Geographic Information Systems PgDip, MSc Postgraduate Programme By Ulster University |TopUniversities

Programme overview

Main Subject

Geography

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

Online

Why Study with Us? Join a renowned course with an excellent reputation and positive feedback (we achieved an outstanding 91% overall satisfaction score in the 2025 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)). Receive support and advice from experienced lecturers, tutors, librarians, e-learning, and IT staff. Access online resources including e-books, digital lectures, podcasts, discussion boards, and video-conference tools, all within a dedicated e-learning platform. Enhance your employability, professional, and academic skills while gaining extensive hands-on practice with key software. Enrich your CV with GIS work experience through an optional placement (office-based, hybrid or remote). Obtain free student copies of GIS, remote sensing, and statistical software. Be assessed entirely by coursework – no formal examinations. Pay your fees in instalments for added financial flexibility. Study fully online from almost anywhere, eliminating the need to travel to classes. Choose to study part-time or full-time and set your own study schedule each week. Substantial relevant work experience may be accepted in place of standard entry requirements. Pursue a Master’s degree, PG Diploma, PG Certificate, or enrol in individual modules. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, generally falling into two main groups: New or recent graduates aiming to enter GIS-related employment for the first time, or seeking to add GIS to their skill set to enhance employability or facilitate a career change. Professionals already in GIS-related roles who wish to broaden and deepen their GIS knowledge and skills to make better use of GIS or to improve their career and promotion prospects. Graduate feedback and employment rates demonstrate that our course effectively caters to both groups. Students consistently describe the course as both challenging and enjoyable, often highlighting the high quality of online support they receive. Many of our students join the course based on recommendations from previous students. Why Study GIS? The benefits of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are increasingly recognised across government, business, education, and the voluntary sector, with applications of geospatial data technologies steadily expanding. GIS enables the integration of data from diverse sources and formats, including paper and digital maps, administrative data, censuses, population surveys, satellite imagery, aerial photography, GPS tracking, LiDAR, and crowdsourcing. The uses of GIS are vast and varied, encompassing mapping, spatial analysis, planning, and decision-making across numerous disciplines and sectors. Common examples include environmental management and conservation, resource management, emergency service planning, humanitarian assistance, healthcare provision, land use planning, urban development, utilities, transport, geo-demographics, mineral extraction, and retail analysis. As the adoption of GIS and related technologies grows, so does the demand for qualified professionals skilled in managing spatial data effectively. Our strong industry links ensure that our course remains relevant to the needs of employers. Course Summary This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience with GIS concepts, functionality, and applications. The curriculum covers the representation, acquisition, management, manipulation, and analysis of spatial data. Key modules include remote sensing, spatial databases, web-GIS, and GIS in commercial environments. Optional modules offer opportunities for GIS work experience, spatial analysis and modelling, GIS for environmental management, and customising GIS. In addition to theoretical knowledge, you will gain extensive practical experience using a variety of software. The primary focus is on ArcGIS, but you will also work with Erdas Imagine, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, MySQL, OpenLayers, Geoserver, QGIS, Excel, SPSS, and various GIS extensions and plug-ins. One core module covers web-based programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while an optional module on customising GIS applications introduces Esri’s ModelBuilder and Python programming. Upon successful completion of the PG Diploma modules, you may transfer to the Master's program. This involves undertaking a substantial independent research project, written as a research journal article, which may be submitted for publication with your supervisor's approval. As part of the course resources, you will receive free copies of ArcGIS, the remote sensing package Erdas Imagine, and the data analysis package SPSS. Modules This guide outlines the modules covered in this course. Our curriculum is regularly updated to incorporate the latest teaching methods, research advancements, and industry trends. Please note that the modules offered and their sequence may vary based on course updates, staff availability, scheduling, and student interest. Please contact the course team if you need more information. Semester 1 (total 60 credits to be taken) EGM711 – Principles of GIS (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module. This module introduces the theory and practice of Geographic Information Systems, and is intended to provide an understanding of the breadth of potential GIS applications and to equip students with the key concepts and skills required relating to the input, management, manipulation, analysis and output of spatial data. Lecture-based teaching of key concepts is reinforced by linked practical exercises which allow students to develop competence in ESRI's ArcGIS package. The module assumes no prior knowledge or experience of GIS. EGM717 – GIS Databases (15 credits) - this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module. This module examines the role of databases within the GI industry. It aims to enable students to appreciate the need for database skills that are used in GIS applications. The module is interactive and discussions are encouraged about spatial issues. A range of database skills are introduced which equip the student with knowledge of the potential and scope of databases within a range of different applications. Students will be introduced to a range of open source DBMS and GIS software including PostgreSQL, PostGIS and Quantum GIS. EGM712 - Spatial Data Management (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 7-12 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module. This module builds on the knowledge and practical skills gained in EGM711 to provide students with further experience in the acquisition, manipulation and analysis of spatial data. Methods for generating and collecting digital spatial data from primary and secondary sources are considered, and data processing, selection, integration and analysis extensively practiced. Lecture and practical sessions include digitising, geo-registration, GPS, accessing and using secondary sources, spatial join

