Geographical Information Systems (GIS) MSc programmes

The GIS MSc programmes at Kingston University provide the high quality education needed to meet the needs of users of geotechnology or those seeking to enter a career in GIS. Students will gain a high level of competency in the principles of GI science and the use of geotechnology; they will be able to routinely use professional software for data acquisition, handling, exploration and mapping.

Knowledge and skills in spatial analysis and spatial databases will provide students with the skills to develop GIS in addition to working with GIS in a range of environments for crime mapping, health analysis, hurricane prediction, 3d modelling and animation and many more.

The GIS MSc programmes have a number of key overarching features. You will:

• develop a knowledge and understanding of the principles of GI science and the use of geotechnology;
• understand the conceptual foundations of geographical information handling;
• effectively handle spatial entities for data transformations, generalisation and aggregation;
• develop competency in analytical operations, methods and spatial analyses;
• effectively implement principles of map design and graphical representation techniques;
• understand spatial database systems and application design;
• perform storage and retrieval operations, work with alternative data models, 3D modelling and advanced visualisation;
• explore the role of GIS in society including organisational and institutional aspects;
• study a range of themes in geography and environmental science; and
• prepare yourself for employment, career advancement, further research and lifelong learning by developing your intellectual, problem solving, technical and other key professional and academic skills.

Each course has a different focus:

• The Applied Geographical Information Systems MSc comprises five core modules in GIS with a further three available as options and an emphasis on the application of GIS. Option modules encourage students to develop themes of geographical and environmental interest to sit alongside their core GIS course.
• The Geographical Information Systems and Science MSc is targeted more towards those who prefer a full GIS programme but with options to specialise in areas of the discipline that are of particular interest.

With both courses, you will receive hands-on experience with the most up-to-date GIS tools and techniques, learning from distinguished staff who provide personalised feedback.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Core modules

• Geographical Information Fundamentals

• Geographical Information Fundamentals

  This module provides you with an introduction to the fundamentals of Geographical Information Systems (GIS), spatial data and geographical databases. It incorporates a review of the underlying geographical and technological concepts.

  
   
• Spatial Information Analysis and Modelling

• Spatial Information Analysis and Modelling

  This module covers:

  • the spatial, analytical and query capabilities of geographical information systems (GIS) in a range of application areas;
  • the selection and application of GIS techniques for spatial modelling, monitoring and problem solving;
  • project planning and management; and
  • theoretical and practical skills in spatial statistics and modelling within a GIS environment.
  
   
• Contemporary Issues in GIS

• Contemporary Issues in GIS

  This guest lecturer series brings in experts from government, commerce and academic environments to talk on major issues in the development and application of GIS. It targets technical issues, commercial markets and research applications in particular.

  We encourage you to form a critical appraisal of the role of GIS in modern geographical thought and its impact on other disciplines.

  
   
• Digital Mapping

• Digital Mapping

  This is a course in map design and production for GIS users. The basic tenets of graphic communication, cognition and map theory provide the focus, exploring the preparation of high quality cartographic output from GIS. You cover:

  • map projections;
  • the framework of the earth;
  • data manipulation;
  • colour theory;
  • typography;
  • abstraction;
  • generalisation;
  • symbolisation;
  • page layout; and
  • export.
  
   
• Spatial Databases

• Spatial Databases

  This module provides students with an overview of data management, methods of data organisation and access, database architectures, the role of the Database Management Systems (DBMS), Distributed databases and distributed DBMS within the context of Geographical Information Systems. Students are made aware of recent developments in database systems including WWW as an emerging platform for database applications, XML and query languages for XML in the context of spatial databases.

  
   
• Research Methods and Data Analysis

• Research Methods and Data Analysis

  This module prepares students for carrying out independent research work, including an explanation of the importance of unbiased data sampling and how it may be achieved.

  It aims to improve the quality of your scientific thought and procedure by explaining a range of statistical and other data analytical techniques applicable to environmental and spatial data. In addition to the use of GIS elsewhere in the course, this module provides extensive experience of the use of computers for data analysis and other applications.

  
   
• Research Methods

• Research Methods

  This module concentrates on scientific research methods and their relationship to the specification and execution of GIS-based research projects. It examines quantitative and qualitative methods, data exploration and mining, project design and management, and dissemination of research findings in academic and non-academic media.

  
   
• Dissertation

Applied GIS option modules (choose three)

• Biodiversity and Conservation

• Biodiversity and Conservation

  This module reviews the concept of biodiversity and examines current conservation policy, strategies and issues as they apply at a range of scales. An examination of their applications within local, regional and national and global frameworks provides an important policy perspective.

  
   
• Geoweb Applications

• Geoweb Applications

  This module provides an introduction to Cadastral land information for managing the environment, with an examination of the concepts and capabilities of the Geoweb in providing this information.  Practical sessions focus on the ability to evaluate and design geoweb-enabled land and property information systems suitable for public or commercial application.

  
   
• GIS and Hazards

• GIS and Hazards

  This module explores the use of GIS in hazard prediction, assessment and mitigation. You will study a range of hazards including:

  • earthquakes;
  • volcanic eruption;
  • hurricane;
  • tsunamis; and
  • disease diffusion, epidemics and pandemics.

  The module combines analytical techniques (which provide insight into better understanding the triggers for hazards) with a consideration of how hazards can be managed, the aftermath and human dimension.

  
   
• Mobile GIS

• Mobile GIS

  This field course-based module provides the opportunity to explore developments in mobile technologies for the capture, analysis and presentation of large-scale spatial data.

