Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Geographic Information and Climate Change at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change course provides cross-disciplinary training in the scientific basis of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Satellite Remote Sensing and Earth System Modelling alongside aspects of climate change.
The Geographic Information and Climate Change course places particular emphasis on the technical aspects of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Earth Observation as well as the past, present and future global and regional environmental and climatic change.
Graduates from the Geographic Information and Climate Change course will develop hands-on technical knowledge in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing together with a broad knowledge of the current scientific issues underpinning climate change, and the practical problem solving, ICT and communication skills required for a successful career in either industry or regulating bodies.
It is envisaged that graduates from the MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change course will enter careers in utilities, county councils, the environmental service industry or regulating body, or indeed be well prepared for a future career in academia.
Students of the Geographic Information and Climate Change programme will benefit from exceptional computing facilities that include fifteen dual-processor workstations for Earth Observation, a 20-node multiprocessor Beowulf cluster, and the Department’s IBM ‘Blue Ice’ supercomputer, used mainly for climate and glaciological modelling.
Graduates from the MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change course will have broad knowledge of the current scientific issues underpinning climatic change and environmental and ecosystem dynamics, and the practical problem solving, ICT and communication skills required for a successful career in the environmental service industry, regulating bodies or academia.
Aims:
To provide advanced training in understanding the scientific issues associated with environmental dynamics and climatic change,
To provide graduates entering the environmental service industry or a regulating body with the required practical problem solving, ICT and communication skills; as well as a basic knowledge of current climate policy and environmental management,
To provide graduates continuing their academic career with the required subject specific and transferable skills.
Please Visit our website for a full description of modules for the Geographic Information and Climate Change MSc.
The Stackpole residential field course introduces students taking the “Principles of Environmental Dynamics” to some of the major themes of the module: environmental systems, sea-level change and human impact on the environment, in a congenial setting in Pembrokeshire. The environmental issues facing the Stackpole Estate are discussed and placed into a historical perspective through lectures and the analysis of long term environmental records.
We aim to be one of the foremost international centres for research in human and physical geography, and to provide our students with excellent teaching and superb facilities in a friendly atmosphere.
The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 show that Geography at Swansea University is ranked joint 9th in the UK for research impact and 11th in the UK for research environment.
Research groups include:
Environmental Dynamics
Glaciology
Global Environmental Modelling and Earth Observation
Migration, Boundaries and Identity
Social Theory and Urban Space
The Department of Geography is well-resourced to support research: there are two dedicated computer laboratories: One of 24 computers in conjunction with Library and Information Services (LIS) providing general IT software and programmes dedicated to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing; One of 10 high-performance Linux workstations delivering software tools for advanced GIS and remote sensing applications.
We have specialist laboratory suites for: stable-isotope ratio analysis; tree ring analysis; extraction and identification of organic compounds; pollen extraction and analysis; rainfall simulation; tephra analysis; soil and sediment characterisation.
In addition, we have recently spent £1.8million on state-of-the-art teaching spaces, including IT facilities, laboratories and flexible teaching spaces.
“I chose to study MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change at Swansea as I had already enjoyed my undergraduate degree here. I really enjoyed that the course is quite full on, with a lot of independent work but a willingness from lecturers to help with any issues you have. Anyone considering this course I would advise to come to the university and speak with the lecturers about the potential interests they have. You get out what you put in. I want to go into a field that requires some expertise, although I feel as though I will need more experience once in or looking for a job, Swansea has provided the stepping stone for my future career. The lecturers helped me because they take a back seat, but I understand that they are there to support me when I need it. They have allowed me to be independent.”
Alice Nolan, MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change
After completing his MSc in Geographic Information and Climate Change, Thomas went on to earn a position at the Associated British Ports Marine Environmental Research. He said of his time at Swansea – “I chose MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change at Swansea University because of the funding Available (Access to Master's Scheme) and specific course content (Climate Change and GIS modules). I enjoyed studying topics in greater depth than at undergraduate level, and the opportunity to undertake my dissertation in partnership with an external organisation. The lecturers were highly approachable throughout the course, and were always available for advice outside of lectures and seminars. Studying at Master's level in Swansea provided the opportunity to build upon the knowledge and skills I acquired as an undergraduate. For example, completing my Master's dissertation in partnership with an external company enabled development of my communication and organisational skills, as well as my ability to synthesize research. These skills have been vital for development of my career in the marine consulting sector.”
Thomas Perks, MSc Geographic Information and Climate Change
During your Master of Environmental Planning (MEP), you'll develop your knowledge and skills relating to both the theory and practical applications of planning.