Programme overview

Main Subject

Geography

Degree

MSc

Study Level

Masters

Study Mode

Online

Why Study with Us? Join a renowned course with an excellent reputation and positive feedback (we achieved an outstanding 91% overall satisfaction score in the 2025 Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES)). Receive support and advice from experienced lecturers, tutors, librarians, e-learning, and IT staff. Access online resources including e-books, digital lectures, podcasts, discussion boards, and video-conference tools, all within a dedicated e-learning platform. Enhance your employability, professional, and academic skills while gaining extensive hands-on practice with key software. Enrich your CV with GIS work experience through an optional placement (office-based, hybrid or remote). Obtain free student copies of GIS, remote sensing, and statistical software. Be assessed entirely by coursework – no formal examinations. Pay your fees in instalments for added financial flexibility. Study fully online from almost anywhere, eliminating the need to travel to classes. Choose to study part-time or full-time and set your own study schedule each week. Substantial relevant work experience may be accepted in place of standard entry requirements. Pursue a Master’s degree, PG Diploma, PG Certificate, or enrol in individual modules. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, generally falling into two main groups: New or recent graduates aiming to enter GIS-related employment for the first time, or seeking to add GIS to their skill set to enhance employability or facilitate a career change. Professionals already in GIS-related roles who wish to broaden and deepen their GIS knowledge and skills to make better use of GIS or to improve their career and promotion prospects. Graduate feedback and employment rates demonstrate that our course effectively caters to both groups. Students consistently describe the course as both challenging and enjoyable, often highlighting the high quality of online support they receive. Many of our students join the course based on recommendations from previous students. Why Study GIS? The benefits of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are increasingly recognised across government, business, education, and the voluntary sector, with applications of geospatial data technologies steadily expanding. GIS enables the integration of data from diverse sources and formats, including paper and digital maps, administrative data, censuses, population surveys, satellite imagery, aerial photography, GPS tracking, LiDAR, and crowdsourcing. The uses of GIS are vast and varied, encompassing mapping, spatial analysis, planning, and decision-making across numerous disciplines and sectors. Common examples include environmental management and conservation, resource management, emergency service planning, humanitarian assistance, healthcare provision, land use planning, urban development, utilities, transport, geo-demographics, mineral extraction, and retail analysis. As the adoption of GIS and related technologies grows, so does the demand for qualified professionals skilled in managing spatial data effectively. Our strong industry links ensure that our course remains relevant to the needs of employers. Course Summary This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience with GIS concepts, functionality, and applications. The curriculum covers the representation, acquisition, management, manipulation, and analysis of spatial data. Key modules include remote sensing, spatial databases, web-GIS, and GIS in commercial environments. Optional modules offer opportunities for GIS work experience, spatial analysis and modelling, GIS for environmental management, and customising GIS. In addition to theoretical knowledge, you will gain extensive practical experience using a variety of software. The primary focus is on ArcGIS, but you will also work with Erdas Imagine, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, MySQL, OpenLayers, Geoserver, QGIS, Excel, SPSS, and various GIS extensions and plug-ins. One core module covers web-based programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while an optional module on customising GIS applications introduces Esri’s ModelBuilder and Python programming. Upon successful completion of the PG Diploma modules, you may transfer to the Master's program. This involves undertaking a substantial independent research project, written as a research journal article, which may be submitted for publication with your supervisor's approval. As part of the course resources, you will receive free copies of ArcGIS, the remote sensing package Erdas Imagine, and the data analysis package SPSS. Modules This guide outlines the modules covered in this course. Our curriculum is regularly updated to incorporate the latest teaching methods, research advancements, and industry trends. Please note that the modules offered and their sequence may vary based on course updates, staff availability, scheduling, and student interest. Please contact the course team if you need more information. Semester 1 (total 60 credits to be taken) EGM711 – Principles of GIS (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module. This module introduces the theory and practice of Geographic Information Systems, and is intended to provide an understanding of the breadth of potential GIS applications and to equip students with the key concepts and skills required relating to the input, management, manipulation, analysis and output of spatial data. Lecture-based teaching of key concepts is reinforced by linked practical exercises which allow students to develop competence in ESRI's ArcGIS package. The module assumes no prior knowledge or experience of GIS. EGM717 – GIS Databases (15 credits) - this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module. This module examines the role of databases within the GI industry. It aims to enable students to appreciate the need for database skills that are used in GIS applications. The module is interactive and discussions are encouraged about spatial issues. A range of database skills are introduced which equip the student with knowledge of the potential and scope of databases within a range of different applications. Students will be introduced to a range of open source DBMS and GIS software including PostgreSQL, PostGIS and Quantum GIS. EGM712 - Spatial Data Management (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 7-12 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module. This module builds on the knowledge and practical skills gained in EGM711 to provide students with further experience in the acquisition, manipulation and analysis of spatial data. Methods for generating and collecting digital spatial data from primary and secondary sources are considered, and data processing, selection, integration and analysis extensively practiced. Lecture and practical sessions include digitising, geo-registration, GPS, accessing and using secondary sources, spatial join

Admission Requirements

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements. Entry Requirements The normal requirement is an Honours degree (2:2 or above) with a substantial component of geography, environmental science or computing, but we will consider applicants with other equivalent and relevant qualifications or experience on an individual basis. English Language Requirements English language requirements for international applicants The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores. English language requirements Your country

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