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In recent years the benefits of using geo-spatial data have become more widely understood among both government and business. In parallel, the need for GIS professionals has grown steadily across a wide range of sectors. Moreover, gaining GIS knowledge and skills is increasingly seen as an essential part of preparing for various other types of employment, for example, in the environmental sector.
Our students fall into two broad groups:
* People who want to enter GIS-related employment for the first time, or who want to add GIS to their skill-set to enhance their employability (often new or recent graduates, but also including people wanting to change career).
* People already in GI-related employment who want to broaden and deepen their GIS knowledge and skills with a view to making better use of GIS or improving career and promotion prospects.
Student feedback shows that our course caters very well to the needs of both groups.
With nearly 20 years experience in teaching GIS, and over 10 years of teaching online distance learning students, we have a significant track record in GIS education. At any time we have in the region of 80 to 90 students enrolled on PgDip or MSc modules, making us one of the largest providers of postgraduate GIS education in Ireland and the UK, though class sizes are small enough (generally between 15 and 25 students) to ensure you get individual attention and feedback.
Concepts and techniques are illustrated using a variety of applications. Students can take one optional module from a choice of GIS work experience / work-based project, GIS for environmental management, GIS for health and health care, and customising GIS. Students gain extensive practical experience using a variety of software, including ArcGIS, ERDAS Imagine, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, SPSS and a number of GIS extensions and plug-ins.
Relevance to employment
We place strong emphasis on helping our students develop and improve their academic and professional skills (including practical experience of key software, problem-solving, data analysis, presentation of information, report writing, critical analysis and independent research) in order to enhance their employability and career progression.
Our graduates have a very high success rate in securing GI-related employment, and students already in GIS jobs, many of whom are sponsored by their employers to take the course, frequently comment on how useful they find it within their day-to-day work. Extensive hands-on practice using GIS software is central to this. Regular course reviews ensure the continuing relevance of course content in the context of rapid changes in technology and the broader industry, while visits to local organisations utilising GIS and talks by industry specialists (made available as podcasts for distance learners) give students greater insight into not only the technologies but also the management and implementation aspects of GIS.
The option for students to undertake a module in the workplace (subject to placement availability) helps integrate academic experience of GIS with the world of work and further enhances employability.
The uses of GIS are very diverse, and include data management, spatial analysis and decision-making within a wide range of disciplines and sectors, such as environmental management and conservation, resource management, emergency service planning, health care provision, land use planning and urban development, the utilities, transport, geo-demographics and retail. 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.
The Postgraduate Diploma course (GI Industry strand) comprises seven compulsory modules: Principles of GIS, Spatial Data Management, Remote Sensing, GIS in Business and Society, Programming for GIS, Spatial Analysis and Modelling and GIS Databases. Students taking the Environment strand replace GIS in Business and Society and Programming for GIS with an environmental management module of equivalent credit (Biodiversity Management or Environmental Impact Assessment, offered alternate years). To complete the PgDip, students select one optional module, either GIS for Health Care, GIS for Environmental Management, Customising GIS, GIS Work Experience or GIS Workplace Project. More information on each module is available below.
Most modules consist of a combination of lectures and related practical work, ensuring that the theory and concepts introduced are reinforced by hands-on experience, using real-world examples drawn from a variety of subject areas. Students gain considerable experience of commercial GIS and remote sensing software, and skills such as problem-solving and academic and report writing are extensively practiced. Modules are assessed by coursework, which may include essays and literature reviews, practical and project reports, presentations and online tests. There are no formal university examinations. Module content and assessment are the same regardless of whether you study on campus or by online distance learning.
The Masters degree in Geographic Information Systems consists of the eight taught modules of the Postgraduate Diploma in addition to a substantial piece of independent research, which is presented and assessed in the form of a research paper.
MODULE SUMMARIES
Please note that the course structure and content is reviewed and updated on an annual basis and the content described here may therefore be subject to minor modifications.
(i) Postgraduate Diploma Core Modules: GI Industry strand
Principles of GIS (EGM711)
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, equipping 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 ESRIs ArcGIS package. The module assumes no prior knowledge or experience of GIS.
Spatial Data Management (EGM712)
This module builds on the knowledge and practical skills gained in EGM711 to provide GIS students with further experience in the acquisition and management of spatial data. Methods for generating and integrating digital spatial data from primary and secondary sources are considered, with lecture and practical sessions looking at digitising, geo-registration, GPS data collection and using secondary sources such as the Census and government population statistics. The module also incorporates extensive practice in data handling, GIS analysis and statistics. Development of GIS software skills focuses primarily on ArcGIS.
Remote Sensing (EGM713)
This module aims to give students a thorough understanding of digital remote sensing and analysis techniques. The module explores the theoretical principles of the discipline and is supported by the industry standard remote sensing software package ERDAS Imagine. Practical knowledge of remote sensing and image analysis is developed through a series of practical exercises and a project.
GIS in Business and Society (EGM714)
This module aims to introduce GIS relevant management and decision making concepts in Business and Society. Planning, design, error handling, decision support techniques and advanced spatial analysis are examined within the overall implementation of GIS projects, using lecture material, tutorial discussion and group work to enable students to gain an understanding of the potential value of GIS across a broad range of application areas. Guest lectures, delivered by experienced GI professionals from the public and private sectors, expose students to real world issues and provide an excellent applied context to the theoretical material in the lectures and literature.
Programming for GIS (EGM715)
The module aims to provide an introduction to programming for GIS on the web using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. The module introduces a basic set of programming fundamentals such as web pages, system design and GIS applications. Practical work is central to learning on the course both in supervised sessions and during the participants own time.
