Have you considered studying Geographical Information Systems (GIS) at Master's level by on-line study at a distance? Outlined below are several factors you need to take into consideration when considering if our course is the right one for you.
How is the Course Offered?
The course is designed with flexibility in mind. It is designed so that anyone can take part, wherever you are based, throughout the world. It is also delivered on a part-time basis to take account of people who are already working in their chosen career, have families to consider, but wish to further their career prospects, upgrade their skills, or change career direction. Consider what would happen if your company re-located you to a different part of the world? Your study would not be affected. Currently there is a high demand for GIS qualified personnel in many employment sectors, especially the retail organizations with large network branches, oil and gas sector, financials services, the motor industry, water authorities, environment agencies, health authorities, radioactive waste management, database companies and of course, GIS consultancies. Whatever your field you will be offered a "stream" of study in your second year from the following: Business, Environment, Health or Planning.
Who Offers the Course?
We offer an online Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and Masters Degree program, which is delivered jointly by the University of Leeds and the University of Southampton. This innovative Masters program in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) builds on the considerable expertise and experience of the University of Leeds in successfully delivering taught Masters programs in GIS over the past 12 years. It also draws significantly on the considerable expertise within the University of Southampton in teaching GIS in non-traditional settings, and draws on the international expertise of Penn State University and will draw on other Worldwide University Network partners in the future. All of the universities involved in this course are internationally renowned for their GIS teaching and research. An additional contributor to the course content is the Leeds-based company GMAP, an extremely successful provider of GISbased services to blue-chip multinational companies.
What is Online Study?
Online study, sometimes known as E-Learning, means that rather than studying and attending lectures at an education establishment, the student uses the Internet to access course information and transmit completed assignments for marking. This enables a person from anywhere in the world to take a world-class course at a leading UK university without attending the university in person.
How Does Online Study Work?
This course has been purpose-built by the University of Leeds,for online delivery. Students will log on to the online learning platform called the Nathan Bodington Building, which contains all the information required to study the course.
Who is This Course Suitable For?
The Geographic Information Systems (GIS) program is designed for anyone who wishes to progress their career in this field, upgrade their skills, or change their career direction. Currently there is high demand for GIS qualified personnel in many employment sectors, especially the oil and gas sector, financial services, the motor industry, water authorities, environment agencies, health authorities, radioactive waste management, retail organisations with large branch networks, database companies and, of course, GIS Consultancies.
What Are the Benefits For Me?
The emphasis of this program is very much on how to implement GIS techniques in work and other real-world environments, to bring about change. A particular – and probably unique strength is the availability of specialist modules relating to different GIS sectors. This enables you to tailor your course to meet personal and corporate requirements.
What Are the Benefits For My Organisation?
In addition to the individual benefits outlined above (which will transfer immediately into the workplace), a sponsoring organisation will gain from the flexibility of online study which means staff spend less time away from work. Employees will have the opportunity to apply new skills and knowledge directly in the workplace. Think of the knowledge and expertise that will be transferred into the organisation which will enable improvements in regional, national and international competitiveness. The organization will acquire a broadened outlook and knowledge through exposure to the issues, problems and experiences of the fellow course participants of the employee, who work in different areas and cultures around the world. No accommodation or travel costs will be incurred and most importantly the employees will be able to choose from a selection of modules appropriate to your industry/sector.
How is the Course Structured?
The GIS program is based on a foundation of four compulsory modules (making up the Certificate course) and a number of optional modules. These allow you to specialise in specific aspects of GIS. Each module has a value of 15 Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CATS) points, and takes approximately three months. This makes the Certificate a 12-month programme, the Diploma 24 months, and the Masters 36 months.
How is the Course Resourced and Tutored?
A broad mix of study resources, including software and directed reading, with a variety of online learning media will support the course. You will require access to a computer which must have web facilities and you need to have email contact preferably at both work and home. Throughout your studies you will be a member of a tutor group of 20-30 fellow students. You will work with this group throughout your course. In effect, you will be part of an International learning community that shares your goals and aspirations. We also offer One-on-one support by tutors who specialise in the theory and practice of GIS who will support you and your group. They will act as mentors and provide you with personal guidance as you progress, advising you how to make the most of the course and helping you to overcome any obstacles you encounter.
What Do Our Students Think?
There is nothing better for helping you to make your decision on the quality of the course we offer than to hear from the students themselves. This is what one of our students, who has just graduated with a Postgraduate Certificate in GIS through our program, thought of the course:
"At the beginning, I found the learning experience quite challenging, but it was also very rewarding, the amount of knowledge I have acquired is tremendous. My work in the Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit (VAM) requires direct need for GIS techniques and by studying the online course I have been able to improve on my capabilities and competencies at work. I believe that the recipe for my success was my high motivation, commitment, family support and the ongoing guidance and thorough feedback from the University of Leeds academic tutors."
