PgDip/MSc in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems

Designed to provide up-to-date content and experience of both Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) topics, this course incorporates theoretical materials and extensive hands-on exercises covering aspects such as acquisition, manipulation, analysis and interpretation of various forms of geospatial data. Graduates of this course are expected to have a broad overview of the fields of Remote Sensing and GIS, to have extensive practical experience of a wide range of relevant software packages, and to be able to operate at a professional level in the geospatial industry. The programme aims to satisfy an industrial and public sector demand for science-qualified geospatial personnel who can use remote sensing data and advanced spatial analytical skills to interpret big data and thus inform planning and development in a variety of disciplines.

Those successfully completing the Master's element of the course will have also demonstrated their ability to undertake and present a piece of independent research relating to Remote Sensing and GIS at an advanced level.

If you don't want to study for a PgDip or Masters, you can take individual modules or a PgCert (4 modules), which aims to provide a solid grounding in the principles and practice of both Remote Sensing and GIS.

To widen access and maximise the learning opportunities, this course is taught in a fully online distance learning format and is offered in part-time mode.

Why Remote Sensing and GIS?

The demand for remote sensing and GIS professionals has been steadily increasing within government, business, education and voluntary sectors, whereas rapid growth in the availability of spatial data, mainly via remote sensing satellites and other big data sources provide a huge potential to map, monitor and understand systems and change in terrestrial and marine environments. Skills in remote sensing and GIS enables analysis across global or local scales on a rapid basis in vast application areas spanning both physical and human geography – climate change, agriculture, forestry, natural resource management, marine planning, sustainable urban development, epidemiology and crime analysis are to name a few. This course aims to provide training in capturing, storing, analysing and interpreting big earth data.

Why study with us at Ulster?

We are known for having an open, friendly and informal atmosphere, combined with our reputation for research and innovative courses make us one of the top places to study geography and environmental science.

Getting you Industry Ready

All our courses are carefully designed to enhance your employability and future career prospects. With excellent links to the industry, you will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience making your course relevant for the future.

From sampling and monitoring water pollution in local lakes to using satellite imagery to monitor land cover change and spending a week in Catalonia studying the social context of the independence movement we give students immersive experiences and research-led teaching so you can get real-world skills.

A Once in a lifetime experience

We put a strong emphasis on skills-based practise and fieldwork, our undergraduate degrees include an optional placement year where you can get the chance to work in industry or study abroad.

Industrial placements Our students have completed placements with local Councils, the Northern Ireland government, the National Trust and a wide range of environmental and engineering consultants, mainly across the UK and Ireland.

Studying abroad You could get the chance to study internationally with students heading to Montana in the USA and New South Wales in Australia as well as the Netherlands, Spain, Austria and the Czech Republic across Europe.

Making a difference through research

Our PhD students research a range of topics from antibiotic resistance in aquatic systems to quantifying glacier change in the Arctic and modelling wind on the surface of Mars!

Location, location, location

We are located on the spectacular Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, minutes away from natural laboratories that you can explore including the open sea, estuaries, rivers, lakes, woodlands and uplands – all ideal locations to develop your field survey and sampling skills.