MSc Geographical Information Systems(Open Distance Learning) (WUN)

Year 3

(Award available for year: Master of Science)

Learning outcomes

On completion of the programme students should have shown evidence of having:

- a specialist and detailed knowledge of GIS techniques and an advanced understanding of the concepts on which they rest,
- a well-developed practical ability to utilise GIS to analyse a wide variety situations within business, health, planning or environmental systems, or to develop GIS tools through bespoke programming;
- an understanding of the scope for using GIS to inform a wide range of analyses of human and/or environmental systems;
- an informed recognition of the issues and challenges associated with representing physical and/or human systems within GIS;
- an practical understanding of the application of core GIS techniques in the workplace;
- a critical understanding of the future for geospatial science;
- the ability to demonstrate their understanding of both substantive material and analytical techniques through the successful execution of a research dissertation.

Transferable (key) skills

On completion of the programme students should have shown evidence of being able:
- to demonstrate in-depth, specialist knowledge and mastery of GIS techniques and demonstrate an sophisticated
understanding of concepts, information and techniques informed by the GIS/GIScience discipline;
- to exhibit mastery in the exercise of advanced generic and GIS/GIScience-specific intellectual abilities;
- to demonstrate an comprehensive understanding of GIS techniques applicable to their own research or advanced
scholarship
- to deploy in their own research advanced GIS routines and/or develop customised applications
- to take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others;
- to evaluate current issues and research in the discipline of GIS/GIScience.
- to proactively formulate ideas and hypotheses and to evaluate these;
- to evaluate current issues and research in the discipline of GIScience.
- to demonstrate the ability to execute and manage a sustained programme of original research

Assessment

Achievement for the degree of Master (taught programme) will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the
learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will involve the achievement of the students in:
- evidencing an ability to conduct independent in-depth enquiry within the discipline of GIScience;
- demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area;
- drawing on a range of perspectives related to GIS/GIScience;
- evaluating and criticising received opinion;
- make reasoned judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data.
Methods of assessment and classification of award will follow University norms wherever possible.