Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems PgDip/MSc

Program Overview

The Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) PgDip/MSc program at Ulster University is a fully online, part-time course that provides up-to-date content on both RS and GIS. It focuses on improving employability and professional skills in the geospatial industry, with graduates expected to have a broad overview of the fields of RS and GIS, extensive practical experience with relevant software packages, and the ability to operate at a professional level. The program is offered in PgDip (2 years) and MSc (3 years) variants, with the ability for each student to choose their desired duration.

Program Outline

Content:

• The course focuses on improving employability and professional skills in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• It provides up-to-date content on both Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and incorporates theoretical materials with hands-on exercises covering various aspects of geospatial data acquisition, manipulation, analysis, and interpretation.
• Graduates are expected to have:
• a broad overview of the fields of RS and GIS
• extensive practical experience with a wide range of relevant software packages
• the ability to operate at a professional level in the geospatial industry.
• The program aims to address industry and public sector demands for science-qualified geospatial personnel who can use RS data and advanced spatial analytical skills to interpret big data and inform planning and development in various disciplines, including climate change, agriculture, forestry, natural resource management, marine planning, sustainable urban development, epidemiology, and crime analysis.
• Those successfully completing the Masters element will demonstrate their ability to undertake and present a piece of independent research related to RS and GIS at an advanced level.
• For individuals who do not want to study for a PgDip or Masters, there is the option to take individual modules or a PgCert (4 modules), which provides a solid grounding in the principles and practice of both RS and GIS.

Structure and Delivery:

• This course is
• fully online
and
• part-time
, offering flexibility for those with existing work or other commitments.
• It is offered in
• PgDip (2 years)
and
• MSc (3 years)
variants, with the ability for each student to choose their desired duration.
• Individual
• PgCert
can also be obtained in
• 1 year
. Students explore theoretical foundations and develop technical skills through software-based exercises using ERDAS Imagine. Lectures are reinforced by practical exercises using ESRI's ArcGIS.

Year 1 Modules (Semester 2):

• EGM702 - Photogrammetry and Advanced Image Analysis (15 credits): This advanced module covers topics like photogrammetry and digital elevation models, image processing and manipulation, advanced classification techniques such as object-based image analysis (OBIA), and time series analysis using Google Earth Engine.
It builds on the topics covered in EGM713 and EGM722, providing a foundation for further study in remote sensing. It also aims to develop academic writing skills in preparation for the MSc degree.

Year 2 Modules (Semester 1):

• EGM703 - Advanced Active and Passive Remote Sensing (15 credits): This advanced module focuses on active and passive remote sensing topics, including highly sought-after hyperspectral and microwave remote sensing, covering both active and passive microwave applications.
It also covers thermal and below-surface (i.e., ground-penetrating radar) remote sensing techniques. This builds on EGM713, provides a framework for later modules, and is relevant for the optional research topic.
• EGM712- Spatial Data Management (15 credits): Building on EGM711, this module provides further experience in spatial data acquisition, manipulation, and analysis.
Students consider methods for generating and collecting primary and secondary digital spatial data, and extensively practice data processing, selection, integration, analysis, and interpretation. Lecture and practical sessions cover digitising, geo-registration, GPS, accessing and using secondary sources, spatial join and overlay, network analysis, and 3D modelling, incorporating a variety of large and small-scale vector and raster datasets. Statistical analysis and interpretation are also included. Development of GIS software skills focuses on ArcGIS and extensions.

Year 2 Modules (Semester 2):

• Students choose one module from each group:

Group A:

• EGM715 – Web-Based GIS (15 credits): Examines the role of programming within the GI industry, enabling customization and development of applications.
Introduces a range of programming skills for various applications.
• EGM716 - Spatial Analysis (15 credits): Builds on introductory material from EGM711 and EGM712, covering advanced concepts of spatial data analysis and modelling, providing extensive practical experience of ESDA and spatial analysis within a GIS environment.

Group B:

• EGM705 – Marine Remote Sensing (15 credits): Introduces the underlying concepts of marine remote sensing and its applications within ocean properties and seafloor characteristics.