Earth Observation Swansea University
| Award | Attendance | Study | Duration | Start | Domestic fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc (Research) | On-Campus | Full-time, Part-time | 1 - 2 years | October, January, April, July | £5006 per year | £21950 per year |
Course overview
The MSc by Research in Earth Observation allows you to undertake a year-long individual programme of personally and professionally enriching research. Your earth observation research project will be shaped by participation in activities such as seminars, workshops, laboratory activity and fieldwork, as well as your involvement in our established GEMEO research group.
We are ranked:
- Top 100 in the World (Shanghai Ranking Subject Rankings 2024)
- 90% of our research outputs have been recognised as world leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
- 100% of the environment was rated as world leading and internationally excellent - Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
- Top 201-250 in the World (QS World University Rankings 2025)
Entry requirements
Note for international and European applicants: details of how your qualification compares to the published academic entry requirements can be found on our Country Specific Entry Requirements page.
Qualifications
Applicants for MSc by Research must normally hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University). See - Country-specific Information for EU and International Candidates.
IELTS 6.5 Overall (with no individual component below 6.0) or Swansea University recognised equivalent. Full details of our English Language policy, including certificate time validity, can be found here.
As well as academic qualifications, Admissions decisions may be based on other factors, including (but not limited to): the standard of the research synopsis/proposal, performance at interview, intensity of competition for limited places, and relevant professional experience.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Requirement
Non UK/EU applicants are required to obtain ATAS clearance for this programme of study. Successful applicants are sent ATAS application details by the University PGR Admissions team. Further details on the ATAS scheme can be found at on the government Academic Technology Approval Scheme webpage.
Reference Requirement
As standard, one reference is required before we can progress applications to the Faculty research programme, academic Admissions Tutor for consideration.
Please note that any protracted delay in receiving the outstanding reference may result in the need to defer your application to a later potential start point/entry month, than what you initially listed as your preferred start option.
You may wish to consider contacting your referee to assist in the process of obtaining the outstanding reference or alternatively, hold submission of application until a reference is sourced. Please note that it is not the responsibility of the University Admissions Office to obtain missing reference after our initial email is sent to your nominated referee, requesting a reference on your behalf.
The reference can take the form of a letter on official headed paper, or via the University’s standard reference form. Click this link to download the university reference form.
Alternatively, referees can email a reference from their employment email account, please note that references received via private email accounts, (i.e. Hotmail, Yahoo, Gmail) cannot be accepted.
References can be submitted to [email protected].
Why study at Swansea University
There are many reasons to choose Swansea University for your studies; from the stunning beachfront locations of our Singleton Park and Bay campuses, to our global reputation for research and academic excellence, we offer a safe, supportive and fun environment to live and study, and our vast range of courses and subject areas mean you are sure to find the future career for you.
- Top 30 UK research-led university (Research Excellence Framework 2014-2021)
- Ranked within the Top 350 of universities globally (QS World University Rankings 2027)
- 95% of students surveyed would recommend Swansea University (Uni Compare 2026)
- 95% of graduates are in employment, study and/or other activities (HESA 2025)
Whether you join us for your undergraduate degree, postgraduate studies or research, you’ll receive a modern approach to learning, backed by cutting-edge facilities and an excellent research and teaching faculty.
Join Swansea and start your journey, studying in a picturesque, student-friendly city by the sea with so much to offer.