PgDip/MSc in Geographic Information Systems
Belfast, United Kingdom
DURATION
12 Months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
GBP 6,270 *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance learning
* Northern Ireland, Great Britain and EU Fees; International Fees are 14,910 GBP
Scholarships
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Introduction
With 25 years experience of teaching GIS and nearly 20 years via online distance learning, we have a long and successful track record in GIS education. This course teaches the concepts behind GIS and provides in-depth practice using both commercial and open-source software. You can study either full-time or part-time and can aim for a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters degree.
We look at how to obtain, analyse, problem-solve and communicate with maps and spatial data, with modules on GIS, remote sensing, spatial data management and databases, web-GIS and GIS in the commercial environment. Optional modules include GIS work experience, spatial analysis and modelling, GIS for environmental management, and Customising GIS. You will gain extensive hands-on experience: in addition to developing core skills using ArcGIS, you will use a wide range of software including ERDAS Imagine, Excel, SPSS, QGIS, OpenLayers, GeoServer, PostgreSQL and PostGIS, together with GIS extensions, plug-ins and programming languages. If you opt to complete the Master's project you can focus on a topic of your own choosing.
Our graduates have a high success rate in obtaining GIS employment (over 95%, according to graduate surveys). People taking the course who already have GIS work experience say they benefit significantly because the course enables them to broaden, deepen and formalise their knowledge.
Why Study with Us?
- Join an established course with an excellent reputation and feedback.
- Get support and advice from experienced lecturers, tutors, librarians, e-learning and IT staff.
- Access online resources such as e-books, digital lectures and podcasts, discussion boards and video-conference tools all within a dedicated e-learning platform.
- Develop and improve your employability, professional and academic skills and gain extensive hands-on practice with key software.
- Obtain free student copies of GIS, remote sensing and statistical software.
- Be assessed entirely by coursework – there are no formal examinations.
- Pay your fees in instalments.
- With a fully online course, you can study from almost anywhere and there is no need to travel to classes.
- You can study part-time or full-time and choose the times you study each week to suit yourself.
- Substantial relevant work experience may be accepted in place of standard entry requirements.
- Study for a Master’s degree, a PG Diploma, PG Certificate or enrol for individual modules.
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds but broadly speaking fall into two groups.
- New or recent graduates wanting to enter GIS-related employment for the first time, or to add GIS to their skill-set to enhance their employability or change career.
- People who are already in GIS-related employment but want to broaden and deepen their GIS knowledge and skills with a view to making better use of GIS or improving their career and promotion prospects.
Graduate feedback and employment rates show that our course caters very well for both of these groups. Students consistently describe the course as both challenging and enjoyable and frequently remark on the high quality of online support they receive. Many of our students decide to join the course on the recommendation of previous students.
Why Study GIS?
The benefits of GIS are increasingly recognised within government, business, education and the voluntary sector, and the applications of geospatial data technologies are steadily growing. Using GIS, it is possible to combine data from a broad range of sources and in a variety of formats, such as paper and digital maps, routinely collected administrative data, censuses and population surveys, satellite imagery, aerial photography, GPS tracking and surveys, LiDAR and crowd-sourcing. The uses of GIS are very diverse, and include mapping, spatial analysis, planning and decision-making within a wide range of disciplines and sectors – common examples include environmental management and conservation, resource management, emergency service planning and humanitarian assistance, health care provision, land use planning and urban development, the utilities, transport, geo-demographics, mineral extraction and retail analysis. Increasing uptake of GIS and associated techniques and technologies means that there is a growing demand for qualified personnel who have the skills to manage spatial data effectively. Strong industry links help ensure that our course is relevant to the needs of employers.
Gallery
Curriculum
Course Summary
The course is designed to help people gain an understanding and experience of GIS concepts, functionality and applications. Content focuses on the representation, acquisition, management, manipulation and analysis of spatial data. It also includes modules on remote sensing, spatial databases, web-GIS and GIS in the commercial environment. Additional optional modules include GIS work experience, spatial analysis and modelling, GIS for environmental management, and Customising GIS.
