Geographical Information Systems (GIS) MSc

In our data-driven society, the ability to turn raw information into actionable evidence is a crucial skill. This module introduces you to powerful and commonly used statistical methods allowing you to analyse complex questions in the social, geographical and environmental contexts.

This module assumes no prior knowledge in quantitative analysis and focuses on the practical research priorities of defining, conducting and interpreting your work with statistical robustness and validity. We will take a critical lens and viewpoint of our data to understand the limits and opportunities of the different methods and data types in turn.

Through a series of applied weekly seminars and guided coding tutorials (using statistical software such as R or Python) you will learn to effectively use statistics and data visualisation, competencies of high value in applied research work. Across the assessment you will get the opportunity to work on your own self-directed research report and analysis, allowing you to explore statistical analysis and its use across a range of topics.

Geospatial approaches, including those commonly associated with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis, are employed extensively in a variety of professional settings - including almost every discipline - from planning, real estate, and transport, through social policy, health care, and criminal justice, to conservation and environmental management. In this module, you will learn about the core principles and concepts of GIS and GIScience through a diverse range of case studies examples. You will also consider the wider implications of GIS and GIScience, including exploring the conceptual and methodological limitations of these approaches through the lens of Critical GIS. You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, and guest lectures, allowing you to explore the core principles of GIScience as well as a range of potential applications of GIS. Guest-speakers from a range of disciplines (including, for example, Real Estate, Retail, Flood Management and the Civil Service) will illustrate how geospatial tools have been used to identify and tackle problems in the real-world. You will be assessed through a case-study based written report, which allows you to explore in more detail applications of GIS that are tailored to your interests. The assessment also demonstrates a key employability skill of being able to synthesise and summarise information from a diversity of sources.

This module introduces you students to the core principles and practical skills of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with a focus on how spatial data can be used to understand social, economic and environmental patterns.

Using ArcGIS Pro, you will be able to learn how to build and manage geodatabases, work with different spatial data types, and design clear, effective maps et geovisualisations. Through a series of lectures and hands-on workshops, you will apply key spatial analysis techniques, such as queries, and proximity analysis, terrain suitability and visibility analysis, density surface mapping, least-cost path and distance modelling, exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA), and raster calculator. Practical applications include, for example, mapping access to services, modelling visibility, analysing environmental risk and exploring ecological connectivity.

The module focuses on enabling you to develop both technical and communication skills that are directly relevant to industry and to further study. You will learn to source and manage spatial datasets, select appropriate GIS tools for different planning and policy questions, and present your findings through professional-quality maps and a structured written report. These skills support work in other quantitative and GIS-based modules and provide a strong foundation for dissertation projects and for careers in planning, transport analysis, environmental consultancy, public sector analytics and related fields.

The capabilities of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are developing rapidly, driven in particular by the availability of new software tools and ever increasing amounts of data. This in turn is leading to exciting developments in cartography and visualisation methods. This module is focused on developing your geovisualisation skills using a range of software, with a particular focus on QGIS, the leading open-source desktop GIS. Through a series of computer workshops, you will develop a core set of cartographic skills and be exposed to the latest developments in the field, including interactive and animated maps. Your assessment will take the form of a practical spatial data visualisation report that will demonstrate key employability skills in effective data communication and cartography. During the module, you will also have the opportunity to create an ePortfolio to showcase your GIS skills for future employers.

This module aims to equip you with the practical skills and conceptual understanding needed to work with geospatial data using Python - one of the most widely used programming languages in environmental science, data analytics, and spatial research. It provides an applied, project-based learning environment in which you are able to gain hands-on experience in geospatial data processing, analysis, and visualisation, all within the context of understanding environmental issues.

You will have time to learn how to manipulate and analyse spatial data, automating workflows using open-source Python libraries. The module will progress through core Python and geospatial concepts through to real-world scenarios addressing environmental and socio-spatial issues. Teaching includes interactive lectures, coding sessions, and guided projects, with no prior programming experience required. The module aims to equip you with essential geospatial data science skills for environmental modelling and spatial decision-making tailored for future employability.

This module is aimed at students who already have a good degree of knowledge in GIS. 

In this module, you will develop a high degree of competence in a range of advanced spatial analysis methods. In doing so, you will explore different spatial approaches to problem solving and the theories and precepts which underlie software applications in GIS. You are taught in a series of inter-related computer workshops focusing on real-world data and problem scenarios. You will be assessed through a multiple choice exam, demonstrating your specialist knowledge, and via an in depth advanced methods report, providing evidence of advanced technical skills. These assessments will enable you to demonstrate the highly developed skills and knowledge sought by a range of employers.

