MSc/PgDip Geographical Information Systems

International students can apply

The UNIGIS courses all provide a good grounding in Geographical Information Systems, Science and Technology, but each has a different focus. Geographical Information Systems provides a broad introduction to the major aspects of contemporary GIS. Applied GIS is focused more on the application of GIS and Geographical information, in the human and natural environments. Geographical Information Technologies looks at the various technologies that underpin GI solutions.

Course Structure

The courses are taught in part-time distance learning mode ONLY over a period of three years. The first two years are spent on taking taught modules and the third year is for your MSc dissertation and project. The courses start in September each year.

All modules in the first year are compulsory and common to all three programmes

Foundations of GIS (20 credits)

This module provides an introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) from conceptual, theoretical and practical perspectives. The unit concludes with a review of contemporary issues in GIS.

Spatial Data Infrastructures (20 Credits)

Spatial data are key to any GIS project. This module investigates how spatial data are sourced, captured and assessed against recognised international standards.

Databases (20 credits)

This module provides a thorough understanding of database design and implementation and highlights their importance (and limitations) in the context of GIS.

YEAR 2

In the second year you will take one compulsory module and two specialist modules relating to the course you have selected to study.

Methods in GIS (20 credits)

This module examines the concepts, theories and methods behind the application of GIS. The approaches taken in GIS research design, data analysis and interpretation and presentation are investigated. Special focus is given to methods of spatial analysis and their implementation using GIS software.

For APPLIED GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS select TWO modules from:

Environmental Applications of GIS (20 Credits)

This module investigates how GIS and related technologies can be used in environmental applications and seeks to critically evaluate their potential value. Case studies are used to demonstrate how researchers can use spatial data, from sources such as remote sensing, along with decision-making tools, to investigate different environmental phenomena.

Remote Sensing for GIS Applications (20 Credits)

This module will provide you with an introduction to the principles that underpin remote sensing and explores its role in data gathering/information extraction for GIS applications. Practical experience in working with remotely sensed data will be gained.

Social Applications of GIS (20 Credits)

This module investigates how GIS can be applied to different social applications and seeks to critically evaluate their potential strengths and limiatations for those applications. Real world case study examples will be used to critically examine how GIS can be used in social applications and to evaluate their potential value.

Students not wishing to continue onto the dissertation project can be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Geographical Information Systems if leaving the course at this stage.

For GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS select TWO modules from:

Distributed GIS (20 Credits)

This module explains the concepts and methods of internet-based GIS, its development and applications. You will be provided with the knowledge and practical skills to design and implement distributed GIS services according to the latest technologies and standards.

Environmental Applications of GIS (20 Credits)

See description above.

Remote Sensing for GIS Applications (20 Credits)

See description above

Social Applications of GIS (20 Credits)

See description above

Spatial Databases and Programming (20 Credits)

This module develops geospatial skills in building enterprise-oriented databases (e.g. geo-database and server) and creating application-oriented GIS models through programming. This module will also develop your critical appreciation of trends in enterprise GIS and GIS application development from the perspective of software engineering and geo-spatial technology.

Students not wishing to continue onto the dissertation project can be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Geographical Information Systems if leaving the course at this stage.

For GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES there are two compulsory modules:

Distributed GIS (20 Credits)

See description above.

Spatial Databases and Programming (20 Credits)

See description above

Students not wishing to continue onto the dissertation project can be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Geographical Information Technologies if leaving the course at this stage.

YEAR 3

MSc Project and Dissertation (60 credits)

In this module you will design and undertake a substantial and unique independent research project, to be presented as an academic dissertation. The nature of the project will depend on which of the three MSc you are taking.

MSc/PgDip Geographical Information Systems

Course Structure

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

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