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.
Given the wider development of Citizen GIS and an increased public awareness and knowledge of the power and value of spatial data, vastly increased amounts of such data from different sources are now available to researchers. However, in order to turn these data into useful information, they must be efficiently managed, processed and analysed before being displayed in a comprehensible format. Geographical Information Systems and the associated field of Remote Sensing greatly aid us in such tasks. The course is equally split between both parts - GIS and Remote Sensing - with four core module introducing the theory and practice of both subject at an introductory and advanced level. Geographical Information Systems or GIS as they are better known, are widely used in a wide variety of subject fields across the physical and social sciences and even in the humanities, with applicability in everything from archaeology and astronomy to geomorphology and globalisation to soil science and social planning. Remote Sensing – the analysis and interpretation of aerial and satellite imagery – has transformed the manner in which we view the Earth. The synoptic view of the Earth that it has given us has greatly improved our understanding of atmospheric and oceanic processes, sustained environmental management and the interaction of humans with the natural world. It is now a standard research tool in many fields such as geology, geography, pollution control, agriculture and climatology. Additional optional modules in Programming, Spatial Databases and Remote Sensing of the Subsurface are also available to students who want to develop the technical side more fully, though the course has a strong applied flavour throughout. In addition, all students complete a work placement in the Summer months which allows them to gain valuable practical experience to test and develop the skills learnt across the course.
Aims of the Course
- To provide highly qualified, motivated graduates who have been trained in Geographical Information Systems, Remote Sensing and Digital Image Processing and who can apply the information technology skills they obtain.
- To produce marketable graduates who will make significant contributions to GIS and RS application areas including; industry, government, academia, the community and voluntary sector and other public and private bodies.
- To provide an understanding of Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing, the technology involved and its applications for specific investigations.
Commences
September (*optional courses may start ahead of the formal term date)..
The course consists of 6 modules, 5 of which are compulsory. Two of these cover the theoretical concepts underpinning GIS and Remote Sensing. Two other modules involve gaining the theoretical and technical skills necessary to become proficient in the management and analysis of spatial data. A fifth module involves an assessed work placement during the summer months.
Duration: 1 year Full-time
This innovative, interdisciplinary programme combines the areas of remote sensing and spatial analysis to provide a broad overview of the subject, with scope for specialisation.
If you have an interest in utilising computer technology to apply geographical knowledge in order to address key societal and environmental issues then our MSc in Applied Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing (AGIS&RS) is tailor made for you. You will develop the understanding and technical skills required to analyse geospatial data in order to address real-world problems in diverse areas such as public health, food security or to improving our understanding of the carbon cycle. Combining cutting edge research in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and satellite remote sensing, this innovative master’s degree can open the door to successful careers in environmental consultancy firms, software companies, government research institutes and post-graduate research degrees to help you fulfil your ambition.
Our MSc in Applied Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing has three distinctive features:
The programme will develop your knowledge of the subject area in order to enhance employment opportunities within earth observation and GIS communities, consultancies, private and public sectors.
View the programme specification document for this course
This course provides training in geographical information systems (GIS) and in particular their application to a variety of environmental settings. If you want to develop your skills in this area, this is the course for you.
The programme is ideally suited to GIS analysts, decision-makers and managers since it will provide hands-on experience of how to use a variety of GIS systems (ArcViewTM, ARCGISTM, MapInfoTM) in real-world settings.
Students are also able to select more specialist training relevant to their interests and expertise.
The course aims to enhance your previous understanding and use of geographical information systems but it is also suitable for those who have no previous training in GIS.
By the end of the course, you will have developed high level abilities to apply GIS within environmental management, have an in-depth understanding of the functionality of GIS and be critically aware of the potential and limitations of GIS.
The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
All students study five core modules. You will also choose option modules, allowing you to specialise in the areas of the course that interest you the most.
Core modules
Option modules
Brighton's graduates are highly sought after by employers.
The course will provide opportunities to join a wide range of companies as a GIS expert. Recent graduates are building careers in organisations including:
The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM).
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is becoming increasingly important, both nationally and internationally, in the wide range of professions where acquisition, management, interpretation and analysis of geographical information is of use.
You can study a postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma or masters depending on the level of GIS knowledge you need. This is one of the first courses to be offered in this area and answers the need for well-trained professionals in this growing area.
GIS crosses many boundaries and offers a wide range of employment opportunities. This course is designed for people wanting employment in GIS as a • researcher • statistician • strategic analyst • GIS technician • planner • environmental modelling within a range of disciplines.
The course develops your capability to use, apply and understand geographical information systems by developing your
The course provides a balance of academic and practical content, giving you experience of using GIS in real life applied scenarios. Some students may have more relevant experience than others and the modules take this into account. If your current work involves using GIS regularly you can build on your learning through a work-based learning module. If you have less specialist experience you can work on a consultancy project module which gives you experience of using GIS on a project for a real world client organisation.
The course is structured around four core modules and a selection of optional modules. If you are studying for an MSc, you also complete a research methods module and a dissertation.
We also offer most modules on this course as standalone short courses.
