Masters Degrees (Hydrographic Survey)

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.

Why this programme

• This programme meets the academic requirements for membership of relevant professional bodies and is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors.
• If you are seeking a career in geomatics: land and engineering surveying; hydrographic surveying; land registration/cadastre and LIS; photogrammetric and remote sensing engineering; management of geospatial information; this programme is for you.
• The School of Geographical and Earth Sciences is proud to announce that it is ranked 28th in the world (QS World Rankings 2016).
• The School is consistently ranked amongst the top 10 in the UK and top 5 in Scotland, recently achieving 2nd in Scotland and 9th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2017).
• The MSc in Geospatial and Mapping Sciences is an industry-sponsored programme and has been developed in close collaboration with industry to meet global demand for professionals in this field.
• You will benefit from access to the latest surveying equipment and software, including RTK GPS and terrestrial laser scanners.
• You will attend a week long practical surveying course (included in fees).

Programme structure

Semester 1 – 60 credits

• Fundamentals of Geomatics GEOG5008 (20 credits)
• Principles and Practice of Land Surveying GEOG5017 (20 credits)
• Principles of GIS GEOG5019 (10 credits)
• Topographic Mapping and Landscape Monitoring GEOG5025 (10 credits)

 Semester 2 – 60 credits

• Applied Land Surveying GEOG5099 (10 credits)
• Engineering Surveying GEOG5007 (10 credits)
• Geodesy & GNSS GEOG5012 (10 credits)
• Hydrographic Survey GEOG5014 (10 credits)
• Research & Professional Issues in Geomatics GEOG5021(10 credits)

One of:

• Applied Hydrographic Surveying GEOG5098 (10 credits)
• Geospatial Data Infrastructures and Land Administration GEOG5013 (10 credits)

Summer – 60 credits

• MSc Project GEOG5085P (60 credits)

Career prospects

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.

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The Masters in Geomatics & Management is aimed at graduates in geomatics (surveying and mapping). It will enhance your career progression in the field of geomatics, and provide you with the necessary skill set to succeed in managerial positions. The combination of geomatics with management offered by this programme has been strongly endorsed by industry.

Why this programme

• The School of Geographical and Earth Sciences is proud to announce that it is ranked 28th in the world (QS World Rankings 2016).
• You will be jointly taught by staff from the School of Geographical and Earth Sciences and the Adam Smith Business School and will benefit from their resources and expertise and from an industry-focused curriculum informed by experts in the field.
• The School is consistently ranked amongst the top 10 in the UK and top 5 in Scotland, recently achieving 2nd in Scotland and 9th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2017).
• If you have a geomatics background, but with little management experience and you are looking to broaden your knowledge of management while also furthering your knowledge of geomatics, this programme is designed for you.
• The programme is split into two semesters and a summer session. One semester will be based in the Adam Smith Business School and is aimed at developing knowledge and skills of management principles and techniques. An applied approach is adopted, with an emphasis on an informed critical evaluation of information, and the subsequent application of concepts and tools to the core areas of business and management.
• The semester in Geomatics allows you to focus on land and hydrographic surveying, or GIS and cartography. Your programme will be customised depending on your background and interests.
• While taking advanced courses in Geomatics you will have benefit from access to the latest surveying equipment, including GPS and Terrestrial Laser Scanning, and industry standard processing software, GIS and graphic packages as part of this programme.
• You will attend either a week long survey field course or the three-day GIS Research UK conference as part of the programme (included in fees).
• This programme has a September and January intake*.

*For suitably qualified candidates

Programme structure

Semester 1 – 60 credits in Management

• Contemporary issues in human resource management MGT5210 (10 credits)
• Managing creativity and innovation MGT5213 (10 credits)
• Managing strategic change MGT5216 (10 credits)
• Marketing management MGT5219 (10 credits)
• Operations management MGT5222 (10 credits)
• Project management MGT225 (10 credits)

Semester 2 – 60 credits in Geomatics

• Research & Professional Issues in Geomatics GEOG5021(10 credits)

50 credits from:

• Applied GIS GEOG5012 (10 credits)
• Applied Hydrographic Surveying GEOG5098 (10 credits)
• Applied Land Surveying GEOG5099 (10 credits)
• Directed Studies in Geomatics GEOG5006 (10 credits)
• Engineering Surveying GEOG5007 (10 credits)
• Geodesy & GNSS GEOG5012 (10 credits)
• Geospatial Data Infrastructures and Land Administration GEOG5013 (10 credits)
• Geovisualisation & Map Use GEOG5026 (10 credits)
• Hydrographic Survey GEOG5014 (10 credits)
• Internet & Mobile GIS GEOG5015 (10 credits)
• Remote Sensing of the Environment GEOG5056 (10 credits)

Career prospects

Career opportunities exist in both the private and public sectors and there are lots of possibilities for those with Surveying and Mapping skills. Positions include GIS specialist, ranging from support in large corporations (banking, insurance, retail), environmental consultancies, local authorities, utility companies, or mapping specialist with software house or geoinformation data provider. There is currently a very high demand for surveyors, especially in hydrographic survey, in support of offshore oil and renewable energy engineering and maintenance. 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.

