School of Geography - Faculty of Environment

MSC IN GIS FOR CATCHMENT DYNAMICS AND MANAGEMENT

COURSE OVERVIEW

This course builds upon the continued success of our Masters courses in Catchment Dynamics and Management and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). It is designed to serve the needs of industry, public bodies (including the Environment Agency) and university research programmes by providing practitioners with advanced GIS skills who can formulate strategies to solve practical problems relating to the dynamics and management of catchment systems.

The use of GIS is expanding rapidly in many sectors and now provides a powerful tool for catchment resource evaluation and management, hazard assessment (including flood forecasting and warning), thematic mapping and decision support systems. Because of the growing pressures on catchment resources and the uncertain impact of global climate change, the dynamics and management of river catchment systems are basic concerns throughout the developed and developing worlds. GIS now plays an important role in the monitoring, modelling and management of catchment land and water resources.

This course is founded on a long track record of consultancy with the water industry and the Environment Agency and specialists from these bodies are closely involved in the programme. Graduates from this course have an excellent track record in securing employment in relevant fields.

The course offers:

• Advanced pure and applied education and training in key modern and developing fields of GIS and catchment dynamics and management.
• Advanced training in the principles of GIS, database design and the application of GIS in environmental monitoring, modelling and management.
• A detailed understanding of the principles of water resource management and environmental impact assessment processes.
• An appreciation of the institutional and legal frameworks impacting on catchment management and water industry and regulator policy and practice.
• A range of transferable, marketable skills required to obtain employment in industry, environmental management and monitoring, resource evaluation, or to pursue a career in research, consultancy or education.

Dr Jonathan Carrivick
Programme Manager