This is a project-based module in which you will work in groups on a real problem for a real client using a variety of different spatial datasets and GIS methods as appropriate. The aim of the module is to prepare you for professional practice in GIS through a group-work approach which places emphasis on collaboration, team working and objective-setting. This module is taught through a series of lectures and supervised group work. You will be assessed through a combination of a group presentation, a final written report and an individual reflection. This module is an opportunity to demonstrate key employability attributes such as team-working, negotiation, and oral communication, as well as showcasing technical problem-solving skills.

This module introduces you to the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the study of the environment. You will explore a diverse range of topics, including the fundamental theory and practical applications of remote sensing, terrain analysis, hydrology, ecological mapping, and green/blue infrastructure. You will learn through a dynamic series of lectures, hands-on computer-based workshops, and practical fieldwork. Using both primary and secondary data, you will gain practical insights into the real-world environmental applications of GIS. You will be assessed through two pieces of coursework that allow you to demonstrate both your technical skills and your understanding of their application in a real-world environmental context. 

Climate change is one of the most significant and urgent challenges of the 21st century. Cities generate over 70% of the world's CO2 and consume 60% of global energy, they therefore play an important part in mitigating the extent of climate change and in adapting to the effects of the climate crisis and its impacts on societies and the global environment. In this module you will get to explore the drivers of climate change and their implications for urban systems. The module will help you to develop skills in critically considering how urban professionals can respond to these challenges in ways that promote just and sustainable transitions. Key ideas and concepts will be presented in lectures, with supporting seminars providing space for discussion and debate. You will be supported to develop key employability skills in report writing and presenting clear and evidenced-based arguments.

Machine learning is a rapidly growing technique for data analysis across a wide range of applications. Indeed, with the development of widely available open-source software packages, and the rapidly increasing volume of datasets made possible by technological advancements, more and more scientists are utilising machine learning algorithms in their research. This module provides you with a fundamental understanding of some of the most common algorithms currently utilised for analysis of geoscientific data. It will show you how to apply these algorithms to real-world datasets, using the Python programming language and its suite of freely-available software packages.

You will be supported to develop a strong understanding of scientific computer programming (and Python specifically) and how machine learning may be utilised to help solve real-world research problems - extremely valuable skills for a range of careers paths.

This module introduces you to the theories and practices of urban heritage conservation in a global context, and aims to equip you with the basic skills to appraise heritage value and propose a planning response for conservation. This is achieved by discussing the evolution of the heritage movement and the shifting of conservation focus in the urban built environment. Critical questions will be debated in class such as how heritage is defined, by who, as well as the implications of conservation practices at different scales. We will look at the contemporary challenges to heritage conservation and the role of heritage in future place-making and sustainability. Using case studies, we will examine the creative conservation practices in the UK and internationally. Drawing on the development o your knowledge and skills developed throughout this module, you will get to develop your own heritage project, critically applying your knowledge and skills to a real world case.

This module aims to provide you with a strong understanding of the social and physical science of climate change with relevance to international development. This understanding is then applied to consider the challenge of living with climate change in the Global South. The module is taught through seminars and lectures. Lectures introduce and impart factual knowledge while seminars allow you time and space to develop your skills in discussion, while enabling you to develop skills in applying key concepts to practical situations. Together these structure your learning, and provide an environment in which you can develop your skills in researching, presenting and debating arguments drawn from the wide ranging literature on climate change.

The Climate Change: Science and Impacts module offers you an in-depth understanding of the scientific foundations of climate change and its far-reaching impacts on the environment and society. This module explores the causes, processes, and consequences of climate change from a scientific perspective, while emphasizing the real-world implications for ecosystems, human societies, and global policy.

You will get to examine the key scientific principles underlying climate change, including the greenhouse effect, climate modelling, and changing global circulations with far-reaching impacts. You will be able to explore the latest research on the impacts of climate change, focusing on areas such as extreme weather events, sea level rise, changes to ecosystems, and climate-sensitive diseases. Special attention will be given to understanding the social, economic, and political dimensions of climate change, including adaptation strategies and global mitigation efforts.

The module combines lectures, seminars, and case studies to provide both theoretical and practical insights into the science and impacts of climate change. You will be supported to gain the skills to critically evaluate scientific data and reports, engage with current climate research, and understand how climate change affects different regions and communities around the world.

By the end of the module, you will have been able to develop a solid grounding in climate science and an understanding of the multidisciplinary approaches required to address climate-related challenges. This module prepares you to contribute meaningfully to discussions and actions aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change on a global scale.

This module gives you the opportunity to develop and manage your own individual and theoretically informed empirical geospatial research project. As you progress, you will gain experience in the key stages of undertaking a research project, which include:

- identifying a topic;- conducting a review of the literature;- identifying research questions;- selecting methods;- designing and conducting the research- consider the ethical implications of the research; and- presenting the outcome in a logical and coherent written format.

You will also develop an appreciation of the issues involved in managing a GIS research project, gaining practical experience in sourcing, handling, and processing spatial data in a research context, and further deepening your knowledge of GIS and spatial analysis skills in a chosen field of study.