Remote Sensing and GIS

Program Overview

The MSc in Remote Sensing and GIS offers students a comprehensive understanding of the field through theoretical and practical training, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in academia and various industry sectors related to climate change, environmental monitoring, and more. The program is administered by the Geography and Earth Sciences department and features a research dissertation as a culminating project. Graduates are well-prepared for a range of employment opportunities, including government agencies, private enterprises, and leading research establishments.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc in Remote Sensing and GIS is a highly interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field. It offers both theoretical and practical training, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in industry and academia. The program is administered by the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, but draws on expertise from across the university.

Objectives:

• To provide students with a strong theoretical and conceptual background in Remote Sensing and GIS.
• To equip students with vocational training in Remote Sensing and GIS.
• To expose students to cutting-edge research and understanding in the field.
• To prepare students for a wide range of employment positions in both industry and academia.

Outline:

Duration:

One year full-time or two years part-time.

Structure:

The academic year (September to September) is divided into three semesters:

• Semester 1: September to January
• Semester 2: January to June
• Semester 3: June to September

Course Schedule:

• Contact Time: Approximately 8-10 hours a week in the first two semesters.
During semester three, students arrange their contact time with their assigned supervisor.
• Assessment: The taught part of the course (Part 1) is assessed through lectures, student seminars, practical exercises, case studies, coursework, and formal examinations.
The successful submission of a research dissertation (Part 2) leads to the award of MSc.

Modules:

Year 1:

Core Modules:

• Advanced Research Skills 1: science communication and data analysis (EAM1120): 20 credits
• Advanced Skills in Geographic Information Systems (EAM5220): 20 credits
• Advanced Skills in Remote Sensing (EAM5120): 20 credits
• Applied Geospatial Skills in Industry (EAM3820): 20 credits
• Fundamentals of Remote Sensing and GIS (EAM4020): 20 credits
• Living Earth: Environmental Monitoring (EAM0020): 20 credits
• Machine Learning for Geospatial Applications (EAM5520): 20 credits
• Remote Sensing Issues (EAM2920): 20 credits
• Research Dissertation in Geographical Information Systems/Remote Sensing (EAM3060): 60 credits

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: The assessment methods vary depending on the module and may include essays, practical-based examinations, written examinations, reports, and presentations.
• Work Experience Module Assessment: The work experience module is assessed via a presentation, a report, and a report from the employer.
• Dissertation: The successful submission of the master's dissertation in semester 3 leads to the award of an MSc.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, practical exercises, fieldwork, and a 20-day work placement (agreed in advance between the Department, the work placement partner, and the student).
• Faculty: Students are taught by lecturers who are active researchers working at the cutting edge of their disciplines.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes the integration of cutting-edge theory and practical application.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of this course progress to a wide range of employment positions in both industry and academia.
• Opportunities: The MSc in Remote Sensing and GIS opens up a diverse range of careers for its students, including positions with UK and international government bodies, private enterprises, and leading research establishments.
• Outcomes: The program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to work relating to:
• Climate change
• Human impacts on terrestrial ecosystems
• Glaciology
• Hydrology
• Forestry
• Coastal change
• Carbon cycle science
• Biodiversity
• Consultancy

Other:

• Field Trip: The program offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the use of field equipment and the collection of ground truth data to support the interpretation and analysis of remote sensing and GIS datasets.
• Departmental Facilities: Students have access to a dedicated computer laboratory for research in GIS and remote sensing, which is fully equipped with the latest software platforms.
• Conferences: Masters students have the opportunity to participate in significant meetings and conferences, such as the Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society Annual Conference.