MSc GEOGRAP.INFORMATION SYSTEMS & REMOTE SENSING

Program Overview

Combining theoretical foundations with practical applications, the program equips students with the skills and knowledge to analyze, manage, and visualize spatial data in various fields. Graduates are highly marketable and prepared for diverse career paths in industry, government, academia, and other sectors. The program is accredited by both the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in the UK.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program provides a rigorous and interdisciplinary approach to studying geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing. Combining theoretical foundations with practical applications, the MSc equips students with the skills and knowledge to analyze, manage, and visualize spatial data in a variety of fields. The program aims to produce highly qualified graduates who can contribute significantly to the application of GIS and remote sensing within industry, government, academia, and other sectors. It offers a unique blend of technical expertise and practical application, making graduates highly marketable and prepared for diverse career paths.

Outline:

• Structure: The program is full-time (1 year) and comprises six modules, five of which are compulsory.
• Compulsory Modules:
• Introduction to Remote Sensing
• Remote Sensing Techniques
• Work Placement
• Optional Modules: (students choose two of these)
• Programming for Spatial Data Analysis
• Introduction to Spatial Databases
• Marine Remote Sensing
• Course Schedule: The program commences in September, with optional modules potentially commencing slightly earlier.
• Modules:
Students learn the key concepts and tools for working with spatial data in a variety of contexts. It focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects of remote sensing technology.
• Geographic Information Systems Applications: This module delves into real-world applications of GIS in various fields, including environmental science, planning, public health, archaeology, and many more.
Students explore case studies and gain hands-on experience in applying GIS tools to solve real-world problems.
• Remote Sensing Techniques: This module focuses on advanced remote sensing techniques, including hyperspectral imagery, LiDAR, radar, and more.
Students learn various data analysis methods and explore the applications of these techniques in diverse fields.
• Work Placement: This assessed module involves working in a relevant professional setting during the summer months.
Students gain valuable practical experience, applying their knowledge and skills to real-world projects. They learn Python and gain experience in using libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib for data manipulation and visualization.
• Marine Remote Sensing: This optional module explores the application of remote sensing technology in studying the marine environment.

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment: Throughout the program, various assessments are used to evaluate student learning and comprehension.
These include written assignments, presentations, practical exercises, and online quizzes.
• End-of-semester examinations: Students participate in written examinations at the end of each semester to assess their understanding of the core concepts and knowledge covered in each module.
• Work placement assessment: The assessed work placement involves a final report and presentation, allowing students to showcase their practical skills and apply their knowledge to a real-world project.
• Grading: The final grade for the program comprises a combination of scores obtained from continuous assessments, examinations, and the work placement assessment.

Teaching:

• Experienced faculty: Students are taught by a team of experts in GIS and remote sensing.
The faculty is comprised of academics with extensive research experience and industry professionals with practical applications knowledge.
• Innovative teaching methods: The program uses a range of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and field trips.
This ensures that students have a comprehensive learning experience and engage with the material through various approaches.
• Student-centered learning: The program emphasizes active student participation and encourages independent learning.
Students are encouraged to critically analyze concepts, participate in discussions, and engage in self-directed research.
• Technology-driven approach: The program incorporates modern technology and utilizes software tools like ArcGIS, ENVI, and Python.
This provides students with hands-on experience with industry-standard software, enhancing their employability.

Careers:

• Employment sectors: Graduates from this program are well-placed for a wide range of career opportunities within the public and private sectors.
Potential employers include government agencies, local authorities, environmental consultancies, engineering firms, technology companies, NGOs, and research institutions.
• Career paths: Typical career paths for graduates include GIS analyst, remote sensing specialist, environmental consultant, spatial data scientist, cartographer, urban planner, surveyor, and research scientist.
• Skill development: The program equips graduates with transferable skills highly sought after in the job market, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, data visualization, communication, project management, and teamwork.

Other:

• Accredited program: The MSc in GIS and Remote Sensing is accredited by both the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in the UK.
This accreditation recognizes the program's high quality and ensures that graduates meet professional standards. Graduates are eligible to proceed along the pathway to becoming Chartered Geomatics Surveyors.
• International student opportunities: The program attracts students from various nationalities, fostering a diverse and enriching learning environment.
• Research opportunities: Students with an interest in pursuing further research can consider applying for postgraduate research programs at Maynooth University or other institutions.
The program provides a strong foundation for doctoral studies in areas related to GIS, remote sensing, and related fields.
• Continuing professional development: Maynooth University offers various continuing professional development (CPD) courses and workshops related to GIS and remote sensing.
These courses provide opportunities for graduates to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and enhance their skills further.