Geographic Information and Climate Change, MSc
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
This interdisciplinary program combines GIS, remote sensing, and earth system modeling with climate change studies. It emphasizes technical aspects of GIS and earth observation, as well as environmental and climatic change. Students engage in research projects and dissertations, and benefit from exceptional computing facilities and expert faculty. Graduates pursue careers in environmental monitoring, data analysis, and academia.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This program provides interdisciplinary training in the scientific foundations of GIS, satellite remote sensing and earth system modeling, alongside aspects of climate change. It focuses on the technical aspects of GIS and earth observation, as well as the past, present and future global and regional environmental and climatic change.
Outline:
Year 1
- Compulsory Modules: (20 credits each)
- Environmental Modeling
- Environmental Remote Sensing
- Geographical Information Systems
- Climate Change - Past, Present and Future
- Optional Modules (choose 20 credits from the following):
- Advanced Techniques in Biodiversity Assessment
- Environmental Dynamics
- Ecosystems: Ecology, Conservation & Resource Management
- Climate Science and Policy
Year 2
- Compulsory Module: (60 credits)
- Dissertation - Geographic Information and Climate Change
- Optional Modules (choose 20 credits from the following):
- Advanced Techniques in Biodiversity Assessment
- Environmental Dynamics
- Climate Science and Policy
- Ecosystems: Ecology, Conservation & Resource Management
Year 3
- Compulsory Module: (60 credits)
- Dissertation - Geographic Information and Climate Change
Assessment:
Assessment methods include examinations, coursework, and a research project or dissertation.
Teaching:
The program is taught by experts in environmental dynamics and climate change, including Professor Adrian Luckman, Professor Peter North, and Professor Siwan Davies. Exceptional computing facilities support studies, including fifteen dual-processor workstations for Earth Observation, a 20-node multiprocessor Beowulf cluster, and the Department’s IBM ‘Blue Ice’ supercomputer.
Careers:
Graduates have pursued careers in utilities, county councils, the environmental service industry, regulating bodies, and academia. Examples of graduate roles include:
- Environmental Monitoring Officer (Natural Resources Wales)
- Geographical Data Processor (Western Power Distribution)
- Graduate Statutory Orders Specialist (Jacobs)
- Catchment Scientist (Welsh Water)
- Ecologist (Natural England)
- Multi-site Supervisor (Phase Eight)
- Data Analyst (PHS Group)
- Account Manager Support (Handelsbanken)
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
MSc 1 Year Full Time Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 10,100 Tuition Fees MSc 1 Year Full Time Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 10,100 £ 21,000 September 2024 £ 10,600 £ 22,050 MSc 2 Year Part Time Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 5,050 £ 10,500 September 2024 £ 5,300 £ 11,050 MSc 3 Year Part Time Start Date UK International September 2023 £ 3,400 £ 7,000 September 2024 £ 3,550 £ 7,350 Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.
Overview
Notable Achievements:
- Ranked among the top 300 universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2023)
- Recognized for research excellence in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
- Home to the prestigious Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law
- Recipient of the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education (2019)
Establishment:
1920 as University College of SwanseaUniversity Status:
Gained in 1948Student Life
Student Support Services:
- Student Union providing representation, support, and events
- Student Services offering academic, financial, and personal support
- Chaplaincy providing spiritual and pastoral care
Campus Facilities:
- Modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities
- Bay Campus, located on the waterfront, offering stunning views
- Singleton Campus, in the heart of Swansea city center, providing easy access to amenities
Extracurricular Activities:
Over 150 student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societiesSports Teams:
30+ sports clubs, representing a wide range of sports from rugby to sailingAcademics
Academic Resources:
- Extensive library with over 1 million books and resources
- Modern teaching facilities, including lecture halls, seminar rooms, and laboratories
- Research centers and institutes across various disciplines
Faculty:
- Internationally recognized faculty with expertise in their fields
- Strong emphasis on research and innovation
Teaching Methodologies:
- Interactive lectures and seminars
- Problem-based learning
- Research-led teaching
Academic Support Services:
- Academic Skills Centre providing support with writing, research, and presentation skills
- Mathematics and Statistics Support Centre offering assistance with mathematical and statistical concepts
- Language Centre providing language support for international students
Unique Academic Programs or Initiatives:
- Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law: A prestigious law school offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs
- College of Engineering: A leading center for engineering research and education
- College of Science: Home to world-class research in areas such as physics, chemistry, and biology
Top Reasons to Study Here
Reputation:
Ranked among the top 300 universities worldwideResearch Excellence:
Recognized for research excellence in the REF 2021Specialized Facilities:
State-of-the-art facilities, including the Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law and the College of EngineeringIndustry Connections:
Strong partnerships with industry leaders, providing opportunities for internships and placementsNotable Alumni:
Includes former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Gordon Brown, and Nobel Prize winner, Sir Martin EvansServices
Counseling:
Student Counseling Service providing confidential support and guidanceHealth:
University Health Centre offering medical and mental health servicesHousing:
University-managed and private accommodation options availableLibrary Resources:
Extensive library with over 1 million books and resources, including online databases and e-booksTechnology Support:
IT Services providing technical support and access to university systemsCareer Development:
Careers Service offering career guidance, CV writing, and interview preparationNormally a 2:2 degree (with 55% average) in an approved subject. Applicants are expected to have good mathematical and computing skills. IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) or equivalent.
