This Masters in Geospatial & Mapping Sciences focuses on understanding the theory and practice of geospatial data collection, land and hydrographic surveying, data and information quality, applications of survey information, and research and development in the field of geomatics. It is strongly endorsed by industry, accredited by the RICS and has an excellent employment record.
Semester 1 – 60 credits
Semester 2 – 60 credits
One of:
Summer – 60 credits
Career opportunities include land surveyor, engineering surveyor, hydrographic surveyor, GIS specialist, environmental consulting. There is currently a very high demand for surveyors, especially in hydrographic survey, in support of offshore oil and renewable energy engineering and maintenance. Several of the key employers visit us each year to recruit students. In addition to the offshore energy industry, land surveyors are in demand in many parts of the world to support mining operations, major civil engineering projects and to provide surveying services for Land Registration. A strong background in data capture, datums and co-ordinate systems, and data processing can also be of value in the GIS and environmental management sectors.
Graduates of this programme have gone on to positions such as:
Offshore Surveyor at NCS Survey
Hydrographic Surveyor at Subsea 7
Offshore Surveyor at Subsea 7
Analyst at Morgan Stanley
Offshore Surveyor at UTEC
Offshore Surveyor at iSurvey Offshore Ltd
Research Scientist Associate at a university
Fellow at European Organisation for Nuclear Research
Offshore Surveyor at Marine Offshore Designer
Hydrographic Surveyor at UTEC
Assistant Land Surveyor at UTEC Star net
Trainee Surveyor at Fugro
Hydrographic Surveyor at Harkand Andrews Survey
Offshore Supporter at Subsea 7
Offshore Surveyor at Fugro
Offshore Hydrographic Surveyor at UTEC
Graduate Supervisor at AECOM
GIS Technician at Farazamin Company Tehran
Graduate Surveyor at Met Geo Environmental Ltd.
BIM is a growing technology used in the building industry worldwide. It uses digital techniques to create and use intelligent 3D models to communicate building project decisions. GIS is a technical system to implement the collection, storage, management, calculation, analysis, display and description of geospatial information data. The results help to understand what is happening in a geographical space which can increase efficiency in building planning and design. The current ‘lack of BIM innovation’ and ‘lack of BIM talent’ could delay the progress of Chinese “smart” cities, which aim to reduce resource consumption and cost and use digital technologies to benefit their citizens.
This programme will be run entirely at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC) with internship opportunities in leading BIM companies in China. It is a collaboration between Department of Architecture and Built Environment and Civil Engineering. In particular, research and teaching support will be provided by two leading research laboratories including Geospatial BIM lab and Digital City Infrastructure and technology Innovation Laboratory (D-CiTi Lab). These laboratories are working closely with leading AEC consultants (Arup, WSP BP), international professional institutions (RICS, ICES, CIBSE) and leading BIM software vendors (Autodesk, Bentley, Leica, Tekla, Trimble).
Students are able to learn how to use and operate a very wide variety of state-of-the-art software, as well as surveying equipment including servo driven total stations, laser scanners, GNSS, digital and analogue photogrammetry. With extensive project and consultancy experience on the Geospatial Engineering, BIM in the AEC sector in the UK and China, the team is planning to promote the Smart City with multi-dimension BIM applications across China.
Advantages of studying this programme at the University of Nottingham Ningbo:
This programme will help:
The course is studied over 12months. 60 credits of modules are studied in the autumn and 60 credits of modules are studied in the Spring Semesters. A research project is undertaken in the summer semester, also worth 60 credits.
Compulsory modules
Additional Module Choice Information for PG I
A student may not retake a module they have studied at Nottingham on a previous course. Substitute modules to be agreed with the Course Director.
In China, BIM has attracted an increasing amount of concern and lots of AEC companies or institutes desire to recruit talented people with relevant BIM skills and experience. Graduates from this program would be expected to find decent jobs in local and international AEC companies. During the academic period, students have opportunities to visit and communicate with large AEC companies, and even enroll as interns after graduation. For those who wish to pursue their academic careers, this postgraduate programme prepares them well for higher level research and to continue onto PhD level.
