MSc Geographical Information Systems

Year 1

(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 of human and/or environmental systems;
- 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 human systems within GIS;
- an 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

Masters (Taught), Postgraduate Diploma & Postgraduate Certificate students will have had the opportunity to acquire the following abilities as defined in the modules specified for the programme:
- the skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in industry or area of professional practice;
- evaluating their own achievement and that of others;
- self direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations;
- independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development;
- critical engagement in the development of professional/disciplinary boundaries and norms.

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;
- making 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.