Geographic Information Systems - PgDip, MSc

With 30 years of experience in teaching Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and nearly 25 years of expertise in online distance learning, we have established a strong and successful track record in GIS education. This course covers the fundamental concepts of GIS and offers extensive hands-on practice with both commercial and open-source software. You have the flexibility to study full-time or part-time, and you can pursue a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, or a Master’s degree.

We delve into how to obtain, analyse, problem-solve, and communicate using maps and spatial data through modules on GIS, remote sensing, spatial data management and databases, and web-based GIS. Optional modules include GIS work experience, spatial analysis and modelling, GIS for environmental management, and customising GIS. You will gain extensive hands-on experience: in addition to developing core skills using ArcGIS, you will work with a wide range of software, including Erdas Imagine, QGIS, OpenLayers, GeoServer, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, SPSS, and Excel, along with various GIS extensions, plug-ins, and programming languages. If you choose to complete the Master’s project, you can focus on a topic of your own choosing.

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

The normal requirement is an Honours degree (2:2 or above) with a substantial component of geography, environmental science or computing, but we will consider applicants with other equivalent and relevant qualifications or experience on an individual basis.

English language requirements for international applicantsThe minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

GIS and geospatial technologies are at the forefront of a rapidly growing, multi-billion-dollar industry, now mainstream in both public and private sectors. This growth has created a high demand for graduates with theoretical and practical skills.

Our graduates have secured a variety of GIS-related roles worldwide, including roles such as technicians, analysts, scientists, surveyors, data specialists, mapping officers, consultants, project managers. They work across diverse sectors, including: mapping agencies, GIS and SatNav companies, environmental consultancies, ecological and marine resource management, renewable energy, forestry, fisheries, town planning, heritage agencies, health and emergency services, housing authorities, local government, aid agencies, countryside recreation, rural development, retail analysis, utilities and infrastructure, education, mining, and the oil industry.