Geographic Information Systems - Online

GIS and geospatial technologies underpin a rapidly growing, multi-billion dollar industry, and are becoming increasingly mainstream within the public and private sectors.

This course is designed to provide a broad-based education in the principles and practice of GIS. You will explore issues such as the representation, acquisition, management and manipulation of spatial data; spatial analysis and modelling; remote sensing; GIS in the commercial environment; spatial databases and web-based programming. Concepts and techniques are illustrated using a variety of applications.

You will develop skills in the management, processing, analysis, interpretation and presentation of geo-spatial data, in various aspects of IT, in project management, report writing and problem-solving. Graduates have secured employment worldwide, including jobs as technicians, analysts, scientists, surveyors, data specialists, mapping officers, consultants, project managers, sales and marketing, customer support, GIS training, lecturing and research, and in a variety of jobs outside of the GI profession.

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.

For further course details please see "Course Web Page".

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.
• EGM713 – Introduction to Remote Sensing (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.
• EGM717 – GIS Databases (15 credits) - this module runs in weeks 7-12 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module.

Optional modules – total of 60 credits to be taken in semester 2
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)
• EGM714 - GIS in Business and Society (15 credits)
• 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 2023, January 2025, January 2027, January 2029

Or
• EGM801 – Biodiversity Management (30 credits) - this module will run in January 2024, January 2026, January 2028, January 2030

Upon successful completion of the PG Dip students can proceed to the MSc and will take EGM701 Geographic Information Systems Projectthis is a 60-credit module. 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 plan and two progress reports, together with a research paper.

Standard entry conditions
To apply to our postgraduate taught programmes, you must meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements and any course-specific requirements.

Entry Requirements
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.

Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink").

This course is taught online so you can study where you want, when you want.

Start Date: September 2024

Career options
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.