Graduates of this programme have gone on to positions such as:

• Assistant Surveyor General at Dept of Surveys, Ministry of Lands and Housing, Malawi
• Regional Surveyor General at Dept of Surveys, Ministry of Lands and Housing, Malawi
• Surveyor at Rudan Engineering Ltd, Ghana
• Surveyor at KACST, Saudi Arabia
• Surveyor at Environmental Sciences Group Pelorus Surveys
• Senior Surveyor at North Ayrshire Council
• Surveyor at Line Surveys Transmission Consultancy

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Measuring, describing and depicting the seabed is crucial to the maintenance and development of ports, safe navigation, offshore renewables and the continuing search for hydrocarbons. Yet there is an international shortage of hydrographic surveyors. Seize this opportunity to gain a thorough knowledge of the science and technology of hydrography, experiencing the latest methods and equipment involved in exploring and managing the seabed whilst preparing for a career in this growth area.

Key features

-Graduate from a course that crosses different disciplines and is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institute of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES).
-Study with the ocean right on your doorstep in our waterfront city. Benefit from the practical research opportunities and links to international marine businesses this brings, as well as access to the University’s specialist Marine Institute.
-Study aboard the University’s own survey vessel the Falcon Spirit, and develop hands-on experience in current survey techniques and different methods of data collection and analysis.
-Prepare yourself on a commercially focused programme that’s been developed in response to industry requirements and an expressed commercial need. Progress to a career in hydrographic research and development, port and offshore/ nearshore surveying or environmental support.
-Equip yourself with the latest knowledge relating to hydrography in the fields of marine geophysics, oceanography, land survey techniques, geodesy, bathymetric surveying, tides, acoustic theory and marine resource management. Learn to use equipment including GNSS, SBES, MBES, ADCP and sidescan sonar.
-Engage in debates around the wider aspects of hydrography and the implications for data capture, data management, processing and information systems.
-Attend lectures and receive support from our specialist staff, as well as access to a series of industrial speakers and demonstrations of the latest technologies.
-Gain the knowledge and skills you need to design, develop and implement a final research project at postgraduate level.
-Benefit from our good relationship with industry – a number of companies visit each year. There is excellent recruitment from the programme to the marine sector with global opportunities and the potential to travel in conjunction with your employment.

Course details

Period 1 — an intensive 15 week programme of classroom learning and field activities prepare you for the technical aspects of surveying and the research required in master’s study. 70 per cent lectures/seminars and 30 per cent practical, either within the laboratory or afloat. Assessment is continual or by coursework.

Period 2 — includes specialisms in advanced studies with a combination of the digital mapping and survey project management modules, designed to prepare students for practical roles and management decisions when completing hydrographic tasks on behalf of future employers. Modules are selected based on industrial expectations and potential career requirements. 80 per cent lectures/seminars, 20 per cent practical. Assessment is 50/50 coursework and formal examination for core modules, continuous for the one optional module.

Period 3 — undertake a self-managed final dissertation, supervised by an assigned academic. May comprise a desk study, laboratory experimentation, field observations, data acquisitions and processing.

Core modules
-MAR513 Research Skills and Methods
-MAR520 Hydrography
-MAR521 Acoustic and Oceanographic Surveying
-MAR524 MSc Dissertation
-MAR522 Survey Project Management
-MAR523 Digital Mapping

Optional modules
-MAR517 Coastal Erosion and Protection
-MAR529 Marine Planning
-MAR530 Managing Marine Ecosystems
-MAR507 Economics of the Marine Environment
-MAR518 Remote Sensing and GIS

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

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Ocean acidification, energy resources, coastal erosion and flooding are just some of the issues that make ocean science such an important component when addressing the world’s most pressing environmental, energy and construction challenges. This course allows you to tailor your study towards employment in a specific sector including oceanographic and environmental research and consultancy, marine renewable energy, marine conservation management, offshore exploration and hydrographic surveying.

