Program Overview

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Web-based GIS

Overview

This module provides an introduction to web-based GIS using a range of languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript.

Summary

This module examines the role of programming within the GI industry. It aims to enable participants to appreciate the need for programming skills that can be used to customise and develop applications. The course is interactive and discussions about a range of programming issues are incorporated within the lectures. A range of programming skills is introduced which equip participants with knowledge of the potential and scope of programming within various applications.

About this course

About

This module aims to provide an introduction to web-based GIS using a range of languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript. The course will also introduce FOSS packages such as OpenLayers and GeoServer. The course introduces programming fundamentals such as forms, web pages, customisation and GIS applications. Practical work is central to learning on the course both in directed practicals and during the participants’ own time. The course aims to introduce participants to a range of programming languages relevant to the GI industry. It aims to enable participants to appreciate the role and diversity of applications of programming with specific reference to web-based GIS. The course is designed to improve presentation skills through a series of online discussions. Participants will be encouraged to consider important elements of interface design to facilitate the use of GIS applications.

Linked programmes

• PgDip/MSc Geographic Information Systems

Assessment

• 100% Coursework

Attendance

• This course is delivered online for 6 weeks starting Monday, January 26th, 2026, with no on-campus attendance requirements

Entry requirements

• Applicants are generally expected to have a minimum 2.2 honours degree with a substantial component of geography, environmental science or computing
• Applicants with qualifications in other relevant disciplines or with academic qualifications below 2.2 honours will also be considered on individual merit
• In such cases, previous experience of GIS and competence in day-to-day computing will be an advantage, and should be explained in detail on the application form

English Language Requirements

• Applicants whose first language is not English must meet the minimum English entrance requirements of the University and will need to provide recent evidence of this (certified within the last two years)
• Most of our courses require a minimum English level of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, with no band score under 5.5
• Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement

Start dates

• 26 January 2026

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Attendance and Independent Study

• The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course
• Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
  • the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
  • the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
  • the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies

Fees and funding

Prices

• International Fees: £1,484.10

Fees information

• Information about how to pay for a course including different payment options is available at [insert link]
• Tuition fee rates 2025/26:
  • [insert rates]

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

Academic profile

• The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition
• Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%)
• We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher
• Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning
• Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice
• The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise
• The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff
• This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course
• Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers
• In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’
• In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching

Sustainability at Ulster

• Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance
• At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda
• We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Our work in this area is already being recognised globally
• Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals
• Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals

Faculty of Life and Health Sciences – Sustainability in Focus

Learning and Teaching

• Our Faculty is dedicated to integrating sustainability across our curriculum, preparing students to address global environmental challenges
• The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) have been incorporated throughout each course within the Faculty and each module outlines how and where they meet these SDG’s
• Subject specific guidance on sustainability has been provided in the QAA benchmarks statements for Biomedical Science and Biomedical Sciences; Biosciences; Chemistry; Optometry; Psychology; Earth Sciences; Veterinary Nursing; Agriculture; Rural –Environmental Sciences; Animal Studies; Consumer Science; Forestry, Food Horticulture –and –Human Nutrition; Health Studies; Earth Sciences and Geography

Research and Knowledge Exchange

• Our Faculty has key centres of research excellence within all Schools and our interdisciplinary approach brings together researchers from diverse fields to develop impactful solutions
• By advancing knowledge in various fields within the faculty, we aim to identify sustainable approaches to:
  • Health promotion
  • Achieving food security improved nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture
  • Ensuring healthy lives and promote wellbeing
  • Promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all
  • Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls
  • Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
  • Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
  • Conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
  • Promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems
  • Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development
  • Implementation and revitalisation of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

External Partnerships

• Collaboration is key to driving sustainability
• Our Faculty partners with external stakeholders including professional bodies and learned societies to enhance the sustainability journey for all our students and to promote sustainable practices
• External partnerships enable us to apply research and innovation to real-world challenges
• We drive meaningful change in local communities, industries, and global ecosystems, fostering a more sustainable society through impactful projects and community engagement