Our Careers Development Service will work with you to explore your options. They will invite you to attend recruitment events featuring potential employers, and will suggest further opportunities, such as relevant work experience placements and skills workshops.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing are considered essential tools to spatially explore, analyze, visualize and disseminate data; and these skills are increasingly highly sought after in the workplace. The MSc in Applied Geospatial Analysis will provide you with strong theoretical, conceptual and practical foundation on spatial analytics, covering legislative requirements and ethical considerations. The aim of the programme is to provide you with the skillset for real-world spatial exploration of social, economic and environmental patterns and interactions in support of evidence-based planning and decision-making. It will afford you the opportunity to apply acquired skills in pragmatic contextual settings.
At the end of the programme, you will have practical and applied GIS/remote sensing skills for problem-solving; and knowledge and understanding of tools, methods, and applications within geographic research and practice, across a range of disciplines and work areas. The programme includes guest speakers from research and industry, exposing you to potential internship and career opportunities in the area. The core modules will place a large emphasis on practical hands-on skill building on GIS/remote sensing, applied to real-world case-study analysis. A range of optional modules will provide the flexibility to shape learning to your own research or career needs. All optional modules will have an applied geospatial analysis component.
This programme will provide you with a practical and applied GIS/remote sensing abilities as well as a range of academic and transferable skills that will be a benefit in many careers. Graduates of this programme may progress to doctoral study or to careers in:
The benefits of GIS are increasingly recognised within government, business, education and the voluntary sector, and the applications of geospatial data technologies are steadily growing. Using GIS, it is possible to combine data from a broad range of sources and in a variety of formats, such as paper and digital maps, routinely collected administrative data, censuses and population surveys, satellite imagery, aerial photography, GPS tracking and surveys, LiDAR and crowd-sourcing. The uses of GIS are very diverse, and include mapping, spatial analysis, planning and decision-making within a wide range of disciplines and sectors – common examples include environmental management and conservation, resource management, emergency service planning and humanitarian assistance, health care provision, land use planning and urban development, the utilities, transport, geo-demographics, mineral extraction and retail analysis. Increasing uptake of GIS and associated techniques and technologies means that there is a growing demand for qualified personnel who have the skills to manage spatial data effectively. Strong industry links help ensure that our course is relevant to the needs of employers.
The course is designed to help people gain understanding and experience of GIS concepts, functionality and applications. Content focuses on the representation, acquisition, management, manipulation and analysis of spatial data. It also includes modules on remote sensing, spatial databases, web-GIS and GIS in the commercial environment. Additional optional modules include GIS work experience, spatial analysis and modelling, GIS for environmental management, and Customising GIS.
In addition to acquiring substantial theoretical knowledge of the subject, you will gain extensive practical experience using a variety of software, focusing primarily on ArcGIS but also including ERDAS Imagine, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, MySQL, OpenLayers, Geoserver, QGIS, Excel, SPSS and a number of GIS extensions and plug-ins. One of the core modules provides experience of web-based programming languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript, whilst an optional module in customising GIS applications introduces Esri’s ModelBuilder and the Python programming language.
After successfully completing the PgDip modules, you may transfer to the Masters part of the programme. This requires the completion of a substantial independent research project, written in the form of a research journal article (which may, with agreement of your supervisor, be submitted for publication).
As part of the course resources, you will be provided with a free copy of ArcGIS, the remote sensing package ERDAS Imagine, and the data analysis package SPSS.
Gaining experience in the workplace and being able to apply academic learning within that context is very beneficial for students preparing to enter the workplace, so we offer the option of undertaking a GIS Work Experience module to full-time students. This entails working within an organisation for 2.5 days per week over a six-week period. Placements (which are unpaid) may be in the public sector, private companies, charities or education. Students who take this module find it extremely helpful for both their professional and personal development and refer particularly to benefits such as broadening their technical skills, gaining experience of team-working and of independent problem-solving, improved confidence and of learning about the geospatial industry and employment through exposure to real-world applications of GIS.
