Geographical Information Systems - Taught Programme

Programme Details

The Master of Science in Geographical Information Systems at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland is a 12 Month Taught Postgraduate Programme designed for anyone who wishes to pursue a qualification in the application of geospatial technologies to the geosciences. Part-time study also available.

Aims

Building on 20 years of excellence in postgraduate teaching of remote sensing and GIS this programme promotes the integrated study and application of the geospatial technologies through theory and practice, combining core techniques, practical skills and environmental applications. To facilitate your learning experience you will use state-of-the-art software and hardware in a dedicated classroom to explore the different technologies and their applications. The programme draws upon a wide range of international, national, and local expertise in the coastal and marine sciences, landscape ecology and landscape change, coastal management, renewable energy, geology and hydrocarbon exploration, risks and hazards, spatial planning, cartography, field data collection, and archaeology.

Aspects of geospatial technologies are of increasing importance in many areas of employment concerned with the landscape, for example in national and local government (where the appearance of 'Geodata Service Units' is increasing), in nature conservation agencies, in hydrocarbon exploration and oilfield management, in environmental consultancy, civil engineering projects and marine and coastal zone management.

In recent years the demand for courses in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and the related technologies has grown considerably. A recent survey suggests that demand by employers for graduates with skills in the application of geospatial technology will continue to grow particularly in the practical application of spatial knowledge and understanding to environmental problems.

The Geographical Information Systems programme covers the fundamentals of techniques and tools for acquiring, storing, processing, classifying, visualising and analysing spatially referenced data of the Earth, and their application to the study of the Earth. This includes databases, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), digital mapping and cartography, airborne and satellite remote sensing, digital image processing, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Internet mapping, field data capture and mobile GIS.

Contact Information

For further information about the programme or to discuss your application, please contact the Graduate School Admissions Unit.

Syllabus

The curriculum for study is based around a modular programme. A module comprises 12 weeks of teaching and learning activity typically requiring around 150 hours of effort from the average student.

The award of an MSc in GIS requires successful completion of 8 modules and a research dissertation. A Postgraduate diploma is awarded for the completion of 8 modules and the certificate in GIS awarded for the completion of 4 modules.

First Half Session

• Introduction to Database Systems
• Fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and Spatial Analysis
• Fundamentals of Cartography, Map Design and Geovisualisation
• Fundamentals of Image Acquisition, Analysis and Processing

Second Half-Session

• Research Design and Methods
• Applied Image Analysis and Processing
• Current Issues and Applications of the Geospatial Technologies
• Applied GIS Project Planning & Spatial Analysis

Students who complete the programme at an appropriate standard will be permitted to take the dissertation in Applied Geospatial technology in the Final Stage.

Final Stage

• Dissertation in Applied Geospatial Technology [MSc Candidates]; or
• Project in Applied Geospatial Technology [Diploma Candidates]

Assessment

Assessment is by a combination of written assignments and laboratory reports as prescribed for each course, summative written examinations covering the four courses in the first half-session, and a dissertation (M.Sc. candidates) or a project report (Diploma candidates). An oral examination is also required.

Teaching

Teaching in the first half-session is by a combination of illustrated lectures, practical demonstrations and student-led seminar discussions on pre-arranged topics. During the second half-session the balance changes towards more student-centred learning making use of internet resources, group practical work and lectures/seminars with experts in a range of application fields.

Careers

The GIS programme continues to have a very successful employment record in the commercial sector, environmental agencies, local and national government, research, and academia, with a wide range of jobs from environmental consultancy, project officers, programmers, sales managers to researchers.

Students are also encouraged to join a professional society such as the Association for Geographic Information (AGI), the Remote Sensing Society (RSS), or the British Cartographic Society (BCS).

Career opportunities are highlighted through site visits, guest lectures, and chances to work with organisations as part of the Diploma Project or M.Sc. Dissertation. This programme provides students with the practical experience, specialist knowledge and problem-solving skills to pursue careers in any of these fields.

Requirements

The normal minimum entry requirement is a 2nd Class honours Degree or equivalent qualification, in Agriculture, Computing Science, Ecology, Engineering, Environmental Science, Forestry, Geography, Geology, Geomatics, Marine and Coastal Science, Physics, Spatial Planning, Plant Science, Zoology or a cognate subject. Candidates with degrees in other subject areas will be considered if they can demonstrate interest, aptitude and experience in a field relevant to the application of geospatial technology. 

It is important when submitting an application that you ensure you have completed all the necessary sections and enclosed all the relevant documentation to ensure that your application can be processed as quickly as possible.

Even if you have been educated in the medium of English you must meet our English Language requirements. These are located at www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/international/english.shtml. This programme requires that you meet the 'Postgraduate Standard' level of English proficiency. If you are in doubt about your proficiency in English, contact the British Council office or its equivalent in your country. If your first language is not English, it is important that your proficiency in English is good in order for you to study successfully at the University of Aberdeen . Without this ability you will find great difficulty in understanding lectures, producing written work and sitting examinations.

We have one intake of students each year in September. Late applications may be asked to wait until the next intake should the programme coordinator feel there is insufficient time to consider the application. Prospective students who require a visa to study in the UK are advised to apply as early in the year as possible to secure a place. Applications received after 30th June from students who need to apply for a visa to study in the UK will not be processed for entry in September of that year but may be considered for entry the following year as appropriate.

It is important to note that the programmes of postgraduate study at the University of Aberdeen are very competitive and the entry requirements stated are a guide to the minimum requirements, but do not guarantee entry.

Fees

Information on tuition fees, including the current fee level, can be found on the University Registry website. 

Funding

Funding opportunities can be found in our searchable Funding Database. You are advised to search the database as a broad range of funding exists much of which you may be eligible for.

A list of funding opportunties is also maintained on the College of Physical Sciences Funding Page.

No Boundaries. Just Possibilities.

Thanks to additional funding from the Scottish government this programme has funded places for Scottish and EU Students. More Information.  

University of Aberdeen Alumni Discount Scheme

The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated (or about to graduate) with a degree from the University of Aberdeen. More Information