Postgraduate Prospectus
Geographical Information Management MSc/PgDip/PgCert
Suitable for graduates wishing to specialise in, or develop knowledge in, the practical application of the geographical information technologies of remote sensing, geographical information systems (GIS), spatial data management and the global positioning system (GPS). The part-time option allows practitioners to enhance their professional development.
Takes you on to a wide range of career opportunities in government, advisory services, environmental agencies, universities, research organisations and commercial consultancies.
You will be taught by a wide range of subject specialists from the academic community at Cranfield and from outside the University, including practitioners from industry.
Course description
Geographical Information Management (GIM) is an exciting and rapidly growing branch of Information Technology (IT), incorporating satellite remote sensing, aerial photography, geographical information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS), to derive information which is essential for the management of the earth’s resources.
Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), this course provides students with a thorough training in the technical, analytical, research and knowledge skills required to develop innovative, quality-assured solutions by integrating components from geographic information technologies.
Students develop a sound understanding of the principles of remote sensing, geographical information systems, global positioning systems, field methods and statistical analysis. This will be applied practically through the use of market leading image processing, spatial analysis software and access to a coarse resolution satellite receiving station as well as what is probably the largest archive of satellite data held by a UK university.
The MSc course consists of eight taught modules, a group project, and an individual research project. Students undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) complete the eight modules and the group project. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) students complete six modules.
Group project
The group project experience during the course is highly valued by both students and prospective employers. It provides students with the opportunity to take responsibility for a consultancy-type project while working under academic supervision. The project involves the application and integration of component technologies (GIS, GPS and remote sensing, field methods, statistical analysis) to produce quality-assured innovative solutions.
Individual project
The individual project provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research, think and work in an original way, contribute to knowledge, and overcome genuine problems in geographical information management. Many of the projects are supported by external organisations.
Modules:
- Advanced GIS Methods
- Aerial Photography and Digital Photogrammetry
- Geographical Resource Survey
- GIS Fundamentals
- Image Processing and Analysis
- Physical Principles of Remote Sensing
- Spatial Data and the Internet
- Spatial Data Management
Entry requirements
Candidates must possess, or be expected to achieve, a 1st or 2nd class UK Honours degree in a relevant discipline such as agriculture, engineering, environmental sciences, forestry, geography or geology, or the international equivalent of these UK qualifications. Other relevant qualifications, together with significant experience, may be considered.
Duration
1 year full-time, 2-5 years part-time.
Start date
Full-time: October. Part-time: throughout the year.
Number of places
25.
Assessment
Taught modules MSc 40%, PgDip 66.6%. Group projects (dissertation for part-time students) MSc 20%, PgDip 33.3%. Individual project MSc 40%.
Funding
Other funding opportunities exist, such as industrial sponsorship. For the majority of part-time students sponsorship is organised by their employers. Please note that a formal offer of a place on this course must have been received before consideration can be given for funding. For information on funding opportunities please see: Finance and funding
Further details & applications
Further information
Contact
School of Applied Sciences Enquiries
T: +44 (0)1234 754086
E: appliedsciences@cranfield.ac.uk
Application process
Application form. UK students are normally expected to attend an interview and financial support is best discussed at that time. Overseas and EU students may be interviewed by telephone.
Online application
Teaching location
Cranfield campus, School of Applied Sciences.
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