Geographic Information Systems PgDip/MSc

Program Overview

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Geographic Information Systems - PgDip, MSc

Overview

Empower your future: Gain hands-on GIS skills through flexible learning to secure your career.

Summary

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, web-based GIS, and GIS in commercial environments. 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.

Our graduates enjoy a high success rate in securing GIS employment, with over 95% finding jobs according to graduate surveys. Those who already have GIS work experience report significant benefits from the course, as it allows them to broaden, deepen, and formalise their knowledge.

About this course

Why Study with Us?

• Join a renowned course with an excellent reputation and positive feedback.
• Receive support and advice from experienced lecturers, tutors, librarians, e-learning, and IT staff.
• Access online resources including e-books, digital lectures, podcasts, discussion boards, and video-conference tools, all within a dedicated e-learning platform.
• Enhance your employability, professional, and academic skills while gaining extensive hands-on practice with key software.
• Obtain free student copies of GIS, remote sensing, and statistical software.
• Be assessed entirely by coursework – no formal examinations.
• Pay your fees in instalments for added financial flexibility.
• Study fully online from almost anywhere, eliminating the need to travel to classes.
• Choose to study part-time or full-time and set your own study schedule each week.
• Substantial relevant work experience may be accepted in place of standard entry requirements.
• Pursue a Master’s degree, PG Diploma, PG Certificate, or enrol in individual modules.

Our students come from diverse backgrounds, generally falling into two main groups:

• New or recent graduates aiming to enter GIS-related employment for the first time, or seeking to add GIS to their skill set to enhance employability or facilitate a career change.
• Professionals already in GIS-related roles who wish to broaden and deepen their GIS knowledge and skills to make better use of GIS or to improve their career and promotion prospects.

Graduate feedback and employment rates demonstrate that our course effectively caters to both groups. Students consistently describe the course as both challenging and enjoyable, often highlighting the high quality of online support they receive. Many of our students join the course based on recommendations from previous students.

Why Study GIS?

The benefits of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are increasingly recognised across government, business, education, and the voluntary sector, with applications of geospatial data technologies steadily expanding. GIS enables the integration of data from diverse sources and formats, including paper and digital maps, administrative data, censuses, population surveys, satellite imagery, aerial photography, GPS tracking, LiDAR, and crowdsourcing.

The uses of GIS are vast and varied, encompassing mapping, spatial analysis, planning, and decision-making across numerous disciplines and sectors. Common examples include environmental management and conservation, resource management, emergency service planning, humanitarian assistance, healthcare provision, land use planning, urban development, utilities, transport, geo-demographics, mineral extraction, and retail analysis.

As the adoption of GIS and related technologies grows, so does the demand for qualified professionals skilled in managing spatial data effectively. Our strong industry links ensure that our course remains relevant to the needs of employers.

Course Summary

This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding and hands-on experience with GIS concepts, functionality, and applications. The curriculum covers the representation, acquisition, management, manipulation, and analysis of spatial data. Key modules include remote sensing, spatial databases, web-GIS, and GIS in commercial environments. Optional modules offer opportunities for GIS work experience, spatial analysis and modelling, GIS for environmental management, and customising GIS.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, you will gain extensive practical experience using a variety of software. The primary focus is on ArcGIS, but you will also work with Erdas Imagine, PostgreSQL, PostGIS, MySQL, OpenLayers, Geoserver, QGIS, Excel, SPSS, and various GIS extensions and plug-ins. One core module covers web-based programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while an optional module on customising GIS applications introduces Esri’s ModelBuilder and Python programming.

Upon successful completion of the PG Diploma modules, you may transfer to the Master's program. This involves undertaking a substantial independent research project, written as a research journal article, which may be submitted for publication with your supervisor's approval.

As part of the course resources, you will receive free copies of ArcGIS, the remote sensing package Erdas Imagine, and the data analysis package SPSS.

Modules

This guide outlines the modules covered in this course. Our curriculum is regularly updated to incorporate the latest teaching methods, research advancements, and industry trends. Please note that the modules offered and their sequence may vary based on course updates, staff availability, scheduling, and student interest.

In a part-time course, students enrol in just two modules per semester, with each module running in a different half of the semester. Please contact the course team if you need more information.

