards, interoperability, SDI, and managing spatial databases.
Web GIS and Geospatial Web Services
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines web mapping, geospatial web services, cloud GIS, mobile GIS, APIs, and managing web GIS.
Photogrammetry and Digital Elevation Modelling
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers aerial photography, stereo photogrammetry, DEM generation, orthophotos, drone mapping, and managing photogrammetry.
Remote Sensing Applications and Environmental Monitoring
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines land cover mapping, vegetation monitoring, urban remote sensing, disaster monitoring, and managing remote sensing applications.
Geospatial Programming and Automation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers Python for GIS, ArcPy, QGIS plugins, automation, geoprocessing, and managing geospatial programming.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 29 creditsCore
Original supervised research thesis on a geospatial science topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and geospatial knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

GIS Analysis
Focuses on GIS analysis, covering spatial analysis, overlay, buffering, network analysis, spatial modelling, and managing GIS analysis.
Remote Sensing
Examines remote sensing, covering satellite imagery, image processing, classification, change detection, and managing remote sensing.
Surveying and Geodesy
Covers surveying and geodesy, covering GPS, geodetic surveying, cadastral surveying, positioning, and managing surveying.
Cartography
Focuses on cartography, covering map design, digital cartography, visualisation, map projections, and managing cartography.
Spatial Data Infrastructure
Examines spatial data infrastructure, covering SDI, spatial databases, data standards, interoperability, and managing spatial data.
Web GIS
Covers web GIS, covering web mapping, geospatial web services, cloud GIS, mobile GIS, and managing web GIS.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Geospatial Science programme combines lectures, laboratory sessions, field surveys, practical workshops, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, and surveying. GIS analysis sessions examine spatial analysis, overlay, buffering, network analysis, spatial modelling, and managing GIS. Remote sensing sessions cover satellite imagery, image processing, classification, change detection, spectral analysis, and managing remote sensing. Spatial data analysis sessions cover geostatistics, interpolation, spatial statistics, point pattern analysis, and managing spatial data. Cartography sessions cover map design, digital cartography, visualisation, map projections, symbology, and managing cartography. GPS and surveying sessions cover GPS, GNSS, geodetic surveying, cadastral surveying, positioning, and managing surveying. Geodesy sessions cover geodetic reference systems, datums, coordinate systems, projections, and managing geodesy. Spatial database sessions cover spatial databases, SQL, PostGIS, data standards, interoperability, and managing spatial databases. Web GIS sessions cover web mapping, geospatial web services, cloud GIS, mobile GIS, and managing web GIS. Photogrammetry sessions cover aerial photography, stereo photogrammetry, DEM generation, orthophotos, and managing photogrammetry. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with ArcGIS, QGIS, ERDAS, ENVI, and Python for GIS. Field surveys provide hands-on experience with GPS, total stations, drones, and field data collection. Practical workshops provide hands-on experience with image processing, spatial analysis, web mapping, and database management. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in geospatial science. Guest lectures from experienced GIS professionals, surveyors, and remote sensing specialists provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a supervised research thesis on a geospatial science topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

High demand for geospatial professionals with Kenya's digital transformation, land management, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and natural resource management.
Programme offered by three public universities (JKUAT, UoN, DeKUT), providing institutional choice.
JKUAT offers competitive fees at approximately KES 181,000/year (KES 362,000 total) for GIS and remote sensing.
Graduates are eligible for GIS Professional (GISP) certification and OGC professional membership, enhancing global career prospects.

Against it

UoN fees estimated at approximately KES 266,500/year, not independently verified for GIS specifically.
DeKUT fees estimated at approximately KES 200,000/year, not independently verified.
No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options.
Programme requires geomatics, surveying, geography, environmental science, or related background, which limits access for non-related graduates.

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

Public181k to 532k

181k at JKUAT532k at University of Nairobi

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

UoN GIS F538 ~531K/yr(uonbi.ac.ke). JKUAT ~181K/yr(kenyaeducationguide). Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. JKUAT may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. KNBS and government mapping agencies may provide training support. Some technology companies and surveying firms may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary
KNBS Training Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
JKUAT Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
JKUAT offers postgraduate bursaries for eligible students.
KNBS Training Support
GrantKsh 150,000Kenyan
KNBS and government mapping agencies may provide training support for geospatial professionals.

Getting in

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

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Most universities require Upper Second Class Honours in geomatics, surveying, geography, environmental science, computer science, or related fields. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience are considered. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory reports, field survey reports, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, surveying, and cartography.
Laboratory and Field Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, GIS projects, field surveys, image processing, and demonstrating geospatial skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original supervised research thesis on a geospatial science 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, University of Nairobi, and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (all public) offer MSc in Geospatial Science, GIS, or related programmes. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in geospatial science. Graduates are eligible for GIS Professional (GISP) certification and OGC professional membership.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. JKUAT, University of Nairobi, and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (all public) offer MSc in Geospatial Science, GIS, or related programmes. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in geospatial science. Graduates are eligible for GIS Professional (GISP) certification and OGC professional membership.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

GIS Analyst
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Conducts GIS analysis, overseeing spatial analysis, modelling, mapping, and managing GIS projects.
Remote Sensing Specialist
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Specialises in remote sensing, overseeing image processing, classification, monitoring, and managing remote sensing.
Geospatial Engineer
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 650,000
Develops geospatial systems, overseeing system design, integration, deployment, and managing geospatial engineering.
Surveyor
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Conducts surveying, overseeing GPS, cadastral, engineering surveying, and managing surveying projects.
Spatial Data Scientist
High demandKsh 150,000 to Ksh 650,000
Analyses spatial data, overseeing spatial analysis, machine learning, big data, and managing spatial data science.
Geospatial Science Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches geospatial science at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

ArcGIS
SoftwarePrimary
ArcGIS for GIS analysis, covering spatial analysis, mapping, geoprocessing, network analysis, and managing GIS projects.
QGIS
Software
QGIS for open-source GIS, covering spatial analysis, mapping, plugins, and managing GIS projects.
Python
Software
Python for geospatial programming, covering ArcPy, GDAL, geoprocessing, automation, and managing geospatial data.
ERDAS Imagine
Software
ERDAS Imagine for remote sensing, covering image processing, classification, change detection, and managing remote sensing data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Geospatial science is just about making maps.
Geospatial science covers comprehensive GIS, remote sensing, spatial analysis, surveying, geodesy, databases, and web GIS beyond just making maps.
This programme is only for surveyors.
Geospatial skills are valuable for environmental scientists, urban planners, data analysts, geographers, computer scientists, and researchers beyond just surveyors.
Geospatial science has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With Kenya's digital transformation, land management, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and natural resource management, demand for geospatial professionals is high in Kenya.
Remote sensing is just about satellite photos.
Remote sensing covers comprehensive satellite imagery, image processing, classification, spectral analysis, change detection, and environmental monitoring.
GIS is just about drawing boundaries.
GIS covers comprehensive spatial analysis, modelling, network analysis, geostatistics, spatial databases, and decision support systems.
Surveying is just about measuring land.
Surveying covers comprehensive GPS, geodetic surveying, cadastral surveying, engineering surveying, hydrographic surveying, and precision positioning.