Empower your future: Gain hands-on GIS skills through flexible learning to secure your career – Enrol Today!
With 25 years of experience in teaching Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and nearly 20 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.
Please contact the course team if you have any questions | ges@ulster.ac.uk
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
Why Study with Us?
Our students come from diverse backgrounds, generally falling into two main groups:
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. Please contact the course team if you need more information.
Semester 1 (total 60 credits to be taken)
EGM711 – Principles of GIS (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 1 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.
EGM717 – GIS Databases (15 credits) - this module runs in weeks 1-6 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module.
This module examines the role of databases within the GI industry. It aims to enable students to appreciate the need for database skills that are used in GIS applications. The module is interactive and discussions are encouraged about spatial issues. A range of database skills are introduced which equip the student with knowledge of the potential and scope of databases within a range of different applications. Students will be introduced to a range of open source DBMS and GIS software including PostgreSQL, PostGIS and Quantum GIS.
EGM712 - Spatial Data Management (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 7-12 of semester 1 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 focus on ArcGIS and extensions.
EGM713 – Introduction to Remote Sensing (15 credits) – this module runs in weeks 7-12 of semester 1 and is a compulsory module.
This module offers students the opportunity to study the principles and applications of remote sensing and image analysis and to explore links between remote sensing and GIS. Students will become familiar with theoretical foundations of remote sensing and will develop technical skills through a series of software-based practical exercises and assignments using Erdas Imagine.
Semester 2 (total 60 credits to be taken)
GROUP A – pick two (these modules run in weeks 1-6 of semester 2)
EGM715 – Web-Based GIS (15 credits)
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.
EGM702 – Photogrammetry and Advanced Image Analysis (15 credits)
This module covers advanced topics in visible remote sensing and image analysis, including photogrammetry and digital elevation models, image processing and manipulation, advanced classification techniques such as object-based image analysis (OBIA), and time series analysis using Google Earth Engine. It builds on the topics covered in EGM713, complements the topics covered in EGM722, and provides a foundation for further study in remote sensing.
EGM716 – Spatial Analysis and Modelling (15 credits)
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.
EGM725 – GIS Work Experience (15 credits)
This module consists of a GI-related work experience placement designed to allow students the opportunity to contextualise their classroom-based learning in a professional environment relevant to a career in GI-related fields and to enhance their employability through work-based learning.
GROUP B – pick two (these modules run in weeks 7-12 of semester 2)
EGM721 – GIS for Environmental Management (15 credits)
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.
EGM722 – Programming for GIS & Remote Sensing (15 credits)
This module develops programming skills using the python programming language. The module seeks to provide students with key skills in the development of repeatable, automated analyses of GIS applications. The module also aims to develop academic writing skills in preparation for the MSc degree.
EGM725 – GIS Work Experience (15 credits)
This module consists of a GI-related work experience placement designed to allow students the opportunity to contextualise their classroom-based learning in a professional environment relevant to a career in GI-related fields and to enhance their employability through work-based learning.
It is also possible to take one 30 credit Environmental Management module in place of two of the optional modules in semester 2. You would take one of the below modules depending what year you start along with two of the optional modules listed above:
EGM804 – Environmental Impact Assessment (30 credits) – this module will run in January 2025, January 2027, January 2029, January 2031
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.
OR
EGM801 – Biodiversity Management (30 credits) – this module will run in January 2026, January 2028, January 2030, January 2032
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.
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.
This course is fully online and full-time, with no requirement to visit Ulster University at any stage.
As a distance learning student, you can choose your own study hours each week. However, as a full-time student, you should expect to dedicate an average of 35-40 hours per week to the course. Part-time enrolment is also available (please refer to the separate prospectus entry for details on course duration and study hours per week).
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 considered for submission to a scientific journal. Assessment is based solely on coursework, with no sessional examinations.
Once registered, you will have access to the University's extensive online library resources, including electronic journals, e-books, and databases.
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:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.
In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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.
Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.
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.
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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 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.
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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.
Discover more about our graduates’ early career profiles here.
Gaining practical experience and applying academic knowledge in a real-world context is highly beneficial for students preparing to enter the workforce. Therefore, we offer full-time students the option to undertake a ‘GIS Work Experience’ module. This involves working within an organisation for 2.5 days per week over a six-week period. Placements, which are unpaid, can be in the public sector, private companies, charities, or educational institutions.
Students who participate in this module find it extremely valuable for both professional and personal development. They often highlight benefits such as:
Accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) for the purpose of eligibility to apply for associate membership.
Postgraduate fees are subject to annual review, 2025/26 fees will be announced in due course.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2024/25 entry.
Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland (OSNI) award an annual prize for the best Distinction level Masters.
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).
You will need a PC or laptop with a minimum of 4 GB RAM (preferably higher) and a CPU speed of at least 2.2 GHz. As ArcGIS and Erdas Imagine only run on Windows, a Windows-based PC or laptop (rather than Mac) is 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.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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.”
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.