Spatial Analysis and Modelling (EGM716)
This module, which builds on the overview of GIS analysis gained in modules EGM711 and EGM712, is intended to introduce students to concepts of spatial data analysis and modelling, including quantifying clustering and autocorrelation and understanding the impact of scale and aggregation on area-based analysis. It also aims to give students the opportunity to develop and expand their expertise in statistical analysis and problem-solving in a GIS context. Further practical experience is developed of ArcGIS, ArcGIS extensions and other relevant software.
GIS Databases (EGM717)
This module is designed to introduce students to the concept of developing a reliable spatial database for use in any organisation. It provides an insight into both small scale and large scale relational spatial database management systems. Initially, Microsoft Access is used to aid in the design and development of Entity Relational (ER) models which are typically employed in small organisations. MySQL is also used to introduce students Structured Query Language and Spatial Query Languages.
All students also choose one optional module (see (iii) PgDip options below)
(ii) Postgraduate Diploma Core Modules: Environment strand
Students opting for the Environment strand will enrol for the following modules:
* Principles of GIS (EGM711)
* Spatial Data Management (EGM712)
* Remote Sensing (EGM713)
* Spatial Analysis and Modelling (EGM716)
* GIS Databases (EGM717)
* ONE of Biodiversity Management (EGM801) or Environmental Impact Assessment (EGM804). (EGM801 and EGM804 are available by distance learning only, and run alternate years EGM804 in 2012-13 and EGM801 in 2013-14).
Biodiversity Management (EGM801)
This module shows students how a structured approach to biodiversity assessment and habitat management can achieve effective conservation and ecological restoration at site and landscape scales, and aims to provide the scientific knowledge and skills necessary for understanding and implementing site and landscape-scale biodiversity management.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EGM804)
Environmental management plays an important part in policy, planning and decision making in government and industry. Students intending to follow careers in environmental management will need to be aware of how technical, economic and environmental considerations are taken into account in the planning and operation of projects through the use of EIA, Environmental Audits and EMS. This module provides the specific skills needed to perform the key environmental management roles in business and industry.
All students also choose one optional module (see (iii) PgDip options below)
(iii) Postgraduate Diploma Modules: Options
All students choose ONE of the following options to complete the PgDip.
EGM721: GIS for Environmental Management
GIS has been established as a powerful environmental planning tool given the inherent geographical nature of environmental systems and the impacts on them. This optional module builds on the breadth of knowledge developed earlier in the course in relation to spatial analysis, providing theoretical background and practical skills relevant to environmental modelling and management, with an emphasis on independent learning. The research focus of this module helps prepare students for undertaking the Masters project.
EGM722: Customising GIS Applications
This module aims to introduce students to the concept of developing specialised GIS for a specific application. The module seeks to develop programming skills using Python and ESRI ModelBuilder.
EGM725: GIS Work Experience
There is increasing emphasis within university education on preparing students for the workplace, and graduate employers place great value on relevant work experience. This module gives students the opportunity to engage in a short GI-related placement towards the end of the course, complementing their academic education with experience of working in a professional environment and helping prepare them for employment. This allows students to apply knowledge and skills obtained through earlier taught modules in a professional setting, contextualising classroom-based learning with real-world experience.
EGM726: GIS Workplace Project
This module gives students who are already in employment the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills obtained through a combination of taught modules and experiential learning in a professional setting, undertaking a systematic analysis of the role and implementation of GIS and/or GI-related data and technologies within their workplace and to identify, develop and evaluate a project demonstrating the potential for expanded or more in-depth applications of GIS.
(iv) Masters Project Module
On completion of the Postgraduate Diploma, students may proceed to the Masters course. The award of Masters requires students to pass module EGM701, the Geographic Information Systems Project. This module is intended to give students scope to investigate topics of particular interest, allowing them to develop and demonstrate the ability to undertake independent research. For students who are already employed, potential topics may include issues relevant to their workplace.
EGM701: Geographic Information Systems Project:
The module comprises a substantial independent project, assessment of which includes a project proposal, progress reports and a research paper.
Postgraduate students typically fund their own tuition fees and living costs. Some students may receive support from their employers. Grants and loans for postgraduate study are limited but might be available depending on your circumstances.
Accreditation
The Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) is a charitable organisation which promotes and raises public awareness of environmental science by supporting professional scientists and academics working in this crucial arena. As a seminal environmental sciences organisation, founded in 1971, the Institution is consulted by the Government and other interested parties on environmental issues. The Institution has strong ties with Higher Education and promotes and supports environmental science and sustainable development in universities and colleges both nationally and internationally.
Ulster is a university with a national and international reputation for excellence, innovation and regional engaement. We make a major contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland and play a key role in attracting inward investment. Our core business activities are teaching and learning, widening access to education, research and innovation and technology and knowledge transfer.
Take a look at our courses and youll see how were preparing students for tomorrows world today.
* We have a positive impact on the economy and community in Northern Ireland and employ over 3000 staff with an annual turnover of more than £200 million.
* Technology and knowledge transfer and commercial exploitation of ideas are promoted by our Office of Innovation through a range of initiatives and ongoing research and consultancy with business and industry.
* We are a major contributor to the Research and Development capacity within Northern Ireland and we support local business and industry. The 2008 Research Assessment Exercise confirmed the strength and quality of our research and the advances that we are continually making.
* We make a leading contribution to lifelong learning (via eLearning), widening access to education for all - enhancing the region's knowledge base.
* Partnerships have been forged with other educational providers locally, nationally and internationally and we have a network of strategic partnerships throughout the world.
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