• Compulsory modules
  • EGM711 – Principles of GIS (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module.
  • EGM712 - Spatial Data Management (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 7-12 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module.
  • EGM717 – GIS Databases (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module.
  • EGM713 – Introduction to Remote Sensing (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 7-12 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module.
• Optional modules
  • EGM715 – Web-Based GIS (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 2 and is an optional module.
  • EGM716 – Spatial Analysis and Modelling (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 2 and is an optional module.
  • EGM702 – Photogrammetry and Advanced Image Analysis (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 2 and is an optional module.
  • EGM725 – GIS Work Experience (15 credits) – this module runs in both weeks 1-6 and weeks 7-12 of semester 2 and is an optional module.
  • EGM726 – GIS Workplace Project (15 credits) – this module runs in both weeks 1-6 and weeks 7-12 of semester 2 and is an optional module.
  • EGM721 – GIS for Environmental Management (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 7-12 of semester 2 and is an optional module.
  • EGM722 – Programming for GIS & Remote Sensing (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 7-12 of semester 2 and is an optional module.

It is also possible to take one 30 credit Environmental Management module in place of two of the optional modules in semester 2. You could take one of the below modules depending what year you start:

• EGM804 – Environmental Impact Assessment (30 credits) – this module will run in January 2025, January 2027, January 2029, January 2031
• EGM801 – Biodiversity Management (30 credits) – this module will run in January 2026, January 2028, January 2030, January 2032

Upon successful completion of the PG Diploma, students can advance to the MSc program and enrol in the EGM701 Geographic Information Systems Project, a 60-credit module. This module allows students to conduct significant research in an area of their interest. Assessment will be based on the project plan, two progress reports, and a research paper.

Attendance

This course is fully online and part-time, with no requirement to visit Ulster University at any stage.

• PG Certificate: 8 months part-time
• PG Diploma: 2 academic years part-time
• MSc: 3 academic years part-time

As a distance learning student, you can choose your own study hours each week. However, as a part-time student, you should expect to dedicate an average of 17-20 hours per week to the course. Full-time enrolment is also available (please refer to the separate prospectus entry for details on course duration and study hours per week).

Students wishing to study at a slower pace than the standard part-time course can enrol for one module per semester instead of two.

Start dates

• September 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

The course is delivered through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Blackboard Ultra. This platform provides access to teaching materials, assignment instructions, electronic library resources, and other reading materials, as well as discussion boards and communication tools. Teaching materials primarily include lectures in various formats (e.g., illustrated documents or podcasts) and practical exercises (written instructions with screenshots or screencasts). These may be supplemented by additional readings, video content, tutorial exercises, quizzes, and more. This flexible format allows you to study at your own pace, from any location, at any time, with no requirement to attend campus.

Learning is supported by lecturers and e-tutors through discussion forums, email, phone, or video-conferencing tools. Discussion forums encourage class participation and provide opportunities to learn from different perspectives and connect with fellow students.

Assessment methods include practical reports, problem analysis, research projects, presentations, blogs, online tests, and group work. The Master’s component involves a substantial independent research project, written as an academic paper, which may be submitted for publication with your supervisor's approval.

Once registered, you will have access to the University's extensive online library resources, including electronic journals, e-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

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

• 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

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

Our graduates have secured a variety of GIS-related roles worldwide, including positions such as: technicians, analysts, scientists, surveyors, data specialists, mapping officers, consultants, project managers, and more. 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.

The versatility of GIS ensures a wide range of job opportunities. Additionally, knowledge of geospatial data is increasingly valuable in many fields outside the GI profession, enhancing employability across various industries.

Work placement / study abroad

Gaining practical experience and applying academic knowledge in a real-world context is highly beneficial for students preparing to enter the workforce. Therefore, part-time students have an option to undertake ‘GIS Work Experience’ or ‘GIS Workplace Project’ module. Students who participate in any of these modules find it extremely valuable for both professional and personal development. They often highlight benefits such as:

• Broadening technical skills
• Gaining experience in team-working and independent problem-solving
• Improving confidence
• Learning about the geospatial industry and employment opportunities through exposure to real-world GIS applications

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).

