New Cert HE/ Cert CE GISc

Apply online now: modular enrolment

Online applications for GIS modules are now available below. View the full online prospectus for full details:

About these programmes

Geographic Information Science (GISc) is the theory, practice and effective use of technologies such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for the description, explanation, and prediction of spatial patterns and processes.

Details of our new Geographic Information Science (Certificate of Higher Education) and Geographic Information Science (Certificate of Continuing Education) programmes are available below.

Email Dr Shino Shiode with any queries.

Early application recommended as demand is high.

For more information about our GIS programmes visit our dedicated GIS website: www.bbk.ac.uk/gisc .

Why study this course at Birkbeck?

Gain a University of London qualification – expand your knowledge and enhance your CV.
Intensive GIS programme giving you the knowledge, skills and understanding to progress in your career.
Vital to those wishing to add GIS skills to their CV. Gain confidence with GIS (i.e. geography teachers and educators) and acquire basic GI Science knowledge to progress to further education in the field.
Modules also available as individual short courses.

This programme aims to:

provide an exposure to those who wish to gain introductory theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of GISc with a focus on meeting the fast-changing educational and training needs of future professionals in the dynamically developing geo-information sector;
offer a foundation for those who wish to continue studying at Birkbeck for further degree(s) in GISc. To achieve this, the programme offers three taught modules and one practical independent project module. The taught modules consist of
lectures on theoretical and methodological aspects of GIS, and
practical hands-on exercises in which students apply the theoretical concepts they learned.

This is an evening taught, five-month, intensive course. The programme’s delivery blends components of learning theory, principles and methodology as well as a series of hands-on labs (practical sessions) using state-of-the-art GIS software package in each session, thus allowing the students to solidify their knowledge from the lectures.

What will I be studying?

To obtain the Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE), you must successfully complete modules worth 120 credit points. To obtain the Certificate of Continuing Education (Cert CE), you must successfully complete modules worth 60 credit points. You may also enrol on any of the modules on an individual basis.

The programme consists of the following four modules, each of which counts for 30 credit points:

Module 1: Basic Principles of GIS
Module 2: Map Production and Spatial Data
Module 3: Basic GIS Analysis
Module 4: Independent GIS Project

Cert HE: complete modules 1–4.
Cert CE: complete any two of modules 1–3.

Module Information

Module 1: Basic Principles of GIS

This module aims to lay the groundwork in GISc and is suitable for those who wish to gain introductory theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills in GISc. The module consists of five topics and each topic is delivered in two sessions: (1) a lecture on principle and theory of the topic, and (2) a practical session to gain practical skills in GIS. The topics cover essential concepts in GIS such as georeferencing, spatial data models, and basics in map productions.

Module 2: Map Production and Spatial Data

This module builds on Module 1 (Basic Principles of GIS), designed to familiarise you with spatial data from various sources and to provide exposure to theory and techniques essential to present these data. We will explore various types of socio-economic and environmental spatial data using popular GIS software and will learn how to effectively present the spatial data following the cartographic convention. The module also overviews web technologies for GIS.

Module 3: Basic GIS Analysis

This module aims to outline theory and techniques used for analysing spatial data. The module consists of five topics and each topic is delivered in two sessions: (1) a lecture and (2) a practical exercise. The topics cover a series of methods for basic GIS analysis such as geoprocessing, map algebra, spatial query and proximity analysis. You will also learn how to select and apply appropriate spatial analytical techniques for solving spatial problems.

Module 4: Independent GIS Project

This module is designed for you to apply and integrate knowledge and skills you will have acquired through the three taught modules and to further develop your skills in interpreting the outcome of the analysis. The module consists of four practical sessions and personal tutoring.

Through an independent GIS project, you will formulate appropriate hypotheses and apply GIS-based techniques to assess these hypotheses. You will also gain experience in data acquisition, problem formulation, GIS practice and report writing.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is 100 per cent practical coursework.

What study resources are available?

GIS software (Esri ArcGIS), GIS practicals using Esri certified resources, library facilities, fully equipped computer laboratories.

How long will it take?

Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE): Five months part-time.
Certificate of Continuing Education (Cert CE): Two to three months part-time (depending on the modules selected).

How often do I need to attend?

Two to three evenings a week (6pm-9pm) part-time (depending on the modules selected).
April - August.

What qualifications do I need?

There are no formal entry requirements. However, all modules are taught at university level and you should be able to read, write and speak English fluently.

When should I apply?

At the earliest opportunity; no later than two weeks before the starting date of the module you plan to study; later applications subject to availability of places.

Where can I study this course?

Central London

Admissions tutor

Dr Shino Shiode

Find out more:
Department of Geography, Environment and Development Studies
Tel: 020 7631 6473
Email: gis-admin@bbk.ac.uk

What can I go on to do?

Possible career pathways include those in consultancy, local government, policy work, planning, and education.

Opportunities for further study in GISc are offered through MSc/Postgraduate Diploma/ Postgraduate Certificate in GISc either in the evening taught or the distance learning mode.

Credits from this award may be counted towards some of the BSc (undergraduate) courses offered by Department of Geography, Environment and Development Studies.

Department of Geography, Environment and Development Studies also provides other undergraduate and postgraduate geography courses in related subjects.

Fees

Please refer to the following website for the information regarding the tuition fee: www.bbk.ac.uk/mybirkbeck/finance/fees-information/certhe-fees .

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