Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems

Overview

Designed to provide an up-to-date content and experience of both Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) topics, this Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems programme from Ulster University incorporates theoretical materials and extensive hands-on exercises covering aspects such as acquisition, manipulation, analysis and interpretation of various forms of geospatial data. 

Graduates of this course are expected to have a broad overview of the fields of Remote Sensing and GIS, to have extensive practical experience of a wide range of relevant software packages, and to be able to operate at a professional level in the geospatial industry. The programme aims to satisfy an industrial and public sector demand for science-qualified geospatial personnel who can use remote sensing data and advanced spatial analytical skills to interpret big data and thus inform planning and development in a variety of disciplines.

Those successfully completing the Masters element of the course will have also demonstrated their ability to undertake and present a piece of independent research relating to Remote Sensing and GIS at an advanced level.

If you don't want to study for a PgDip or Masters, you can take individual modules or a PgCert (4 modules), which aims to provide a solid grounding in the principles and practice of both Remote Sensing and GIS.

Career options

Remote sensing, GIS and geospatial technologies underpin a rapidly growing, multi-billion-dollar industry, and are becoming increasingly mainstream within both the public and private sectors, resulting in a need for graduates who have a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Participants and graduates of this course could seek employment in a variety of remote sensing/ GIS-related roles such as analysts, scientists, consultants, project managers, surveyors, data specialists, technicians, mapping officers, development, sales and marketing, customer support, GIS training, lecturing and research (including funded PhD projects). 

The breadth of potential uses of remote sensing and GIS ensures a great diversity of job opportunities; for example, our GIS graduates have found employment with mapping agencies, GIS and SatNav companies, environmental consultancies, ecological and marine resource management and environmental agencies, renewable energy companies, forestry, fisheries, town planning departments, heritage agencies, health and emergency services, housing authorities, local government, aid agencies, countryside recreation, rural development, retail analysis, utilities and infrastructure, Further and Higher Education, mining and mineral exploitation and the oil industry, among others. Knowledge and understanding of geospatial data are also increasingly required in a variety of jobs outside of the GI profession, making remote sensing and GIS qualifications valuable for enhancing employability in a range of fields.