2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Programme Catalogue

MSc Geographical Information Systems (Part-Time) (Changing title to MSc Geographical Information Science from 2025/26)

Total credits: 180

Entry requirements:

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme:

School of Geography

Examination board through which the programme will be considered:

Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups:

Geography

Programme specification:

The information on this page is accurate for students entering the programme in 2023/2024 or before. For students entering the programme from September 2024 or after, you can find the details of your programme:

MSc Geographical Information Systems(For students entering from September 2024 onwards)

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide a means to translate spatial data into understanding of spatial patterns and processes. GIS have become a crucial part of society, and are used widely including within government, public bodies, industry, and commerce. Employers worldwide require qualified GIS experts to bring together the geospatial data that’ll help inform their future strategies and decision making.

The Geographical Information Systems MSc focuses on the scientific, technical and computational aspects of GIS and Geographical Information Science, with particular reference to the socioeconomic and environmental sciences. The course first introduces students to GIS principles, spatial data types and issues, then develops core skills in geo-spatial analysis and spatial statistics. A variety of software packages and database systems widely available in the workplace are used. Next, core skills are built on through more advanced technical modules and GIS application modules addressing planning, business analysis and development, and environmental themes. These modules allow students to expand their career prospects into the areas of interest you and which are informed by the world-leading research conduct in the School of Geography. Finally, students undertake an independent project, under the guidance of a tutor, to put their training into practice.

The holistic design of the course means that graduates will have a specialist yet extensive skill set that covers all bases and will be sought after by employers. Graduates will also be equipped with an in-depth understanding of topical and relevant subjects in this field, enabling you to pursue a wide range of exciting career opportunities in both the private and public sectors.

More specifically, the programme aims are to:
1. develop technical abilities and competencies in a range of data handling skills such as data extraction, cleaning, management and analysis, spatial and statistical modelling, programming, mapping and visualisation;
2. explore uses of data that have significant geographical components in the broad domains of environment, remote sensing, ‘big data’, demographics and planning;
3. provide contemporary learning and teaching experiences which use practical ‘real world’ examples;
4. develop data savvy graduates with the abilities and confidence needed to apply Geographical Information skills to a range of application areas/problems in demand by employers.

Year1 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study 30 credits from the following optional modules:

GEOG5255M is equivalent to GEOG5007M
With permission from the Programme manager, students may:
1) Replace selected optional modules with modules available from other Schools / Faculties within the University - normally to a maximum of 15 credits.
And
2) Replace Face-to-face modules with the ODL equivalent - normally up to a maximum of 45 credits.

Year2 - View timetable

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]

Compulsory modules:

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules

Optional modules:

Candidates will be required to study 30 credits from the following optional modules.

With permission from the Programme manager, students may:
1) Replace selected optional modules with modules available from other Schools / Faculties within the University - normally to a maximum of 15 credits.
And
2) Replace Face-to-face modules with the ODL equivalent - normally up to a maximum of 45 credits.

Last updated: 20/06/2024 10:44:59

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