In addition to acquiring substantial theoretical knowledge of the subject, you will gain extensive practical experience using a variety of software, focusing primarily on ArcGIS but also including ERDAS Imagine, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, MySQL, OpenLayers, Geoserver, QGIS, Excel, SPSS and a number of GIS extensions and plug-ins. One of the core modules provides the experience of web-based programming languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript, whilst an optional module in customising GIS applications introduces Esri’s ModelBuilder and the Python programming language.
After successfully completing the PgDip modules, you may transfer to the Masters part of the programme. This requires the completion of a substantial independent research project, written in the form of a research journal article (which may, with the agreement of your supervisor, be submitted for publication).
As part of the course resources, you will be provided with a free copy of ArcGIS, the remote sensing package ERDAS Imagine, and the data analysis package SPSS.
Modules
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year one
Geographic information systems project
This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of research in an area of particular interest to the student. The student will be assessed on their project proposal and two progress reports, together with the final research paper.
Principles of GIS
This module introduces the theory and practice of Geographic Information Systems and is intended to provide an understanding of the breadth of potential GIS applications and to equip students with key concepts and skills relating to the input, management, manipulation, analysis and output of spatial data. Lecture-based teaching of key concepts is reinforced by linked practical exercises which allow students to develop competence in ESRI's ArcGIS package. The module assumes no prior knowledge or experience of GIS.
Spatial Data Management
This module builds on the knowledge and practical skills gained in EGM711 to provide students with further experience in the acquisition, manipulation and analysis of spatial data. Methods for generating and collecting digital spatial data from primary and secondary sources are considered, and data processing, selection, integration and analysis extensively practised. Lecture and practical sessions include digitising, geo-registration, GPS, accessing and using secondary sources, spatial join and overlay, network analysis and 3D modelling, and incorporate the experience of a variety of large and small scale vector and raster datasets. The module also incorporates practice in statistical analysis and interpretation. Development of GIS software skills focuses on ArcGIS and extensions.
Introduction to Remote Sensing
This postgraduate module offers students the opportunity to study the principles and applications of remote sensing and image analysis and to explore links between remote sensing and GIS. Students will become familiar with the theoretical foundations of remote sensing and will develop technical skills through a series of software-based practical exercises and assignments using ERDAS Imagine
GIS Databases
This module examines the role of databases within the GI industry. It aims to enable students to appreciate the need for database skills that are used in GIS applications. The module is interactive and discussions are encouraged about spatial issues. A range of database skills is introduced which equip the student with knowledge of the potential and scope of databases within a range of different applications. Students will be introduced to a range of open-source DBMS and GIS software including PostgreSQL, PostGIS and Quantum GIS.
Photogrammetry and Advanced Image Analysis (This module is optional)
This module covers advanced topics in visible remote sensing and image analysis, including photogrammetry and digital elevation models, image processing and manipulation, advanced classification techniques such as object-based image analysis (OBIA), and time series analysis and change detection using Google Earth Engine. It builds on the topics covered in "Introduction to Remote Sensing", complements the topics covered in EGM722, and provides a framework for more detailed modules later in the course, as well as the (optional) research topic.
Marine Remote Sensing (This module is optional)
This module first introduces the underlying concepts of marine remote sensing and its applications within the framework of ocean properties and seafloor characteristics. It introduces students to different datasets and spatial data management tools for ocean remote sensing and aims to help them develop an appreciation of mapping scales, data resolution and density. Lastly, the module focuses on the effective integration of relevant datasets in the context of specific users' and stakeholders' requirements. The module is a combination of theoretical and practical based sessions using both commercial and open-source software. Guest lectures and contributions from world-leading experts in the field will form an integral component of the module.
