PATHWAYS
With so many ways to enter a career in the geospatial sector, it can be difficult to know where to start!
Explore the main pathways into the industry to help you figure out what's right for you.
What are my options?
Study for an academic or vocational degree
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Full-time degrees take 3 - 4 years to complete
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You can apply for higher-level jobs after graduation
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Time spent in lectures and seminars or on individual study - or can be via distance-learning
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Focus is on academic study, although many construction-related degrees offer a year in industry
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1000’s of courses to choose from, which could lead to careers in construction
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You’ll pay tuition fees of up to £9,520 per year (correct as of 2020)
University
Blend college learning with a work-based placement
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Courses last two years
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You’ll gain a technical qualification
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Level 3 courses are equivalent to A Levels but focussed on a particular industry or vocational area
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A minimum of 45 hours is spent in industry placements
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Choose from around 25 varied courses
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No tuition fees
T Levels
Get ready for the world of work
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Can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months
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Prepare 16-24 year olds for work or an apprenticeship
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Provide hands-on work experience and support with preparing CVs and applying for jobs
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Boost literacy and numeracy skills
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Hundreds of opportunities available
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Costs are covered by the government
Traineeships
College
Develop skills to prepare you for the future
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Course lengths vary - from weeks to years!
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Gain further education and build technical, vocational or academic skills
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Study for T Levels, NVQs, City and Guilds, Higher National Diplomas. BTECs, A-Levels or GCSEs
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Prepare for a specific career path or higher level qualifications
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Most courses are free
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Choose from hundreds of course types
Apprenticeships
Earn a wage whilst learning a specific job
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Take 1 - 5 years to complete
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Time split between your employer and a training provider
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Over 100 roles can be entered through apprenticeships, with more being added
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Earn as you learn, with no tuition fees
- Level 3 Geospatial Survey Technician
- Level 6 Geospatial Mapping and Science Specialist
- Chartered Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship
- Civil Engineering BEng and Degree Apprenticeship
Gain industry insight and skills for your CV
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No limit to how long or short it can be
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Offers insights into the construction industry, so you can see if a job is for you
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Opportunity to pick up skills for your CV
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Chance to gain industry connections
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May be advertised by an employer, or you can arrange a placement yourself
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No costs involved
Work Experience
Where can I study?
A degree or equivalent is always desirable, but for some roles it's essential.
There are many degrees which may help you enter the geospatial engineering sector.
If you have a specific role in mind, such as GIS analyst or land surveyor, you could look at the universities which offer courses in your chosen field.
GIS Technician
Manages GIS data, including digitising, collecting data, analysing, and creating maps to support intelligent decision making for instance for urban or transport planning
£25,000 - £30,000
GIS Technician
Manages GIS data, including digitising, collecting data, analysing, and creating maps to support intelligent decision making for instance for urban or transport planning
£25,000 - £30,000
Geospatial degrees in the UK & Ireland
Click on the map locations or scroll through the options on the left to find out what geospatial degrees are on offer in the UK and Ireland.
Working from the whole to the part, Geospatial Surveying investigates the extraordinary geography associated with our planet.
Emily
Geospatial Mapping and Surveying Student at Newcastle University
Find out more about Studying at University
Get qualified!
The Survey School is home to the TSA Surveying Course, which is designed for new entrants into the Geomatics industry, or those with experience but no formal training.
It is intended to broaden the student’s practical experience and to supplement the theoretical experience gained from their employer.
The Survey School offer a number of short courses too, ranging from 2-5 days, with discounts for CICES and TSA members.