Geographic Information Systems - Online

With 25 years of experience in teaching Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and nearly 20 years of expertise in online distance learning, we have established a strong and successful track record in GIS education. This course covers the fundamental concepts of GIS and offers extensive hands-on practice with both commercial and open-source software. You have the flexibility to study full-time or part-time, and you can pursue a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or a Master’s degree.



We delve into how to obtain, analyse, problem-solve, and communicate using maps and spatial data through modules on GIS, remote sensing, spatial data management and databases, web-based GIS, and GIS in commercial environments. 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 work with a wide range of software, including Erdas Imagine, QGIS, OpenLayers, GeoServer, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, SPSS, and Excel, along with various GIS extensions, plug-ins, and programming languages. If you choose to complete the Master’s project, you can focus on a topic of your own choosing.



Our graduates enjoy a high success rate in securing GIS employment, with over 95% finding jobs according to graduate surveys. Those who already have GIS work experience report significant benefits from the course, as it allows them to broaden, deepen, and formalise their knowledge.



Work placement / study abroad

Gaining practical experience and applying academic knowledge in a real-world context is highly beneficial for students preparing to enter the workforce. Therefore, we offer full-time students the option to undertake a ‘GIS Work Experience’ module. This involves working within an organisation for 2.5 days per week over a six-week period. Placements, which are unpaid, can be in the public sector, private companies, charities, or educational institutions.



Students who participate in this module find it extremely valuable for both professional and personal development.



They often highlight benefits such as:

Broadening technical skills

Gaining experience in team-working and independent problem-solving

Improving confidence

Learning about the geospatial industry and employment opportunities through exposure to real-world GIS applications

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Compulsory modules –

EGM711 – Principles of GIS (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module.

EGM717 – GIS Databases (15 credits) - this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module.

EGM712 - Spatial Data Management (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 7-12 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module.

EGM713 – Introduction to Remote Sensing (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 7-12 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module.



Semester 2 (total 60 credits to be taken)

GROUP A – pick two (these modules run in weeks 1-6 of semester 2)

EGM715 – Web-Based GIS (15 credits)

EGM702 – Photogrammetry and Advanced Image Analysis (15 credits)

EGM716 – Spatial Analysis and Modelling (15 credits)

EGM725 – GIS Work Experience (15 credits)



GROUP B – pick two (these modules run in weeks 7-12 of semester 2)

EGM721 – GIS for Environmental Management (15 credits)

EGM722 – Programming for GiS & Remote Sensing (15 credits)

EGM725 – GIS Work Experience (15 credits)

EGM804 – Environmental Impact Assessment (30 credits) – this module will run in January 2025, January 2027, January 2029, January 2031



Or

EGM801 – Biodiversity Management (30 credits) – this module will run in January 2026, January 2028, January 2030, January 2032.

The normal requirement is an Honours degree (2:2 or above) with a substantial component of geography, environmental science or computing, but we will consider applicants with other equivalent and relevant qualifications or experience on an individual basis.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

This course is fully online and full-time, with no requirement to visit Ulster University at any stage.

Start Date: September 2025

Career options

GIS and geospatial technologies are at the forefront of a rapidly growing, multi-billion-dollar industry, becoming increasingly mainstream in both public and private sectors. This growth has created a high demand for graduates with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.



Our graduates have secured a variety of GIS-related roles worldwide, including positions such as: technicians, analysts, scientists, surveyors, data specialists, mapping officers, consultants, project managers, and more. They work across diverse sectors, including: mapping agencies, GIS and SatNav companies, environmental consultancies, ecological and marine resource management, renewable energy, forestry, fisheries, town planning, heritage agencies, health and emergency services, housing authorities, local government, aid agencies, countryside recreation, rural development, retail analysis, utilities and infrastructure, education, mining, and the oil industry.



The versatility of GIS ensures a wide range of job opportunities. Additionally, knowledge of geospatial data is increasingly valuable in many fields outside the GI profession, enhancing employability across various industries.