Postgraduate Diploma-MSc Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Entry requirementsEntry Conditions You are generally expected to have a minimum 2.2 honours degree with a substantial component of geography, environmental science or computing. Candidates with qualifications in other relevant disciplines or with academic qualifications below 2.2 honours will also be considered on individual merit; in such cases, previous experience of GIS and competence in MS Windows-based packages will be an advantage, and should be explained in detail on the application form.
Academic titlePostgraduate Diploma/MSc Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Course descriptionThis programme is designed to provide an advanced education in the principles and practice of GIS, leading to the award of Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Master of Science (MSc). All students follow a programme of taught modules covering data models and data structures, acquisition and management of data, spatial analysis and modelling, remote sensing, GIS design and implementation issues, GIS programming and customisation and database technology. Concepts and techniques are illustrated using case study material drawn from a variety of application areas, although you choose one optional module in which you focus on specialist areas of GIS (currently application of GIS to environmental management or to health and health care issues or further GIS programming). You gain extensive hands-on experience of commercial GIS and remote sensing software (primarily ArcGIS and ERDAS Imagine). For the award of MSc you must undertake an independent research project, submitted as a written dissertation.
Duration and Mode of Attendance
The course is available by full-time and part-time attendance and via distance learning.
The normal duration of study is as follows:
PGDip - nine months full-time, two years part-time (maximum four years by credit accumulation)
MSc - one year full-time, three years part-time (maximum five years by credit accumulation).
Careers And Postgraduate Opportunities
Graduate destinations have included various public sector departments and agencies (e.g. EHS, DARD, Planning, Forest and Water Services, Land Registry, NIHE, Ordnance Survey within Northern Ireland and the Republic, Foyle Fisheries), project or PhD research and teaching posts within higher education, together with many different consultancies and companies focused on geographic information and GIS software, support and analysis. Graduates are employed in different capacities, such as GIS analyst, GIS technician, GIS surveyor, GIS developer or GIS research assistant