Your research skills will build to an advanced level, and you'll gain a broad and in-depth understanding of knowledge relating to this specialist area. Throughout this degree, you'll refine your ability to show independent critical judgement.
At Waikato, you'll benefit from the service provided by a Planning Advisory Group. This Group is made up of experienced planning professionals working in the region.
During the MEP programme, you'll go to guest lectures, attend workshops and enjoy field trips where a range of professionals share their expertise. The Environmental Planning programme has enjoyed longstanding and active links with these professionals.
The teaching staff are connected with relevant networks such as the Resource Management Law Association and the New Zealand Planning Institute. Collaboration is encouraged and the MEP helps build close relations between Faculty members and employers, whether they be in environmental agencies or resource-use industries. These links help with addressing practical environmental problems.
The MEP involves one year of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study. It comprises 120 points at 500 level, including either a 60-point dissertation and 60 points from approved 500 level papers , or a 90-point thesis and 30 points from approved 500 level papers , or a 120-point thesis.
Papers offered for the MEP include:
Once you've completed your MEP, you'll be qualified to work in a range of different jobs. You may be passionate about research, and want to work in a research-focused role in either the public or private sector. Maybe you'd prefer to work for a professional planning consultancy or in a local or central government agency. You may like to work for an iwi authority or a natural resource user.
The course's main feature is the industry internship (FMCS596) paper which gives you industry experience for one whole semester. As an intern you will be mentored and supported by your employer and University supervisor, as you work on a real-world problem in an industry team setting.
The MInfoTech was developed as part of the Auckland ICT Graduate School, a joint initiative between the University of Waikato and the University of Auckland, to develop industry-ready ICT experts. The aim of the programme is to meet the explosive demand for highly-skilled network and data professionals, coders, system architects, web developers and other work-ready ICT professionals. Technology is the fastest growing sector in New Zealand and with a $1.3 trillion projected growth in the global ICT industry from 2013-2020, the MInfoTech prepares you to make the most of the significant opportunities available in this industry.
Our aim is to ensure you move beyond the classroom and into professional work situations with a full complement of employable IT skills.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Information Technology (PGCertInfoTech) provides the ideal pathway to the Master of Information Technology (MInfoTech).
Within the MInfoTech you may choose to specialise in:
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Students take 30 points from the following 15 point papers (this list may vary from year to year):
In addition, students will need to have a GIS component in the compulsory 60 point FCMS596 Computer Science Internship.
The application of GIS is growing rapidly which opens up a range of opportunities for graduates of this course. As a UNIGIS student you will be joining an extensive community with representatives in over 30 countries, providing you with an excellent platform to generate and share ideas. By selecting from the range of taught modules available in the second year, you will effectively determine which of the three MSc degrees you will ultimately be awarded:
UNIGIS courses all provide a solid grounding in Geographical Information Systems, Science and Technology, but each has a different focus. Geographical Information Systems provides a broad introduction to the major aspects of contemporary GIS. Applied GIS is focused more on the application of GIS and geographical information in the human and natural environments. Geographical Information Technologies looks at the various technologies that underpin GI solutions.
All UNIGIS programmes are all taught via online, part-time, distance learning, over a period of three years. UNIGIS has a dedicated Virtual Learning Environment through which all course materials are delivered. You will be supplied with specialist GIS software for the practical aspects of the programme you study.
This course is delivered in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University. Please apply for your place via the UNIGIS UK website.
Please note, University of Salford alumni loyalty discounts do not apply to this course.
The courses are taught in part-time distance learning mode ONLY over a period of three years. During the first two years you will take taught modules with the third year being comprised of an MSc dissertation and project. The courses start in September each year.
The UNIGIS programmes are all taught via online distance learning. UNIGIS had a dedicated Virtual Learning Environment through which all course materials are delivered. You will be supplied with specialist GIS software for the practical aspects of the programme you study.
All the UNIGIS programmes are 100% assessed by coursework.
UNIGIS programmes are particularly suited to those who wish to continue their professional development in the field, but many students use the courses as a way to initially get into GIS. Employment prospects are broad and include roles such as: analysts, programmers, cartographers, surveyors, consultants, GIS specialists, information technology/information systems specialists, lecturers, planners and project managers.
Links exist with a wide range of public and private sector companies through the organisations that our students work for. All modules in the UNIGIS programmes are recognised by the Association for Geographic Information for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
The UNIGIS courses are mainly aimed at those in employment, but there are possibilities to undertake research in the area of GIS.
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