Part-time students who are in GI-related employment may opt to undertake the GIS Workplace Project.
GIS and geospatial technologies underpin a rapidly growing, multi-billion dollar industry, and are becoming increasingly mainstream within both the public and private sectors, resulting in a need for graduates who have a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Graduates of this course have secured employment in a variety of GIS-related roles worldwide, in GIS positions including technicians, analysts, scientists, surveyors, data specialists, mapping officers, consultants, project managers, development, sales and marketing, customer support, GIS training, lecturing and research (including funded PhD projects). The breadth of potential uses of GIS ensures a great diversity of job opportunities; for example, our graduates have found employment with mapping agencies, GIS and SatNav companies, environmental consultancies, ecological and marine resource management and environmental agencies, renewable energy companies, forestry, fisheries, town planning departments, heritage agencies, health and emergency services, housing authorities, local government, aid agencies, countryside recreation, rural development, retail analysis, utilities and infrastructure, Further and Higher Education, mining and mineral exploitation and the oil industry, among others. Knowledge and understanding of geo-spatial data is also increasingly required in a variety of jobs outside of the GI profession, making a GIS qualification a valuable asset enhancing employability in a range of fields.
The benefits of GIS are increasingly recognised within government, business, education and the voluntary sector, and the applications of geospatial data technologies are steadily growing. Using GIS, it is possible to combine data from a broad range of sources and in a variety of formats, such as paper and digital maps, routinely collected administrative data, censuses and population surveys, satellite imagery, aerial photography, GPS tracking and surveys, LiDAR and crowd-sourcing. The uses of GIS are very diverse, and include mapping, spatial analysis, planning and decision-making within a wide range of disciplines and sectors – common examples include environmental management and conservation, resource management, emergency service planning and humanitarian assistance, health care provision, land use planning and urban development, the utilities, transport, geo-demographics, mineral extraction and retail analysis. Increasing uptake of GIS and associated techniques and technologies means that there is a growing demand for qualified personnel who have the skills to manage spatial data effectively. Strong industry links help ensure that our course is relevant to the needs of employers.
The course is designed to help people gain understanding and experience of GIS concepts, functionality and applications. Content focuses on the representation, acquisition, management, manipulation and analysis of spatial data. It also includes modules on remote sensing, spatial databases, web-GIS and GIS in the commercial environment. Additional optional modules include GIS work experience, spatial analysis and modelling, GIS for environmental management, and Customising GIS.
In addition to acquiring substantial theoretical knowledge of the subject, you will gain extensive practical experience using a variety of software, focusing primarily on ArcGIS but also including ERDAS Imagine, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, MySQL, OpenLayers, Geoserver, QGIS, Excel, SPSS and a number of GIS extensions and plug-ins. One of the core modules provides experience of web-based programming languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript, whilst an optional module in customising GIS applications introduces Esri’s ModelBuilder and the Python programming language.
After successfully completing the PgDip modules, you may transfer to the Masters part of the programme. This requires the completion of a substantial independent research project, written in the form of a research journal article (which may, with agreement of your supervisor, be submitted for publication).
As part of the course resources, you will be provided with a free copy of ArcGIS, the remote sensing package ERDAS Imagine, and the data analysis package SPSS.
Gaining experience in the workplace and being able to apply academic learning within that context is very beneficial for students preparing to enter the workplace, so we offer the option of undertaking a GIS Work Experience module to full-time students. This entails working within an organisation for 2.5 days per week over a six-week period. Placements (which are unpaid) may be in the public sector, private companies, charities or education. Students who take this module find it extremely helpful for both their professional and personal development and refer particularly to benefits such as broadening their technical skills, gaining experience of team-working and of independent problem-solving, improved confidence and of learning about the geospatial industry and employment through exposure to real-world applications of GIS.
