Geographic Information Science
Programme Overview
The programme is designed to educate students in both the scientifc and practical aspects of the analysis of geographic information. This covers a range of topics including:
- quantitative spatial analytical techniques;
- primary data acquisition such as global positioning system (GPS), surveying and census collection;
- use of GIS in applications from decision support systems;
- topographic mapping to ocean and coastal zone management.
In-depth study of selected specialist topics is made possible through advanced option courses and a research dissertation. This breadth of topics can be supported as a result of the intercollegiate nature of the programme and the unrivalled concentration of GIS experts at the University of London.
Graduates are not only given a grounding in the underpinning science of spatial analysis and the computational foundations of GIS, but also have a broader practical understanding of topics such as analysis of the needs of a GIS user, modern programming environments and database management systems and their application within Geographical Information Systems.
Strong emphasis is placed on students being able to perform quantitative analysis as well as having an understanding of the systems themselves. Hence we teach both the necessary analytical skills to perform research using GIS, as well as the technical skills to develop suitable systems and an understanding of the use of GIS beyond academia.
While the environmental and socio-economic applications of GIS will be stressed, a distinctive feature of the programme is an emphasis on the analytical aspects of GIS. The programme draws on internationally recognised expertise from University College London, King’s College London and Birkbeck College, and from the geographic information industry.
Term 1
All modules are mandatory and worth a total of 60 credits.
| First Half | Mapping Science | Spatial Structures & Representation | IT & GIS | Analytical Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second Half | GIS Data Analysis |
Term 2
Students must obtain 60 credits in term 2. Columns 1 and 2 are mandatory and worth 30 credits. Column 3 modules are worth 7.5 credits each. Column 4 modules are worth 15 credits. Students can choose any combination from columns 3 and 4. However, options may be restricted by timetabling constraints. Please note that some modules may be withdrawn due to low enrolment.
Seminars
In addition, full-time students are expected to attend seminars arranged during the first and second terms at the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA)and relevant seminars at the Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering at lunchtimes once a week.
Field courses
While the MSc GIS does not involve field courses as such, visits to government establishments and private companies may be organised in order to gain greater insight into current practice.
Textbooks & Journals
Recommendations for references will be given during the programme by individual lecturers.
Library facilities are available at UCL (in particular the Science Library in the DMS Watson building) and the University of London (Senate House). Additionally, there is a small programme library held by the Programme Tutor. Relevant books and journals may also be found in the UCL Geography Department's reading room.
Staff
The MSc GIS is both interdepartmental at UCL and intercollegiate within the University of London. While the students on the programme are registered in the Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering and receive approximately half of the programme content from staff in this department, they are certainly encouraged to think of themselves as intercollegiate, drawing on expertise and facilities from around the University of London. Some specialist staff are also brought in from outside the University of London to cover subjects such as Law and Management.
The principal departments involved in the programme are the departments of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering and Geography at UCL, and the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis at UCL. Smaller but valuable contributions are also made by the Department of Geography at King's College and the Centre for Enterprise & Management of Innovation (CEMI).
Application
The minimum entry requirements are a good second class honours degree in a cognate subject or related discipline, from a UK university or the equivalent from an overseas institution. Extensive work experience covering related areas will be considered.
Overseas applicants will need a recognised English language qualification. Some information relating to your country and UCL can be found here. To find out if your degree is recognised by UCL please contact the Admissions Office.
Please visit the Application & Entry website for downloadable and online application forms and details of application procedure as well as information on fees, living expenses and scholarships.
Applications are accepted throughout the year but applicants are advised to apply as early as possible to ensure commencement in the following September. It takes approx 8 weeks to process an application.
Students with Disabilities
Information for disabled applicants can be found on the website and obtained from the UCL Disability Coordinator, Marion Hingston Lamb (m.lamb (at) ucl.ac.uk, tel +44 (0)20 7679 1343).