School of Environment
Geographic Information Science
Geographic Information Science (GIScience), defined here broadly to include geographic information systems, technology, spatial analysis, practice and related theory is a rapidly developing field, both in its own right and in its connections to disciplines in the Social, Physical, Health, Biological and Earth Sciences and to Engineering.
Professionals in a wide range of fields use geographic information systems (GIS) to turn geographic data into maps, tables and other kinds of information needed to make informed decisions. In a rapidly changing world, detailed, up to date geographic data are indispensable for governance, for commerce, and for research intended to improve our understanding of social and environmental systems.
GIScience is available as a named degree only at postgraduate level. While Geographic Information Science is not offered as a named degree at undergraduate level, courses in GIScience, Remote Sensing and Modelling are offered in the Geography Bachelor of Science (BSc) programmes and in the Environmental Science specialisation. After developing your disciplinary interest during your undergraduate studies, a Postgraduate Diploma in GIScience and a Masters in Geography are available at postgraduate level.
At postgraduate level students will gain an understanding of the significance of the diverse approaches constituting GIScience, of the different philosophies which underlie them and of how each contributes to knowledge creation in the wider enterprises of Geography. Of importance is also the consideration of the societal impacts of GIScience in respect of the management of spatial data and geographical change, and of privacy and human spatiality.
By taking the range of suggested courses students will have an opportunity to consider issues around spatial definition and measurement, geographic representation, datacapture, spatial cognition, approaches to analysis informed by spatial thinking, critical and scientific methodology and associated tools and techniques and the synergies between data, geographical theory and the impact of spatial technologies.
Find out more about studying GIScience at postgraduate level
- GIScience postgraduate courses
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Geographic Information Science
- Master of Science in Geography
- PhD in Geography
To find out more about admission and enrolment, careers, academic advisers and other postgraduate study options offered by the School of Environment visit either of the sections below.
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Programmes
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