Part-time students who are in GI-related employment may opt to undertake the GIS Workplace Project.
GIS and geospatial technologies underpin a rapidly growing, multi-billion dollar industry, and are becoming increasingly mainstream within both the public and private sectors, resulting in a need for graduates who have a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Graduates of this course have secured employment in a variety of GIS-related roles worldwide, in GIS positions including technicians, analysts, scientists, surveyors, data specialists, mapping officers, consultants, project managers, development, sales and marketing, customer support, GIS training, lecturing and research (including funded PhD projects). The breadth of potential uses of GIS ensures a great diversity of job opportunities; for example, our graduates have found employment with mapping agencies, GIS and SatNav companies, environmental consultancies, ecological and marine resource management and environmental agencies, renewable energy companies, forestry, fisheries, town planning departments, heritage agencies, health and emergency services, housing authorities, local government, aid agencies, countryside recreation, rural development, retail analysis, utilities and infrastructure, Further and Higher Education, mining and mineral exploitation and the oil industry, among others. Knowledge and understanding of geo-spatial data is also increasingly required in a variety of jobs outside of the GI profession, making a GIS qualification a valuable asset enhancing employability in a range of fields.
The Global South accounts for over 80 per cent of world’s population, and represents enormous diversity and rapid transformation, commanding an ever-increasing role in global affairs. Many countries of the Global South have achieved impressive economic growth, including some of the fastest growing economies in the world. Yet, the Global South also houses the bulk of the global poor, with growth often accompanied by mounting spatial and socio-economic inequalities.
The MSc Geographies of the Global South is designed to provide students with an advanced knowledge of key challenges, potentials and contestations in the Global South at a range of scales and informed by local experiences of development, change and sustainability.
A strong emphasis is placed on developing students’ applied skills in geospatial technology and an understanding of their real-world application to Global South issues, research and to informing practice, planning and policy making.
This MSc programme offers students a critical understanding of key issues and theoretical debates in contemporary geographies of the Global South.
Students are provided with an opportunity to gain first-hand experience carrying out a field-based research project in a Global South context. Field and class-based learning develops critical theoretical understanding of key conceptual issues; competency in geo-spatial technologies; and enhances research skills in preparation for a range of careers.
The MSc Geographies of the Global South is designed to provide students with the key knowledge and practical transferable skillsets that will be a benefit in many careers. Graduates of this programme may progress to careers in:
The degree is the leading Master's programme in remote sensing and environmental mapping available in the UK. It offers the opportunity to study at an advanced level the ways in which remote sensing from ground-based to spaceborne platforms may be used to collect environmental information about the terrestrial biosphere, atmosphere, oceans and cryosphere at a range of scales and across wavelengths.
Students develop an all-round knowledge of remote sensing, mapping and data analysis. including fundamental principles, current technological developments and applications to local, regional and global problems. They gain highly developed, marketable practical skills to enable them to take leading roles in academic, government and industrial sectors.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of four core modules in term one (60 credits), four optional modules in term two (60 credits) and a research project in term three (60 credits).
A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), full-time 12 weeks, flexible study up to two years is offered.
Core modules
Optional modules
Dissertation/report
All students undertake an individual research project. The department has links with industry, and projects may be carried out in collaboration with organisations outside UCL.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, individual and group coursework, and compulsory computer training. Student learning is supported by tutorials, transferable skills training and research supervision throughout the year. Assessment is through unseen written examinations, coursework, dissertation and an oral presentation.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Remote Sensing and Environmental Mapping MSc
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.
Graduates find jobs in diverse companies: from consultancies carrying out environmental and spatial analysis through to major international geospatial companies, or government and government-affiliated agencies. The programme is also suitable training for those wishing to undertake higher level work as a prelude to a PhD in a quantitative environmental discipline.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Employability
The range of generic, transferable skills provided by the degree programme are attractive to a range of employers. Students gain a fundamental understanding of the key principles of remote sensing, mapping, environmental data handling and analysis, as well as the ability to communicate their ideas. Such skills and knowledge are applicable across a wide range of careers. The long heritage of the programme - over 30 years - and its interdisciplinary, intercollegiate nature provides students with a unique perspective, not just from UCL, but across the wider world of remote sensing, mapping and environmental science.