GIS in Business and Society (This module is optional)
This module investigates the GI industry from the perspective of the GI professional, the GI customer/user and the various functions and processes behind the successful implementation of GIS in real world scenarios. The module aims to give students a firm understanding of GIS in the commercial world, an appreciation of the economic and social value of spatial data and the importance of decision-based techniques in spatial analysis within GIS applications. The module assumes no prior knowledge or experience of GIS.
Web-based GIS (This module is optional)
This module examines the role of programming within the GI industry. It aims to enable students to appreciate the need for programming skills that can be used to customise and develop applications. A range of programming skills is introduced which equip the student with knowledge of the potential and scope of programming within various applications.
Spatial Analysis (This module is optional)
This module builds on the introductory material of EGM711 and EGM712, covering advanced concepts of spatial data analysis and modelling, and providing extensive practical experience of ESDA and spatial analysis and modelling within a GIS environment.
GIS for Environmental Management (This module is optional)
This optional module ex0amines the application of GIS to environmental management, modelling and impact assessment. It aims to enable students to appreciate the need for properly researched information to support strategic and operational environmental management decisions, and to be aware of the means by which such information can be obtained and evaluated.
Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing (This module is optional)
This module develops programming skills using the python programming language. The module seeks to provide students with key skills in the development of repeatable, automated analyses of GIS applications. The module also aims to develop academic writing skills in preparation for the MSc degree.
GIS Work Experience (This module is optional)
This module consists of a GI-related work experience placement designed to allow students the opportunity to contextualize their classroom-based learning in a professional environment relevant to a career in GI-related fields and to enhance their employability through work-based learning.
GIS Workplace Project (This module is optional)
This module consists of a project undertaken by students in GI-related employment, in which they carry out a systematic analysis of current GIS implementation within their workplace and devise and evaluate potential additional applications. The module allows students who have professional experience the opportunity to contextualize their classroom-based learning in a professional environment relevant to careers in GI-related fields.
Biodiversity Management (This module is optional)
Biodiversity managers make decisions based on understanding ecosystems and applying ecological principles to achieve their objectives. This module covers key scientific topics, which are crucial for developing effective biodiversity management plans in different ecosystems. It exemplifies how ecological-social-economic factors interact to influence our ability to conserve and manage biodiversity.
Environmental Impact Assessment (This module is optional)
This module introduces the concepts and requirements of environmental impact assessment, the methodology of planning and carrying out an environmental audit and the use of environmental management systems.
Admissions
Career Opportunities
Career options
GIS and geospatial technologies underpin a rapidly growing, multi-billion dollar industry, and are becoming increasingly mainstream within both the public and private sectors, resulting in a need for graduates who have a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Graduates of this course have secured employment in a variety of GIS-related roles worldwide, in GIS positions including technicians, analysts, scientists, surveyors, data specialists, mapping officers, consultants, project managers, development, sales and marketing, customer support, GIS training, lecturing and research (including funded PhD projects). The breadth of potential uses of GIS ensures a great diversity of job opportunities; for example, our graduates have found employment with mapping agencies, GIS and SatNav companies, environmental consultancies, ecological and marine resource management and environmental agencies, renewable energy companies, forestry, fisheries, town planning departments, heritage agencies, health and emergency services, housing authorities, local government, aid agencies, countryside recreation, rural development, retail analysis, utilities and infrastructure, Further and Higher Education, mining and mineral exploitation and the oil industry, among others. Knowledge and understanding of geospatial data are also increasingly required in a variety of jobs outside of the GI profession, making a GIS qualification a valuable asset enhancing employability in a range of fields.
Work placement/study abroad
Gaining experience in the workplace and being able to apply academic learning within that context is very beneficial for students preparing to enter the workplace, so we offer the option of undertaking a GIS Work Experience module to full-time students. This entails working within an organisation for 2.5 days per week over a six-week period. Placements (which are unpaid) may be in the public sector, private companies, charities or education. Students who take this module find it extremely helpful for both their professional and personal development and refer particularly to benefits such as broadening their technical skills, gaining experience of team-working and of independent problem-solving, improved confidence and of learning about the geospatial industry and employment through exposure to real-world applications of GIS.