You will equip yourself for a career in hydrographic surveying by choosing the hydrography pathway in the final year - study the exploration and sustainable management of marine resources, construction and environmental support. You’ll conduct a research or consultancy-type project closely linked to one of our marine science research groups or industrial partners, providing an experience of working with established marine scientists and contributing to current work in a wider context.

Key features

-Gain a sound knowledge base across all areas of ocean science with options to develop specialist skills in marine conservation, oceanography or hydrography.
-Specialise in subjects that most interest you including coastal dynamics, seafloor mapping, physical oceanography, meteorology, remote sensing, offshore exploration, biological oceanography, marine pollution and conservation.
-Equip yourself for a career in hydrographic surveying by choosing the hydrography pathway in the final year (with potential high-level professional FIG/IHO/ICA accreditation) - study the exploration and sustainable management of marine resources, construction and environmental support.
-Conduct a research or consultancy-type project closely linked to one of our marine science research groups or industrial partners, providing an experience of working with established marine scientists and contributing to current work in a wider context.
-Develop your range of practical skills with our own fully-equipped fleet of boats, a new £4.65 million Marine Station used as a base for fieldwork afloat, industry standard oceanographic and surveying equipment and a type-approved ship simulator.
-Option to take the industry-recognised professional diving qualification (HSE Professional SCUBA) alongside your degree, and an optional scientific diving module to provide training and qualification for diving-based research projects and employment (limited places and additional costs apply).
-Experience an overseas field course that's aimed at integrating ocean science knowledge and understanding across the different sub-disciplines.

Course details

Year 1
Your first year, shared across the Marine Science Undergraduate Scheme, introduces the full range of topics within the degree and develops your underpinning scientific knowledge and practical skills. You’ll develop your understanding of the Earth’s oceans and the key physical, chemical, biological processes that occur in these systems. You’ll build practical skills and enhance your ability to analyse, present and interpret scientific data through field-based activities.

Core modules
-OS101 Introduction to Ocean Science
-OS103 Biology and Hydrography of the Ocean
-OS105 Mapping the Marine Environment
-OS102 Physical and Chemical Processes of the Ocean
-OS104 Measuring the Marine Environment

Optional modules
-GEES1002PP Climate Change and Energy
-GEES1003PP Sustainable Futures
-GOV1000PP One Planet? Society and Sustainability
-ENGL405PP Making Waves: Representing the Sea, Then and Now
-GEES1001PP Natural Hazards
-OS106PP Our Ocean Planet
-OS107PP Space Exploration

Year 2
In your second year, the emphasis will be on understanding core aspects of ocean science, including topics in ocean exploration, oceanography and marine conservation, and enhancing your practical and research skills. You’ll participate in a field work module based at our Marine Station, learning how to use industry standard instrumentation and software for measuring a variety of parameters in the coastal zone and you’ll develop a proposal for your final year project. There's also opportunity to apply scientific diving skills gained alongside the degree for suitably qualified individuals.

Core modules
-OS201 Global Ocean Processes
-OS202 Monitoring the Marine Environment
-OS206 Researching the Marine Environment

Optional modules
-OS208 Meteorology
-OS209 Marine Remote Sensing
-OS207 Scientific Diving
-OS203 Seafloor Mapping
-OS204 Waves, Tides and Coastal Dynamics
-OS205 Managing Human Impacts in the Marine Environment

Year 3
You’ll focus on topics with special relevance to your future plans including options across the specialisms offered through the related BSc Marine Science courses. A residential field course allows you to develop a group-based in-situ investigative study. A large part of the year is spent completing a research project, carrying out an in-depth investigation under the guidance of a member of academic staff.

Optional modules
-BPIE338 Ocean Science Placement

Year 4
Pathway options in the final year provide both an opportunity for you to pursue your choice of topic in greater depth and an opportunity to increase the breadth of your study through modules from the applied contemporary offerings of our Marine Science MSc programmes: Applied Marine Science, Marine Renewable Energy and Hydrography. You’ll conduct a research or consultancy-type project closely linked to one of our internationally-leading marine science research groups or industrial partners, providing an experience of working with established marine scientists.

Optional modules
-MAR517 Coastal Erosion and Protection
-MATH523 Modelling Coastal Processes
-MAR520 Hydrography
-MAR522 Survey Project Management
-MAR515 Management of Coastal Environments
-MAR518 Remote Sensing and GIS
-MAR521 Acoustic and Oceanographic Surveying
-MAR507 Economics of the Marine Environment
-MAR523 Digital Mapping
-MAR516 Contemporary Issues in Marine Science
-MAR519 Modelling Marine Processes

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

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The Archives and Records Management MA provides the skills and knowledge that are needed by new entrants to the profession in the United Kingdom and abroad. Students learn to manage and preserve records created in the present and those inherited from the past for use in the present and future.