Core modules
Option modules
There are no formal examinations.
This course is useful for people who are working in, or wish to work in • environmental and ecology fields • hazard and risk management •strategic analysis • research • transport • logistics • planning departments • housing • emergency services • health authorities.
Geographic information systems have become really interesting to all of us with the increased innovation in smart phones and IOT, whether we are searching for a venue to eat and drink or looking for something specific in a difficult to reach location. At one time GIS was heavily used in planning and map creation, now we all have access to those maps on our mobiles and tablets and we now expect sensors in our phones to connect automatically to satellite systems to tell us our every move, whether we are walking or in the car. This has made the discipline incredibly interesting and opened up a lot more opportunities in terms of work. On top of the more obvious GIS enabled systems many businesses rely on this technology to inform them about weather, shipping, coastal locations, risks and hazards, agriculture and energy and minerals exploration.
Geospatial technologies are increasingly important across all industries and this programme gives you skills in developing remote sensing, working with wide ranging expertise from coastal, marine, ecology, energy, geology, spatial planning, and archaeology. You learn some very useful skills in programming, simulation and modelling, spatial databases and global positioning systems, plus cartography, remote sensing, digital image processing, geographic information systems, field data capture for a variety of devices.
It is worth visiting the Scottish Innovation Centres to find out more about innovations using GIS and the technologies it uses
Semester 1
Optional
Semester 2
Semester 3
Dissertation
Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
Find out more about the online version
Find out about international fees:
Find out more about fees on the programme page
*Please be advised that some programmes also have additional costs.
View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page and the latest postgraduate opportunities
Living in Aberdeen
Find out more about:
Find out more about living in Aberdeen and living costs
This programme is ideal if you want to study flexibly around work or other commitments or you want to study from anywhere in the world if you have a very busy lifestyle. It is entirely delivered online to help you study at University of Aberdeen from any remote location with internet access. There is also an on campus delivery of this programme.
Geographic information systems have become really interesting to all of us with the increased innovation in smart phones and IOT, whether we are searching for a venue to eat and drink or looking for something specific in a difficult to reach location. At one time GIS was heavily used in planning and map creation, now we all have access to those maps on our mobiles and tablets and we now expect sensors in our phones to connect automatically to satellite systems to tell us our every move, whether we are walking or in the car. This has made the discipline incredibly interesting and opened up a lot more opportunities in terms of work. On top of the more obvious GIS enabled systems many businesses rely on this technology to inform them about weather, shipping, coastal locations, risks and hazards, agriculture and energy and minerals exploration.
Geospatial technologies are increasingly important across all industries and this programme gives you skills in developing remote sensing, working with wide ranging expertise from coastal, marine, ecology, energy, geology, spatial planning, and archaeology. You learn some very useful skills in programming, simulation and modelling, spatial databases and global positioning systems, plus cartography, remote sensing, digital image processing, geographic information systems, field data capture for a variety of devices.
It is worth visiting the Scottish Innovation Centres to find out more about innovations using GIS and the technologies it uses
Year 1
Compulsory
Year 2
Year 3
Find out more detail by visiting the programme web page
Find out about international fees:
Find out more about fees on the programme page
*Please be advised that some programmes also have additional costs.
View all funding options on our funding database via the programme page and the latest postgraduate opportunities
Find out more about:
Find out more about living in Aberdeen and living costs
You may also be interested in the on campus delivery of the programme
This programme focuses on scientific, technical and computational aspects of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Geographical Information Science (GIScience), with particular reference to the socioeconomic and environmental sciences. It provides highly qualified and motivated students sought by employers in the sector.
Core modules introduce GIS, a rapidly evolving area in business, health and planning settings, as well as in environmental applications. You will be introduced to GIS packages and database systems, useful for those wanting to undertake social and environmental science research and those wanting to understand the application of geotechnology as practitioners. You’ll study theories and concepts underpinning GIS and explore topics including spatial data models, data capture, spatial analysis and statistical and mathematical modelling. Optional modules allow you to focus on quantitative human geography, environmental applications and programming GIS.
Other Study Options
This programme is available part time, allowing you to combine study with other commitments. You can work to fund your studies, or gain a new qualification without giving up an existing job. We aim to be flexible in helping you to put together a part-time course structure that meets your academic goals while recognising the constraints on your study time.
The programme manager is Dr Paul Norman.
You can also study this subject at Postgraduate Diploma level.
This innovative programme offers a practical approach to implementing GIS techniques in work and other real-world environments.
A masters in Geographical Information Systems , opens the doors to a huge selection of career opportunities in both business, land surveillance, teaching, academia and much more. This innovative degree course offers a practical approach to implementing GIS techniques in work and other real-world environments and builds a set of invaluable skills that are highly translatable to a variety of professions and careers.
Our programme will enhance your skills and knowledge of information acquisition, extraction and management, data analysis, computer modelling and mapping, which can be applied to key fields such as business decision making, health management, planning, and environmental management.
In particular our programme:
The programme is particularly suitable if you work in local enterprise or public sector organisations, and require core training and skills development in GIS, or if you want to study independently.
View the programme specification document for this course