2026/27 Fees

Postgraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2026/27 fees will be announced in due course.

See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2025/26 entry.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland (OSNI) award an annual prize for the best Distinction level Masters.

View Available Scholarships

See if you can access financial or other forms of support, including mentorship to excel in your studies.

Additional mandatory costs

This course has very few additional mandatory costs and most of the reading material is available free of charge via the University's electronic library resources. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of online books and journals, but you will be expected to purchase a small number of textbooks during the course. However, costs are kept as low as possible and are not likely to exceed £150 in total.

The latest version of Microsoft Office is available to download for current students, free of charge. You can run Office on up to five desktop Mac or Windows. You can also run Office Mobile on up to 5 mobile devices (on supported mobile operating systems). Other software programs required for this course are either freely available (open source) or else provided free of charge under academic licence (e.g., ESRI's ArcGIS, the remote sensing package Erdas Imagine and SPSS for statistical analysis).

To participate in this course, you will need a desktop or laptop computer running Windows. The computer or laptop must meet the minimum requirements to run ArcGIS Pro. For detailed specifications, please refer to the ArcGIS Pro system requirements. Please note that although ArcGIS Pro can be run on a Mac, the software tends to run with fewer issues on Windows. A broadband internet connection is also required.

Please contact the course team if you need more information.

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.

Testimonials

Here is a small selection of comments from past students:

• “I have not been disappointed with my choice at any point. The course offers comprehensive content, experience and support in addition to excellent value.”
• “Getting a job with a GIS company, being promoted within a year and implementing skills learned… [and having] the confidence that I can pursue more challenging and complex GIS tasks should be evidence that the course is a success.”
• “I’ll just take this opportunity to say that I think this course has been brilliant and I think that the teaching staff, lecturers, e-tutors etc. have all been great…..I was really impressed with the level of organisation of the is course , especially as a distance learner. I felt well connected with the teaching staff and other students. I thought the course content was excellent and provided a good introduction to using GIS in a professional environment… Overall, I found the course very interesting and enjoyable and am pleased that I took part…. I was dubious about taking part in the MSc online, but in fact I found the level of organisation better than my previous MSC at a different university where I was an on-campus student!”
• “I came to the course with no prior knowledge and considering this, I felt that the basics were very well explained and at a good rate. I felt like my skills progresses quickly but with enough detail that I felt I thoroughly learnt the skills….. I have learnt so much from the course, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It has also greatly helped my job prospects.”
• “The teaching staff were very approachable and helpful. The course content is very varied and covers all the main topics, giving students an excellent grounding in the principles and applications of GIS. The course has a very strong practical element which I really liked. My aim was to come out of the course having gained new skills that I could immediately apply to my work and to my personal research interests and the course certainly facilitated this. In fact, I have been applying my GIS skills to my work in many ways over the last two years which, considering I had never even used ArcGIS, is saying something.”
• “Fantastic level of support from tutors and e-tutors. For me the past experience as a distance learner with the OU meant I had high expectations in terms of the support, feedback on assignments and general accessibility and structure of the course. This course offers all of this, all tutors were quick to respond to queries, offer support and offer constructive feedback. The structure of the course allowed for the development of skills over time with each module adding a new skills(s) as the year progressed. Definitely recommend, as a distance learner I felt very included even though off campus – the discussion forums in particular keep you in touch. The structure and support systems are excellent.”
• “Before starting this course, I was a bit sceptical about distance learning. The course has overcome my expectations. The immediate support and the very detailed instructions minimized the intrinsic limitations of distance learning and enhanced its benefits. I am very satisfied with the course.”
• “I found the feedback delivered from assignments very useful and referred back to it continuously to identify any weaknesses in my report writing. All the tutors were more than helpful when I approached them for advice…. As a GIS professional who has worked in the industry without the qualification, I have found the course to be both engaging and relevant. The technologies described and used in the practicals were all up to date, and the knowledge obtained has been put to good use within my day to day job.”
• “The course met my expectations and more. I was put out of my comfort zone a lot with learning new areas… but thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Doing this course has already had a positive impact on my career and a big thank you to all the staff and fellow students who helped with great support. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”