About this degree

The programme focuses on the management of records and archives in a variety of digital and hard copy formats. Students learn to manage, organise, interpret and provide access to a wide range of records and archives, focusing on both the management of records for ongoing purposes, and their selection, preservation and accessibility for future uses including historical research.

MA students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of five core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits) and a research dissertation (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma, five core modules (90 credits), two optional modules (30 credits), full-time nine months or flexible study up to five years, is offered.

A Postgraduate Certificate, four optional modules (60 credits), full-time 15 weeks or flexible study over a period of up to two years, is offered.

Core modules

• Concepts and Contexts (30 credits, taught across two terms)
• Creation and Capture
• Curation and Stewardship
• The Record-keeping Professional
• Access and Use of Archives and Records

Optional modules include

• Collections Care
• Digital Resources in the Humanities
• Information Governance
• Manuscript Studies
• Reading and Interpretation of Archives from 1500
• Database Systems and Design
• Oral History

Dissertation/report

All MA students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000–12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, computer laboratory sessions and class-based practical exercises, with a strong emphasis on group and peer learning and the acquisition of practical skills underpinned by archival theory and knowledge. Assessment is through a mixture of essays, reports, and practical assignments.

Placement

The work placement gives students taking the MA/Dip experience of how the techniques they have learned may be applied in practice. Placements last for two weeks, and are undertaken as part of the INSTG060 Curation and Capturecore module just after the beginning of the third term (May). We arrange placements individually for each student and do our best to match the placement with their interests and experience.

Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Archives and Records Management MA

Careers

Past graduates have taken up professional roles at prestigious organisations and institutions including national societies, university libraries and the House of Commons.

Recent career destinations for this degree

• Archivist, Beaulieu
• Senior Digital Archivist, The National Archives
• Archivist, Royal Asiatic Society
• Archivist, United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO)
• Archives Manager, Historic Royal Palaces

Employability

This programme prepares students to work in a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional archives and information management roles in both the private and public sectors, in the UK and internationally.

Students benefit from the department's excellent links with employers in the information professions which provide them with 'real life' experience through guest lectures, visits and a placement. Students also receive specific careers advice, including how to construct CVs. In the longer term the programme equips students with the skills and knowledge to have long and successful careers in their chosen field and become leaders in their profession.

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.

Why study this degree at UCL?

UCL boasts one of the longest-established archive education programmes in the UK. It is taught by leading experts in the field, drawing on their innovative research as well as extensive practical experience of archives and records work.

Students benefit from UCL's location close to many records management services, and the broadest grouping of historical archives in any city in the English-speaking world.

The programme hosts an impressive range of visiting speakers, organises frequent field visits to a wide variety of working environments and a two-week placement, all of which provide unique occasions to network and create professional links with key players in the sector.

Research Excellence Framework (REF)

The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.

The following REF score was awarded to the department: Information Studies

68% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)

Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.

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The Hydrography for Professionals postgraduate degree uses the latest concepts and technology in distance e-learning to deliver a fully Plymouth University accredited postgraduate education programme. Students will gain an educational qualification designed specifically to meet the needs of marine industry professionals and employers working in the field of hydrographic surveying.

You will study an innovative, industry-relevant and flexible syllabus that meets the growing market need for part time study and which can be integrated with busy jobs and busy lifestyles. Students are able to study on a part-time basis from anywhere in the world, using our accessible e-learning platform. For those working at sea for long periods of time, regular internet access is not required, and our cutting-edge teaching and learning materials can all be accessed without a continuous connection to the World Wide Web.

All students receive individual attention, from initial enquiry and enrolment through our dedicated admissions team, to having their own Academic personal tutor on call throughout their studies.

The Hydrography for Professionals postgraduate qualification has quickly built a reputation for delivering fully supported university-level e-learning of an exceptional quality. We regularly receive outstanding student feedback, and in Nov 2014 won a Times Higher Education Award for outstanding employer engagement.

Modules Include

An introduction to Hydrography and the Marine Environment
Advanced Nautical Science for Hydrography
Sensors and Underwater Acoustics
Advanced Practical Techniques in Hydrography (Residential course)
Earth Science and Positioning
Hydrography Survey Practice and Management

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