Program Overview

Environmental Management with Geographic Information Systems - PgDip, MSc

Overview

This innovative course combines teaching of Environmental Management techniques with skills in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Summary

The PgDip/MSc programme in Environmental Management with GIS aims to provide an advanced education in Environmental Management. It provides specialist training in Environmental Impact Assessment, Biodiversity Management, Pollution Monitoring and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The course aims to teach students the principles and practice of environmental management, the contribution of empirical and case study scientific research, and the manipulation and analysis of spatial environmental data.

About this course

This course aims to teach how environmental management and data handling tools, such as impact assessment, site conservation planning, environmental management systems, ecological monitoring and GIS are applied in making knowledge based decisions on managing the environment. This is considered in the context of environmental legislative/policy frameworks within which industry, government and voluntary bodies work.

Specific objectives are to:

• Understand the importance of evidence-based approach to environmental policy and strategic decision-making
• Apply quantitative techniques to assess the effects of environmental management
• Use GIS as a framework for collating, manipulating and managing spatial data relating to the environment
• Produce environmental impact statements and advise on implementing environmental management systems
• Apply structured planning principles to site biodiversity management and ecosystem restoration
• Monitor pollution and assess its environmental effects.

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

The PGDip programme consists of two distinct pathways – pathway 1 (75% Env Man modules & 25% GIS modules) and pathway 2 (50% Env Man modules & 50% GIS modules). Some of the modules on this course rotate so they run in alternative years. When you start the course will dictate which modules you will take and the order in which you take them.

The PG Dip takes 2 years part time, studying 60 credits per year. The MSc takes a further year.

Environmental Management modules

• EGM804 – Environmental Impact Assessment (30 credits) - this module will run in January 2023, January 2025, January 2027, January 2029 This module introduces the concepts and requirements of environmental impact assessment, the methodology of planning and carrying out an environmental audit and the use of environmental management systems.
• EGM801 – Biodiversity Management (30 credits) - this module will run in January 2024, January 2026, January 2028, January 2030 Biodiversity managers make decisions based on understanding ecosystems and by applying ecological principles to achieve their objectives. This module covers key scientific topics, which are crucial for developing effective biodiversity management plans in different ecosystems. It exemplifies how ecological-social-economic factors interact to influence our ability to conserve and manage biodiversity.
• EGM821 – Pollution Monitoring (30 credits) - this module will run in September 2024, September 2026, September 2028, September 2030 This module provides the knowledge and skills necessary to monitor pollution of the environment. The topics included are: the key elements of the monitoring programmes for air, water and land; sample collection; chemical methods of analysis, including quality assurance; biological methods of analysis, including toxicity tests and bioassessment; use of environmental models; statistics, data analysis and assessing compliance and; critical loads. The student gains experience through lectures, supporting documents, directed reading and practicals.

