2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Programme Catalogue

MSc Geographical Information Systems (Changing title to MSc Geographical Information Science from 2025/26)

Programme overview

Programme code
MSC-GIS
UCAS code
Duration
12 Months
Method of Attendance
Full Time
Programme manager
Will James
Contact address
W.H.M.James@leeds.ac.uk
Total credits
180
School/Unit responsible for the parenting of students and programme
School of Geography
Examination board through which the programme will be considered
Relevant QAA Subject Benchmark Groups
Geography

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements are available on the Course Search entry

Programme specification

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide a means to translate spatial data into understanding of spatial patterns and processes. GIS have become a crucial part of society, and are used widely including within government, public bodies, industry, and commerce. Employers worldwide require qualified GIS experts to bring together the geospatial data that’ll help inform their future strategies and decision making.

The Geographical Information Systems MSc focuses on the scientific, technical and computational aspects of GIS and Geographical Information Science, with particular reference to the socioeconomic and environmental sciences. The course first introduces students to GIS principles, spatial data types and issues, then develops core skills in geo-spatial analysis and spatial statistics. A variety of software packages and database systems widely available in the workplace are used. Next, core skills are built on through more advanced technical modules and GIS application modules addressing planning, business analysis and development, and environmental themes. These modules allow students to expand their career prospects into the areas of interest you and which are informed by the world-leading research conduct in the School of Geography. Finally, students undertake an independent project, under the guidance of a tutor, to put their training into practice.

The holistic design of the course means that graduates will have a specialist yet extensive skill set that covers all bases and will be sought after by employers. Graduates will also be equipped with an in-depth understanding of topical and relevant subjects in this field, enabling you to pursue a wide range of exciting career opportunities in both the private and public sectors.

More specifically, the programme aims are to:
1. develop technical abilities and competencies in a range of data handling skills such as data extraction, cleaning, management and analysis, spatial and statistical modelling, programming, mapping and visualisation;
2. explore uses of data that have significant geographical components in the broad domains of environment, remote sensing, ‘big data’, demographics and planning;
3. provide contemporary learning and teaching experiences which use practical ‘real world’ examples;
4. develop data savvy graduates with the abilities and confidence needed to apply Geographical Information skills to a range of application areas/problems in demand by employers.

Year 1

(Changing title to MSc Geographical Information Science from 2025/26)

[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable

Compulsory Modules

Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
GEOG5022MProfessional & Personal Development30Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)PFP
GEOG5032MGIS Data Visualisation & Analysis30Semester 1 (Sep to Jan)PFP
GEOG5160MDissertation (GIScience)601 Mar to 31 AugPFP

Optional Modules

Candidates will be required to study 60 credits from the following optional modules:

CodeTitleCreditsSemesterPass for Progression
GEOG5060MGIS and Environment15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
GEOG5255MGeodemographics and Neighbourhood Analysis15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
GEOG5710MDigital Image Processing for Environmental Remote Sensing15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
GEOG5830MEnvironmental Assessment15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
GEOG5870MWeb-based GIS15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
GEOG5927MPredictive Analytics15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)
GEOG5990MProgramming for Geographical Information Analysis: Core Skills15Semester 2 (Jan to Jun)

Last updated: 20/06/2024 10:44:33

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