Online Geography 2025-2026

This module will provide students with an introduction to UAV, airborne and satellite remote sensing, digital image processing, and softcopy photogrammetry to extract environmental data and information from digital imagery, and a number of monitoring and mapping applications. Students will learn how to acquire UAV imagery, and to process it into information as part of a group practical mapping exercise.

This module will introduce students to remote sensing techniques and fundamental geospatial tools for displaying and analysing geospatial data. This will include: navigation, measurement, spatial queries, geocoding, scripting, buffering, digitising, and overlay analysis. Several ‘real world’ examples will be used to illustrate the application of the tools for data exploration, spatial analyses, mapping, and visualisation. Emphasis will be placed on obtaining a sound understanding of the principles of each technique, as well as the importance of selecting the correct approach to a problem, analysing the data, and interpretation of the results.

This module will introduce students to the literature, concepts, theories, knowledge and understanding of the origins, history, development, and evolution of Geographical Information Systems. This will include a timeline of key developments in GIS theory and practice; technological developments of GIS from its geographical origins to the commercial location-based technologies of today; the underlying geographical principles and fundamentals of GIS; discussion of GIS as a tool or technique, a discipline or science; and some of the major developments that have led to mobile location-based technologies. Finally, key future developments of this rapidly evolving technology with some example applications.

Today people from all walks of life use GIS maps on their desktops, via the web, on tablets and smartphones. The development of Web-GIS or Online Mapping has led to the move from the desktop standalone GIS software to the Internet.  In so doing it has revolutionised accessibility to geospatial data and information. Spatial data can rapidly be transformed into web-maps or services that are 'mashed' up with different layers into a web-GIS, Maps on the web have also provided a new paradigm for how people everywhere can access and use geographic data and information. Web-GIS has led to a more flexible and agile workflow and provides a platform for integrating GIS with other business systems, and has enabled cross-organizational collaboration. Web GIS allows organizations to properly manage all their geographic knowledge. At the heart of web GIS is a mapcentric content management system. Web mapping is more than just web cartography; it is a service by which consumers may choose what the map will show. 

This course will discuss the theoretical (and historical) evolution of the notion of sustainability, discuss various related concepts such as green growth and the green economy, introduce the topic of sustainability transitions as an interdisciplinary issue, explore the theory of sustainability transitions and discuss various technological, political, economic and socio-cultural challenges which transitions to sustainable forms of production and consumption must overcome to be successful. 

This course will introduce students to contemporary environmental issues at various temporal and spatial scales, and will explore associated environmental management challenges. Students will learn about different conceptual and theoretical approaches to the study of environmental challenges and they will explore the key drivers of environmental challenges from local to global scales. Lecturers will draw on their own research experience and use case studies to illustrate many of these issues.

The course will provide both conceptual and process-based overviews for understanding the movement and storage of water in the environment and how this underpins the availability and quantitative assessment of water as a resource. The importance of physical hydrology for understanding the quality and ecological aspects of water resources will also be highlighted.

Water is one of the world's most important natural resources. It is essential for life and for many economic activities. Yet, water is also one of the world's most undervalued and under-managed resources. Integrated water resources management (IWRM) is a holistic approach to managing water resources. It considers all aspects of water resources, including quantity and quality, ecosystem health, and social and economic factors. IWRM is a complex challenge, but it is essential for achieving sustainable water management. This course will introduce you to the principles of IWRM and provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to start implementing it.

This module will provide students with an introduction to UAV, airborne and satellite remote sensing, digital image processing, and softcopy photogrammetry to extract environmental data and information from digital imagery, and a number of monitoring and mapping applications. Students will learn how to acquire UAV imagery, and to process it into information as part of a group practical mapping exercise.

This module will examine some of the many different applications of the geospatial technologies. It comprises two sections: 1) invited lectures from external guest speakers on a selection of current GIS applications embracing academic, commercial and research topics on e.g. physical and human geography, planning, archaeology, geology, computer science, and specialist applications from amongst others: the renewable energy sector, oil and gas industry, offshore surveying, marine spatial planning, precision agriculture, environmental management, local authorities, and the business sector; 2) the execution of a practical-based mini GIS project chosen from a list of topics of specific interest to the student.

This module will introduce students to remote sensing techniques and fundamental geospatial tools for displaying and analysing geospatial data. This will include: navigation, measurement, spatial queries, geocoding, scripting, buffering, digitising, and overlay analysis. Several ‘real world’ examples will be used to illustrate the application of the tools for data exploration, spatial analyses, mapping, and visualisation. Emphasis will be placed on obtaining a sound understanding of the principles of each technique, as well as the importance of selecting the correct approach to a problem, analysing the data, and interpretation of the results.

Central to the application of Geographical Information (GI) in the 'real world' is the acquisition of a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the 'data into information’ pathway using GIS and the geospatial information technologies. This module introduces students to a number of examples of both theory and application of geographical data and information, and the relationships to remote sensing, cartography. visualisation, multimedia, global positioning systems (GPS), mobile GIS, and the Internet. A practical study of mobile GIS and Smartphone Apps for field data collection is included. A practical introduction to the Idrisi GIS software is used for the course.

This course aims at progressing knowledge of spatial analysis tools in GIS. A variety of Map Algebra techniques will be applied to solve complex GIS projects. Part one is focussed on solving a relatively simple spatial analysis exercise on climate. Part two focuses on automation in GIS and large spatial data analyses using Python. Part three, is a multiple practical exercise that trains students to use best practices and advanced spatial analysis techniques to resolve a complex GIS problem simulating a real-life work assignment.

Partnerships for Sustainability provides an overview understanding and analysis of the role of partnerships as a means of delivering and governing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Hydrological extremes, i.e. floods and droughts, are the most widespread natural hazards with the largest impact on the environment and society. Increase in frequency and severity of hydrological extremes as a consequence of climate change make it one of the biggest threats to future water security. This course will provide the conceptual basis and practical illustrations of the changing and “wicked” nature of problems of floods, droughts and management responses in context of population growth and increasing demand.

The student will select, undertake and complete a research-based dissertation project. In choosing and approving a suitable topic, consideration will be given to the student's background and skills, their career interests, suitable data availability, and the possibility of an external placement. Successful completion of the project requires reference to and integration of the various different taught elements, independent research, together with a general knowledge of all aspects of GIS and where appropriate different disciplines. The dissertation project is undertaken by the student with the guidance of a supervisor from the University and in some cases an external advisor.

This course is dedicated to the analysis of the different energy systems and their evolution with regard to the global climate issues and the energy transition.

Energy Transition is a key international policy priority for achieving net zero carbon emissions. The Fundamentals of Energy Transition course builds understanding of this complex interdisciplinary topic and builds capacity to incorporate energy transition into your existing program. The course is delivered by a global energy company, Total, giving you insight into an industry perspective and the opportunity to engage with students from a variety of academic backgrounds.

The aim of this module is to enable students to put their specialist skills, knowledge, and understanding into practice through the medium of a significant individual research project and written dissertation.

The student will select, undertake, and complete a research-based dissertation project. In choosing and approving a suitable topic in the fields of water resources management, consideration will be given to the student's background and skills, their career interests, suitable data availability, and the possibility of an external placement when available.

This module represents the major individual research project that students must complete as part of the MSc Sustainable Water Management degree.