MSC IN GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)

MSc GIS course structure

Our GIS Masters course comprises two semesters of taught elements. In each semester you take four modules. On successful completion of the taught components, you go on to research a topic for your dissertation. The choice of dissertation topic is yours so we recommend that you always keep thinking about what this might be and keep an eye out for datasets which will enable the research to be operationalised.

MSc GIS module structure

Taught elements: first semester

In the first semester you take three ‘core’ modules and choose one ‘option’ module. The first semester modules are outlined next here. There are outline descriptions of the three core modules which you take followed by descriptions of the options modules; you choose one of these.

CORE

Principles of GIS

This module introduces the diverse ways in which the concepts and theories that form the basis of modern GIS are implemented and applied to studies in human and physical geography. The module explores the origins of GIS, its conceptual and theoretical foundations as well as important issues related to applications of GIS such as sampling strategies, scale, generalisation, error, uncertainty and grid-based modelling and an understanding of technological developments e.g. the use of GPS.

Using GIS

This module takes people with no experience of GIS software and teaches them how to use two major software packages, ArcGIS and MapInfo, to analyse geographical data. Students are introduced to a range of desktop GIS functions including thematic mapping, spatial querying, spatial aggregation, geocoding, buffering, overlay, multi-criteria evaluation, etc., and how to carry out these functions in these software packages as appropriate.

Quantitative & Spatial Methods

This module explains and demonstrates geography relevant quantitative and spatial analysis methods. Through both lectures and computer practical sessions, students gain experience in the application of geographical analysis methods to real world problems and learn to use appropriate statistical and GIS software.

Option

Programming for Geographical Information Analysis: Core Skills

Many geographical information specialists are good at using ‘out of the box’ GIS software. This module will help students develop bespoke tools for analyses that standard software cannot do. The course will use ‘Java’, often the language of choice for environmental and business consultancies as well as the research sector, to give students programming experience of a major computing language. The course is suitable for those with no experience of programming and is an excellent foundation for second semester technical modules and dissertation projects.

Researching for Social Change

Achieving progressive social change is impossible without the research and development of ideas, practices and experiences, and the commitment to self-reflexive inquiry. Researching for social change, however, demands new ways of understanding what research is and who it is actually for. This module provides a grounding in the principles, methods and strategies of action research, a methodology aimed at 'improving practice' and 'achieving goals' rather than simply 'producing knowledge'.

Qualitative Methods

This module provides an advanced treatment of core issues in qualitative research design, data collection, and analysis. The module is primarily seminar based, although there is some use of lecture and other techniques. Students will develop sophisticated critiques of published qualitative work while providing practice in applying qualitative techniques. Methods of data collection discussed include participant observation, interviewing (both individual and group), and textual analysis. Attention is also given to qualitative analysis and writing practices, and students will receive an introduction to the use of NVIVO software.

Taught elements: second Semester

In the second semester you take four modules. There are no core modules; all are options which you can choose. The second semester modules are outlined below. The modules are grouped into themes of mainly pairs of modules which fit well together but the combination is your choice.

Geographical Information & Retail Planning

This module introduces the ways in which geographic information is used in different planning contexts including urban and regional research. The module covers the key issues which drive the retail store location process and the methodologies retailers use to find optimal locations. This module enables the understanding of the importance of geography and GIS in modern retail and business organisations.

Census Analysis & Geodemographics

This module will introduce you to the census of population;  covering the complexities and potential of these data and how they might be analysed and mapped. The module then introduces a range of different geodemographic and lifestyle systems and how they can be applied in the public and private sector. Advanced topics such as data mining and fuzzy classifications will also be presented.

GIS & Environment

This module looks at the ways in which GIS can be applied to the study of environmental sciences including modelling terrain, hydrology, ecology and land use. The module considers issues in the application of GIS such as sampling strategies, scale and generalisation, error and uncertainty, and grid-based modelling before looking at how these methods can be applied to understand landscape processes.

Digital Image Processing

On completion of this module students will:
Have been introduced concepts, theories and methods of earth observation from aircraft and earth orbital satellites for environmental research and for input into GIS.
Be able to use appropriate software to read, display, restore, enhance, classify and extract information about the land surface from diverse types of remote sensing images.

Environmental Assessment

This module investigates the principles and practice of environmental assessment (EA); develops an awareness of the historical development of EA, its scope, processes and techniques, and current legislation (principally EU / UK). Attention is given to Environmental Impact Assessment along with environmental risk assessment, life cycle assessment, health impact assessment, environmental equity appraisal.

Programming for Geographical Information Analysis: Advanced Skills

This module allows students to take their analysis skills to a high level covering customisation of ArcGIS and how to build models of environmental or social systems for analysis and prediction. The module utilises Java and is suitable for anyone wishing to work in any spatial analysis position that requires more than ‘out of the box’ GIS knowledge. The module builds on Programming for Geographical Information Analysis:  Core Skills, but is suitable for students with previous Java experience.

Web-based GIS

This module skills students up to be able to demonstrate: A detailed knowledge of the principles of web-based GIS; An understanding of the current international standards which are relevant to online GIS; A working knowledge and understanding of web map servers and web feature servers and clients and; How to set up a working custom GIS-based web client and server.

Work/research placement

In this module, students work on a research project defined by the student and an external organisation or a university academic. The aims of the placement will be defined in terms of progressive risks in effecting a solution. The first aim should have a low risk of failure; the second aim will be more challenging but capable of solution given initiative and energy on the part of the student; and the third aim a 'blue skies' element.