Geographic Information Systems PgDip/MSc
Ulster University
Student rating
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( 4.3) View reviews

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Different course options
2 options available
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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

Belfast Campus

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Study mode

Online

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Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

1 year

Course info

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Belfast Campus

Study mode

Online

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 years

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Belfast Campus

Study mode

Online

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 year

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Subjects

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Geography & Environmental Science
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Information Technology & Systems
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EU
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Course info

With 25 years experience of teaching GIS, and nearly 20 years via online distance learning, we have a long and successful track record in GIS education. This course teaches the concepts behind GIS and provides in-depth practice using both commercial and open-source software. You can study either full-time or part-time, and can aim for a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters degree.We look at how to obtain, analyse, problem-solve and communicate with maps and spatial data, ...Read more

With 25 years' experience of teaching GIS, and nearly 20 years via online distance learning, we have a long and successful track record in GIS education. This course teaches the concepts behind GIS and provides in-depth practice using both commercial and open-source software. You can study either full-time or part-time, and can aim for a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters degree.

We look at how to obtain, analyse, problem-solve and communicate with maps and spatial data, with modules on GIS, remote sensing, spatial data management and databases, web-GIS and GIS in the commercial environment. 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 use a wide range of software including ERDAS Imagine, Excel, SPSS, QGIS, OpenLayers, GeoServer, PostgreSQL and PostGIS, together with GIS extensions, plug-ins and programming languages. If you opt to complete the Masters project you can focus on a topic of your own choosing.

Our graduates have a high success rate in obtaining GIS employment (overCareer options

GIS and geospatial technologies underpin a rapidly growing, multi-billion dollar industry, and are becoming increasingly mainstream within both the public and private sectors, resulting in a need for graduates who have a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Graduates of this course have secured employment in a variety of GIS-related roles worldwide, in GIS positions including technicians, analysts, scientists, surveyors, data specialists, mapping officers, consultants, project managers, development, sales and marketing, customer support, GIS training, lecturing and research (including funded PhD projects). The breadth of potential uses of GIS ensures a great diversity of job opportunities; for example, our graduates have found employment with mapping agencies, GIS and SatNav companies, environmental consultancies, ecological and marine resource management and environmental agencies, renewable energy companies, forestry, fisheries, town planning departments, heritage agencies, health and emergency services, housing authorities, local government, aid agencies, countryside recreation, rural development, retail analysis, utilities and infrastructure, Further and Higher Education, mining and mineral exploitation and the oil industry, among others. Knowledge and understanding of geo-spatial data are also increasingly required in a variety of jobs outside of the GI profession, making a GIS qualification a valuable asset enhancing employability in a range of fields.

95%, according to graduate surveys). People taking the course who already have GIS work experience say they benefit significantly because the course enables them to broaden, deepen and formalise their knowledge.

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
42nd
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
42nd
What students say
B
Beth
31 Jan 24

The various study spaces around the university are great - there are some joint and collaborative spaces but also personal independent study zones. The hospitality units within..Read more

E
Eve
18 Jan 24

I think uni is great. I am coming as an older student but I really enjoy all aspects..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

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.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£7,000 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

The mentioned fee is 2024/25 entry, there may be slight increase in 2025/26 entry.

£17,810 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£17,810 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Geography reviews

Geography
Geography
B
Beth
31 Jan 24
Geography with Education and optional placement year BSc (Hons)
The various study spaces around the university are great - there are some joint and collaborative spaces but also personal independent study zones. The hospitality units within...
Read more
E
Eve
18 Jan 24
Geography with optional placement BSc (Hons)
I think uni is great. I am coming as an older student but I really enjoy all aspects...
Read more
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( 4.0) 2 reviews
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( 4.3) 161 reviews
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Uni info

Ulster University
York Street Belfast Antrim BT15 1ED United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Great Victoria Street  0.4 miles away
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