Geography - Geospatial Data Analysis

MSc Geospatial Data Analysis
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing are considered essential tools to spatially explore, analyze, visualize and disseminate data; and these skills are increasingly highly sought after in the workplace. The MSc in Geospatial Data Analysis will provide you with strong theoretical, conceptual and practical foundation on spatial analytics, covering legislative requirements and ethical considerations. The aim of the programme is to provide you with the skillset for real-world spatial exploration of social, economic and environmental patterns and interactions in support of evidence-based planning and decision-making. It will afford you the opportunity to apply acquired skills in pragmatic contextual settings.

There is also an option to exit the programme with a Diploma in Applied Geospatial Analysis if you would prefer not to undertake the dissertation and having completed 60 credits.

Course Description
The core modules will place a large emphasis on practical hands-on skill buidling on GIS/remote sensing, applied to real-world case-study analysis. A range of optional modules will provide the flexibility to shape the learning to your own research or career needs. All optional modules will have an applied geospatial analysis content.

At the end of the programme, you will have practical and applied GIS/remote sensing skills for problem-solving; and knowledge and understanding of tools, methods, and applications within geographic research and practice, across a range of disciplines and work areas. The programme includes guest speakers from research and industry exposing you to potential internship and career opportunities in the area.

Programme Outcomes
The main learning outcomes of the programme are twofold:

Practical and applied GIS and Remote Sensing skills for problem-solving; and

Knowledge and understanding of tool, methods and applications within geographic research and practice, across a range of disciplines and work areas.

?Knowledge and understanding – at the end of the programme, you will have acquired an advanced knowledge and understanding of: a) critical theoretical, conceptual and legislative considerations in geospatial data management and analysis; b) current technological advancements in the area; and c) good practice methods and applications.

Applying knowledge and understanding – you will have advanced analytical skills as well as critical thinking and questioning, that will help you to develop expertise in the application of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing to the fields of social and environmental sciences.

Making judgments – you will have the ability to deal with data and analytical complexity, and be aware of and sensitive to ethical considerations, and you will be able to integrate and apply this knowledge within you professional and everyday lives.

Communication and working skills – the experiences of fieldwork, small group work, and links with industry representatives, GIS/RS researchers and experts as part of this programme will expose you to real-life applications and enable you to clearly articulate your ideas and draw conclusions based on knowledge and rationale, and facilitate communication with both specialists and non-specialists audiences.

Learning skills – At programme completion you will possess: a) a level of advanced learning skills that facilitates self-directed learning and independent research, study, and professional development; b) spatial data management and GIS/remote sensing skills and extensive understanding of technological advancements and applications in the area; and c) a transferable skillset across a range of disciplines and work areas.

The core modules will place large emphasis on practical hands-on skill building on GIS/Remote sensing, applied to real world case-study analysis. A range of optional modules will provide the flexibility to shape learning to your own research or career needs. All optional modules will have an applied geospatial analysis component.

Applicants should have a minimum of an upper second class honours (2:1) degree or international equivalent at bachelors level.

Relevant professional or voluntary experience may be considered as part of the application process.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

Applicants should have basic computer skills

The following entry routes are available:

MSc Geospatial Data Analysis FT (W477)
Deadline
Rolling*

MSc Geospatial Data Analysis PT (W478)
Deadline
Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Contact Athlone IT for next start date.

Careers & Employability
This programme will provide you with practical and applied GIS/remote sensing abilities as well as a range of academic and transferable skills that will be a benefit in many careers. Graduates of this programme may progress to doctoral study or to careers in:

Evironmental and planning consultancies
Government departments and local authorities
State and semi-state agencies (e.g. Central Statisitics Office, Environmental Protection Agency, Ordnance Survey of Ireland)
Industry (e.g. ESRI, Google)
Think tanks and research bodies