Master of Science in Geographical Information Systems
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-23 | - |
| 2025-01-27 | - |
Program Overview
The MSc in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a two-year online program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of GIS tools, techniques, and applications. The program features eight 15-credit short courses and a 60-credit dissertation, and is taught by international experts and experienced academics. Graduates have a successful track record in various sectors, including the commercial sphere, environmental agencies, and academia.
Program Outline
Outline:
Course Schedule:
- The MSc in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a two-year program, starting in September or January.
- Students can choose to study part-time, taking 15 credits per semester, with the option to fast-track by taking 30 credits per semester.
- The total program length depends on the desired course load and completion pace, varying between 24 months (taking 15 credits per semester) to 30 months (taking 15-30 credits per semester).
Individual Modules:
Eight 15-credit short courses and a 60-credit dissertation comprise this program. Students progress at a pace that suits them.
- 15 credits:
- Origins, Evolutions and Implementation of GIS (September)
- Introduction to GIS Tools, Techniques, Cartography and Geovisualisation (September or January)
- UAV Remote Sensing, Monitoring and Mapping (September or January)
- Fundamentals and Advanced Applications of Map Algebra (January)
- WebGIS and Online Mapping (September)
- Database Systems and Big Data (September)
- Advanced Spatial Analysis and Programming (January)
- Current Applications of GIS (January)
- 60 credits: Dissertation in Geographical Information Systems (May)
Teaching:
- Teaching Mode: The program is offered entirely online, utilizing the University's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) for course materials, communication, and assessment.
- Learning Resources: Students have access to online resources such as the award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library, study software, and a variety of other digital materials.
- Study Schedule: The text encourages setting a realistic study schedule and choosing the desired workload per term.
- Time Commitment: Students are expected to dedicate 8-10 hours per week for 15-credit courses and 15-20 hours for 30-credit courses, with additional hours required during assessment periods.
Teaching Staff
The program features international experts and experienced academics in geosciences. The industry advisory board, consisting of professionals from various fields within GIS application domains, constantly reviews the course content to maintain industry relevance and cutting-edge training.
Careers:
- Career Prospects: Graduates have a successful track record in various sectors, including the commercial sphere, environmental agencies, local and national governments, research, and academia.
- Career Examples: Project Officer, Programmers, Sales Managers, GIS Engineers, Senior Consultants, Project Managers.
- The University also provides access to the SCONUL Access scheme, allowing students to utilize university libraries across the UK and Ireland for studying and research purposes.
University of Aberdeen
Overview:
The University of Aberdeen is a renowned institution of higher learning located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It boasts a rich history, having been established in 1495, making it one of the oldest universities in the UK. The university is known for its commitment to research and teaching, offering a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to support students in their academic journey. These include:
Academic Support:
Access to libraries, study resources, and academic advisors.Student Life:
Opportunities for extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, and sports.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Career Services:
Guidance and support for career planning and job hunting.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance programs.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Aberdeen can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including:
Sports:
Participation in various sports teams and leagues.Societies and Clubs:
Joining student-led clubs and societies based on interests.Events and Activities:
Attending social events, concerts, and cultural performances.Student Union:
Engaging with the student union for representation and advocacy.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.Global Reputation:
It holds a strong international reputation, attracting students from around the world.Beautiful Campus:
The university is situated on a picturesque campus with historic buildings and modern facilities.Vibrant City:
Aberdeen offers a lively city environment with a rich cultural scene.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.Academic Programs:
The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Degrees:
Bachelor's degrees in various disciplines, including Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Law.Postgraduate Taught Degrees:
Master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas in specialized fields.Postgraduate Research Degrees:
PhD programs and research opportunities in various research areas.Online Learning:
Flexible online programs for students who prefer distance learning.Other:
The university is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area. It is also a member of the Russell Group, a group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.Key Reasons to Study There:
The context mentions some advantages, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to study at the University of Aberdeen.Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements:
- A 2:2 (lower-second) honours degree or equivalent in Agriculture, Archaeology, Computing Science, Ecology, Engineering, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geography, Geology, Geomatics, Marine & Coastal Science, Marine Biology, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Planning, Plant Science, Soil Science or Zoology.
- Applicants with a degree in another subject area may be considered if they can demonstrate their interest, aptitude, and/or experience in a field relevant to the application of geospatial technologies.
- English Language Requirements:
- Minimum overall score of 6.5 on the IELTS Academic test.
- Minimum score of 5.5 on each of the IELTS Academic test's individual components (listening, reading, speaking, and writing).
- Scores must be from the IELTS Academic test, not the IELTS General Training test.
- Alternative English language tests may be accepted, but these must be equivalent to the IELTS Academic test's 6.5 overall score.
