Remote Sensing & Geographic Information Systems - Online

This course delivers contemporary content on remote sensing and GIS, integrating theoretical and practical learning activities encompassing acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of geospatial data. It satisfies the demand for science-qualified personnel capable of employing remote sensing data and advanced spatial analytical skills to assist informed decision-making in a variety of disciplines.



The course suits recent graduates upskilling in remote sensing and GIS to enhance employability or change career, or professionals already in remote sensing/ GIS-related employment who are keen to broaden and deepen geospatial knowledge and skills to enhance career and promotion prospects. You will develop skills in areas including: • Remote sensing and photogrammetry

• Analysis of active and passive remote sensing data

• GIS, spatial data management and analysis

• Programming for GIS and remote sensing

• Applications of remote sensing and GIS in marine studies/environmental management



Job opportunities include roles such as analysts, scientists, project managers, data specialists, technicians, research officers, and lecturing in both public and private sectors.



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

YEAR 1 modules semester 1

EGM713 – Introduction to Remote Sensing (15 credits)

EGM711 – Principles of GIS (15 credits)



YEAR 1 modules semester 2

EGM702 - Photogrammetry and Advanced Image Analysis (15 credits)

EGM722 - Programming for GIS & Remote Sensing (15 credits)



YEAR 2 modules semester 1

EGM703 - Advanced Active and Passive Remote Sensing (15 credits)

EGM712- Spatial Data Management (15 credits)



YEAR 2 modules semester 2

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

EGM715 – Web-Based GIS (15 credits)

EGM716 - Spatial Analysis (15 credits)



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

EGM705 – Marine Remote Sensing (15 credits)

EGM721 - GIS for Environmental Management (15 credits)



YEAR 3

Upon successful completion of the PGDip, students can proceed to the MSc and will take the EGM704 Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems Project (60 credits). 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.

Standard entry conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.



As a normal requirement, applicants must hold an Honours degree (2:2 or above) with a substantial component of geography, environmental science, computing or other numerate discipline. Applicants with other equivalent and relevant qualifications or experience can also be considered on an individual basis.

Your Application

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

Attendance

This course is fully online and part-time. You do not need to visit Ulster at any stage to successfully complete this course. You have greater control over your learning journey when you study part-time - balance work and other commitments and study at a pace that suits you.



The PgCert takes 1 year part-time

The PgDip takes 2 years part-time

The MSc takes 3 years part-time



This is a distance learning course and you can choose your own hours of study; however, you should expect to dedicate an average of 15-20 hours to the course per week.

Start Date: September 2024

Career options

Remote sensing, 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. Participants and graduates of this course could seek employment in a variety of remote sensing/ GIS-related roles such as analysts, scientists, consultants, project managers, surveyors, data specialists, technicians, mapping officers, development, sales and marketing, customer support, GIS training, lecturing and research (including funded PhD projects). The breadth of potential uses of remote sensing and GIS ensures a great diversity of job opportunities; for example, our GIS 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 remote sensing and GIS qualifications valuable for enhancing employability in a range of fields.