Online short courses in Geographical Information Science

GIS students

You can study modules from the online Geographical Information Science Masters degree as short courses.

You may choose the number of modules you wish to study and will gain postgraduate credits on completion of each module. These credits can then be used towards a PGCert, PGDip or MSc, or as standalone Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

View our short courses.

Course content

Studying our short courses will provide you with in-depth and specialist knowledge of GIS techniques. You will focus on scientific, technical and computational aspects of GISc with particular reference to the socioeconomic and environmental sciences. 

Depending on which modules you decide to study, you will be introduced to GIS, a rapidly evolving area in business and environmental applications, as well as GIS packages and a range of data sources/techniques, useful for those wanting to undertake social and environmental science research and those keen to understand the application of geotechnology as practitioners.

You’ll also study theories and concepts underpinning GIS and have the chance to explore topics including advanced spatial data visualisation, digital image processing, and geodemographics. 

For the modules, you will need a laptop or PC capable of running standard applications (such as Microsoft Word/Excel etc). The packages we will use shouldn’t need anything more than a moderately spec’d machine running Windows. Software is typically made available to you as a download or via our online environment. 

Take a look at the ArcGIS Pro system requirements and use these as the basis for your laptop or computer. 

 Module structure 

The programme structure and module content for the short courses and the Geographical Information Science programme are identical. 

The short courses will run concurrently with the Geographical Information Science programme, supporting the flexible delivery of modules. In most cases modules will be open to learners once a year and you can accumulate 120 credits towards an award over 6 years. 

Assessment 

All assessment will be conducted by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules, including: 

  • Demonstrating knowledge of key fundamentals of GI Science
  • Demonstrating the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area
  • Drawing on a range of perspectives related to GI Science
  • Evaluating received opinion
  • Making sound judgements whilst understanding the limitations on judgements made in the absence of complete data. 

Entry requirements including English Language 

You will be required to meet the entry requirements for the equivalent online Geographical Information Science programme. Find out more about entry requirements.

If you wish to study any of the short courses on offer, you will not be expected to meet progression requirements to study further modules. You will however be advised of any prior knowledge or skills expectations for some modules. 

Contact us 

For further enquiries, please contact Dr Luke Burns, Programme Leader for Geographical Information Science.