  Students currently go to Malta at Easter for a 10-day residential field course. We examine cutting-edge technologies and the use of related technologies such as GPS for data capture. The cost of this optional module is borne by the student.

  
   
• Mineral and Energy Resources

• Mineral and Energy Resources

  This module aims to develop your appreciation of the broad geological controls on the distribution of the Earth's major non-renewable mineral and energy resources. It also develops your understanding of the socio-economic and environmental consequences of extraction and the approaches used to limit environmental damage.

  It fosters an understanding of the concept of sustainable development of renewable and non-renewable mineral and energy resources. Finally, it develops a knowledge of the history and principles of law and policy in mineral and energy resource development.

  
   
• Remote Sensing of the Environment

• Remote Sensing of the Environment

  Introduction to the physical principles of remote sensing and image processing, as applied to environmental management.

  
   
• Sustainable Environmental Management

• Sustainable Environmental Management

  This module evaluates the changing nature of human interaction with the environment and the development of present day environmental awareness in the context of sustainable development.

  It provides an in-depth understanding of the environmental issues faced by business and industry, and the challenge of improved sustainability against a background of evolving government policy and stakeholder pressure.

  The module also promotes critical understanding of environmental management systems (EMS) as developed in response to changing environmental policy or other stakeholder demands.

  
   
• Water Resource Management

• Water Resource Management

  This module offers an opportunity to study the relationships between water and human society at a variety of scales.

  In particular, it looks at how water has been managed at global, national and regional scales and how an understanding of hydrological knowledge can be applied to practical water resources problems. It further introduces and investigates the wider concepts of water resources management, governance and water planning decisions.

  
   
• Waste Management and Contaminated Land Remediation

• Waste Management and Contaminated Land Remediation

  This module provides an understanding of the types, sources and effects of contaminants in the environment, and their effects on ecosystems and human health. It covers an awareness of the feasibility and limitations of the main techniques and strategies for the remediation of contaminated land. There is a specific focus on the policies and practice of waste management in developed countries.

  
   

GI Systems and Science option modules (choose two)

• Remote Sensing
• GeoVisualisation

• GeoVisualisation

  This module extends the knowledge and understanding gained in Digital Mapping to explore alternative and cutting-edge visualisation. Scientific visualisation provides a context for examining:

  • uncertainty in maps;
  • interactive exploratory mechanisms;
  • map animation;
  • web cartography;
  • virtual reality environments; and
  • temporal GIS and 3D modelling of urban environment.
  
   
• Geodemographic Analysis

• Geodemographic Analysis

  Geodemographic analysis is carried in the business, commercial and public sectors and relates to the ways in which people and location are connected in different aspects of their lives. This module explores statistical techniques for analysing demographic and socio-economic data in relation to where people are located during their home, work and leisure time, such as are used in market analysis, lifestyle and area classification systems.

  You will produce a case study of a local authority in the UK, applying these methods. We put particular focus on investigating problems of analysing demographic and socio-economic change over time.

  
   
• Spatial Databases

• Spatial Databases

  This module provides students with an overview of data management, methods of data organisation and access, database architectures, the role of the Database Management Systems (DBMS), Distributed databases and distributed DBMS within the context of Geographical Information Systems. Students are made aware of recent developments in database systems including WWW as an emerging platform for database applications, XML and query languages for XML in the context of spatial databases.

  
   
• Mobile GIS

• Mobile GIS

  This field course-based module provides the opportunity to explore developments in mobile technologies for the capture, analysis and presentation of large-scale spatial data.

  Students currently go to Malta at Easter for a 10-day residential field course. We examine cutting-edge technologies and the use of related technologies such as GPS for data capture. The cost of this optional module is borne by the student.

  
   
• GIS and Health

• GIS and Health

  This module examines the use of GIS in mapping, analysing, modelling and managing health and healthcare. GIS is widely used in this arena from the global level of the World Health Organization down to the local scales of primary care delivery. This can for example include identifying clusters of disease, localities with possibly underperforming health services and tracking infectious disease transmission. Health and healthcare datasets will be examined, their integration with environmental and socio-demographic datasets, as well as methodological issues. Lectures and practical sessions will aid the student in achieving the aims of the module.

  
   
• GIS Programming

• GIS Programming

  This module provides an introduction to Visual Basic for Applications as implemented within ArcGIS. Students learn basic programming concepts, interface design and the ArcGIS object model diagrams. Group work focuses upon the development of an actual application.

  
   
• GIS and Hazards

• GIS and Hazards

  This module explores the use of GIS in hazard prediction, assessment and mitigation. You will study a range of hazards including:

  • earthquakes;
  • volcanic eruption;
  • hurricane;
  • tsunamis; and
  • disease diffusion, epidemics and pandemics.

  The module combines analytical techniques (which provide insight into better understanding the triggers for hazards) with a consideration of how hazards can be managed, the aftermath and human dimension.

  
   
• Location Enabled Web Applications
• Location Enabled Web Services

The Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing holds a number of open day events throughout the year. These are a great opportunity to find out more about this course, the Faculty itself, and the facilities we offer.

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Geography and its new technologies are emerging as critical components in the global infrastructure.

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With over 18 years' experience, Kingston University has a long and distinguished involvement in the provision of GIS education.

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Learn more about the facilities available to you as a GIS student.

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The GIS group has strong links with the geographical information industry, including the Association for Geographic Information, Ordnance Survey and the GeoInformation Group. Guest speakers from a range of organisations give lectures about the latest industry developments.

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Kingston graduate and honorary doctor Ed Parsons – the technology expert who helped develop Google's Street View photo maps. Find out more.