GIS modules

• EGM711 – Principles of GIS (15 credits) - this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 1 (September) and is a compulsory module This module introduces the theory and practice of Geographic Information Systems and is intended to provide an understanding of the breadth of potential GIS applications and to equip students with the key concepts and skills required relating to the input, management, manipulation, analysis and output of spatial data. Lecture-based teaching of key concepts is reinforced by linked practical exercises which allow students to develop competence in ESRI's ArcGIS package. The module assumes no prior knowledge or experience of GIS.
• EGM712 – Spatial Data Management (15 credits) - this module runs in weeks 7-12 of semester 1 (November) and is a compulsory module. This module builds on the knowledge and practical skills gained in EGM711 to provide students with further experience in the acquisition, manipulation and analysis of spatial data. Methods for generating and collecting digital spatial data from primary and secondary sources are considered, and data processing, selection, integration and analysis extensively practiced. Lecture and practical sessions include digitising, geo-registration, GPS, accessing and using secondary sources, spatial join and overlay, network analysis and 3D modelling, and incorporate experience of a variety of large and small scale vector and raster datasets. The module also incorporates practice in statistical analysis and interpretation. Development of GIS software skills focuses on ArcGIS and extensions.
• EGM715 – Web-Based GIS (15 credits) this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 2 (January) and is an optional module. This module examines the role of programming within the GI industry. It aims to enable students to appreciate the need for programming skills that can be used to customise and develop applications. A range of programming skills is introduced which equip the student with knowledge of the potential and scope of programming within various applications.
• EGM714 – GIS in Business & Society (15 credits) - this module runs in weeks 7-12 of semester 2 (March) and is an optional module. This module investigates the GI industry from the perspective of the GI professional, the GI customer/user and the various functions and processes behind the successful implementation of GIS in real world scenarios. The module aims to give students a firm understanding of GIS in the commercial world, an appreciation of the economic and social value of spatial data and the importance of decision-based techniques in spatial analysis within GIS applications. The module assumes no prior knowledge or experience of GIS.
• EGM716 – Spatial Analysis (15 credits) this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 2 (January) and is an optional module. This module builds on the introductory material of EGM711 and EGM712, covering key concepts of spatial data analysis and modelling, and providing extensive practical experience of ESDA and spatial modelling within a GIS environment.
• EGM721 – GIS for Environmental Management (15 credits) - this module runs in weeks 7-12 of semester 2 (March) and is an optional module. This optional module examines the application of GIS to environmental management, modelling and impact assessment. It aims to enable students to appreciate the need for properly researched information to support strategic and operational environmental management decisions, and to be aware of the means by which such information can be obtained and evaluated.

Upon successful completion of the PG Dip students can proceed to the MSc and will take EGM815 Environmental Management Project this is a 60 credit module. This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of research in an area of particular interest to the student. The student will be assessed on their project plan, a literature review, a poster/presentation and a research paper on an area agreed with the student's supervisor.

Attendance

Fully online - part-time by distance learning. You do not need to visit Ulster at any stage to successfully complete this course.

The Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) Environmental Management with GIS and the Master of Science (MSc) Environmental Management with GIS are linked courses. You must successfully complete the PgDip (120 credit points) before transferring to the MSc (a further 60 credit points), i.e.to get the full MSc you complete 180 credit points in total.

For the MSc an additional two semesters are required to complete the project module i.e. three years in total part-time (6 semesters).

Start dates

• September 2025
• January 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Assessment is 100% by course work with no sessional examinations. There is a mixture of methods including practical reports, problem analysis, projects, literature reviews and essays, class tests, group work and a research project.

Students are able to use the University's extensive online resources of electronic journals, books and databases.

Standard entry conditions

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.

Entry Requirements

• Entry to the PgDip: You must hold a degree in a science or other suitable discipline or demonstrate your ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning.
• Entry to the MSc: You initially register for the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) and if you complete the PgDip with an overall mark of 50% or higher can proceed to the MSc programme.

English Language Requirements

• English language requirements for international applicants The 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.

Careers & opportunities

Career options

The majority of students on the course are already working in industry or public services and taking the course has helped them to gain promotion and/or change careers as a result of their new skills.

Key skills which will be developed are:

• Biodiversity management plans and site restoration design
• Ecological monitoring
• Environmental management systems
• Research analysis and data interpretation techniques
• Management, processing, analysis, interpretation and presentation of geo-spatial data
• Operation and use of Geographic Information Systems.

Fees and funding

10% Alumni Discount

Are you a graduate of Ulster University? Did you know you could be eligible for a 10% fees discount.

Tuition Fee Loans Available

Students domiciled in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and UK students can apply to Student Finance NI for a Tuition Fee loan of up to £6,500 (subject to eligibility).

The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.

For modules commenced in the academic year 2025/26, the following fees apply:

*International student access to courses is subject to meeting visa requirements. More information can be found in the Visas and Immigration section.

Where the postgraduate course selected offers multiple awards (e.g. PG Cert, PG Dip, Masters), please note that the price displayed is for the complete Masters programme.

Postgraduate certificates and diplomas are charged at a pro-rata basis.

Additional mandatory costs

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.