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
The MSc is run by UCL Geography, which enjoys an outstanding reputation for its research and teaching, and has a long pedigree in producing highly employable graduates for industry, research, policy and many other areas.
A distinctive feature of the programme is its intercollegiate nature which exposes students to a range of university departments and expertise across fields including terrestrial vegetation and carbon stocks, solid earth and geology, fire impacts, new sensor technology and ocean processes.
The degree is integrated with other Geography MSc programmes providing greater flexibility when choosing optional modules.
The MA Geography is aimed at students who wish to develop a deeper understanding of key geographical ideas and themes, embrace opportunities to develop their critical thinking skills, undertake independent research in an area of specialist interest, and enhance their geospatial skills set. This Masters programme provides students with a range of academic and transferable skills that will be a benefit in many careers including teaching; research; consultancy; Geographical Information Systems; and careers in the public sector. We value holistic approaches to learning and active, sustained engagement with issues of societal importance. We challenge our students to develop as spatially-sensitive global citizens and encourage them to be analytical, reflective and critical thinkers. The capacity to engage in collaborative learning and problem-solving is a key competence of our graduates. The UCD School of Geography provides a high quality learning and research environment for graduate students and has pioneered innovative teaching and learning methodologies in the online and face-to-face environment. As well as small-group seminars, project-based learning and teamwork, fieldwork is a core element of the MA Geography programme.
In 2010 the UN estimated that more than half of the planet’s population live in cities and projected that this will increase to 66% by the middle of the century. Cities have become the nodes of a global economic network and are the foci for flows of people, goods, energy, food etc. In addition, although occupying less than 1% of the Earth’s surface they transform the natural environment radically and are the main geographical drivers of environmental change at local, regional and global scales. At the same time, cities are social constructions that can be changed and managed through human intervention to enhance well-being and liveability.
This MSc looks at urban environments holistically by integrating the perspectives of human and physical geography to explore urban environments. Exploration is complemented by developing fieldwork and geospatial skills. The key objective of the course is to address the challenge of achieving global sustainability by making resource efficient, smart and liveable cities.
The use of the vibrant, dynamic city of Dublin as an urban laboratory will provide an opportunity for collaboration on external projects with a range of urban stakeholder groups, developing professional networks and skillsets accordingly. This is complemented within the School of Geography, a top-100 department in QS subject rankings, by dedicated geospatial facilities for research students.
The MSc Urban Environment focuses on how we might progress towards global sustainability by focusing on the development of more resource efficient, smart and liveable cities. The programme integrates the perspectives of human and physical geography to explore urban environments as complex physical and social systems. The vibrant, dynamic city of Dublin is an ideal urban laboratory within which we can develop and engage in collaborative projects. We value holistic approaches to learning and active, sustained engagement with issues of societal importance. We challenge our students to develop as spatially-sensitive global citizens and encourage them to be reflective and critical thinkers. In this programme, we particularly value the application of academic learning to the urban environment of Dublin in particular through collaborative engagement with external stakeholders. The School of Geography provides a high quality learning and research environment for graduate students and has pioneered innovative teaching and learning methodologies in the online and face-to-face environment. As well as small-group seminars, project-based learning and teamwork, fieldwork is a core element of the MSc Urban Environment programme.
The MSc Urban Environment is designed to provide students with the key knowledge and practical transferable skillsets that will be a benefit in many careers. Graduates may progress to careers in: further research, academic and professional; professional training in related disciplines; consultancy; GIS; and research careers in the private sector, public service or with community groups.
Established provider of online distance learning Master’s courses in Environmental Science and Geography
Department of Life Sciences – a leading international centre for research and training in ecology, evolution, conservation and the environment
