Geographic Information Systems PgDip/MSc

Program Overview

The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - PgDip/MSc program at Ulster University is a part-time, online program that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the GIS industry. The program covers a wide range of topics, including GIS, remote sensing, spatial data management, and web-GIS. Graduates have a high success rate in obtaining GIS employment, and the program is accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Title:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - PgDip/MSc (Part-time)

Faculty:

Faculty of Life and Health Sciences

School:

School of Geography and Environmental Sciences

Delivery Mode:

Online

Start Dates:

September 2024 or January 2025

Objectives:

• Equip students with understanding and experience of GIS concepts, functionality, and applications.
• Focus on the representation, acquisition, management, manipulation, and analysis of spatial data.
• Provide in-depth practice using a variety of software, including ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, MySQL, OpenLayers, Geoserver, QGIS, Excel, SPSS, and various GIS extensions and plug-ins.
• Develop strong employability skills and gain valuable experience in the GIS industry.

Program Description:

• Established program with a strong focus on employability and professional skills.
• 25 years of experience in GIS education, with nearly 20 years through online distance learning.
• Option to study for a Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip), or Master of Science (MSc) degree.
• Covers topics such as GIS, remote sensing, spatial data management and databases, web-GIS, and GIS in the commercial environment.
• Optional modules include GIS workplace project, spatial analysis and modelling, GIS for environmental management, and Customising GIS.
• Graduates have a high success rate in obtaining GIS employment (over 95%).
• People already in GIS work experience benefit significantly from the program.

Outline:

Curriculum:

• Core Modules:
• Principles of GIS
• Spatial Data Management
• Web-based GIS
• Introduction to Remote Sensing
• GIS Databases
• Optional Modules:
• GIS in Business and Society
• Biodiversity Management
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Photogrammetry and Advanced Image Analysis
• Marine Remote Sensing
• Spatial Analysis
• GIS for Environmental Management
• Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing
• GIS Work Experience
• GIS Workplace Project
• Geographic information systems project

Course Schedule:

• Part-time study with flexible schedule options.
• PgCert takes 8 months part-time.
• PgDip takes 2 academic years part-time.
• MSc takes 3 academic years part-time.
• Students dedicating 17-20 hours per week can successfully complete the program.

Assessment:

• Based on coursework, including practical reports, problem analysis, research projects, presentations, blogs, online tests, and group work.
• No formal examinations in the program.
• Master's element assessed through a substantial independent research project thesis.
• Timely feedback provided for all coursework assessments.

Teaching:

• Delivered through Blackboard, a virtual learning environment (VLE).
• Utilizes lectures, practical exercises, and additional reading materials.
• Supported by experienced lecturers and e-tutors via discussion forums, email, phone, or video-conferencing.
• Discussion forums encourage participation and learning from diverse perspectives.
• Students have access to extensive online library resources.

Careers:

• GIS industry is a rapidly growing, multi-billion dollar industry.
• Graduates secure employment in various roles, including technicians, analysts, scientists, surveyors, data specialists, mapping officers, consultants, project managers, and more.
• Employment found in various sectors, including mapping agencies, GIS and SatNav companies, environmental consultancies, ecological and marine resource management agencies, renewable energy companies, forestry, fisheries, town planning departments, heritage agencies, health and emergency services, housing authorities, local government, aid agencies, countryside recreation, retail analysis, utilities and infrastructure, further and higher education, mining and mineral exploitation, and the oil industry.
• Knowledge and skills gained are also valuable in other professions.

Other:

• Optional GIS Workplace Project for students with relevant employment.
• Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) accreditation for program.
The level of detail provided ensures students have a clear understanding of the program before making their decision.

Fees Credit Points NI/ROI/GB Cost International Cost Credit Points 5 NI/ROI/GB Cost £194.45 International Cost £474.70 Credit Points 10 NI/ROI/GB Cost £388.90 International Cost £949.40 Credit Points 15 NI/ROI/GB Cost £583.35 International Cost £1,424.10 Credit Points 20 NI/ROI/GB Cost £777.80 International Cost £1,898.80 Credit Points 30 NI/ROI/GB Cost £1,166.70 International Cost £2,848.20 Credit Points 60 NI/ROI/GB Cost £2,333.40 International Cost £5,696.40 Credit Points 120 NI/ROI/GB Cost £4,666.80 International Cost £11,392.80 Credit Points 180 NI/ROI/GB Cost £7000.20 International Cost £17,089.20 NB: A standard full-time PGCert is equivalent to 60 credit points per year. A standard full-time PGDip is equivalent to 120 credit points per year. More information can be found in the Visas and Immigration section.