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  • Geographic Information Science by Distance Learning (MSc / Postgraduate Diploma / Postgraduate Certificate)
  • 2012/2013 entry
  • Contact us
  • Assessment

    • A combination of formal examination and coursework (including message board portfolios, practical assignments, dissertation design and development project), and a dissertation where appropriate.

  • Attendance
      • September–October.
  • Duration
      • MSc/PgDip: two years part-time.
      • PgCert: one year part-time.
  • Entry requirements
      • Degree or equivalent in geography, computer science or a cognate discipline.
      • We will consider professional experience in place of a degree. 
      • Some professional experience with GIS is desirable.
      • You will need a computer able to run ArcGIS 9.3, IDRISI(Taiga), with internet connection, email, word processing, spreadsheet and storage facilities for learning materials.

      Find out about our international entry requirements

  • Fees and funding
    • Fees (2012/13)

    • Geographic Information Science MSc

      • Part-time (home/EU students): £3975 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £6875 pa

      Geographic Information Science Postgraduate Diploma

      • Part-time (home/EU students): £2700 pa
      • Part-time (overseas students): £4575 pa
  • Location
      • Distance learning.
  • Teaching

    • Via the internet, using a virtual learning environment to provide learning materials, coursework and coursework feedback, submission of coursework, and a discussion forum for student and staff interaction.

Geographic Information Science by Distance Learning (MSc / Postgraduate Diploma / Postgraduate Certificate) - 2012/2013 entry


  • Overview

    • This programme is tailored for professionals working with geographical information who have some practical knowledge of GISc but – in order to make informed technological choices – need a deeper understanding of spatial theory, a wider technological knowledge, new perspectives on the social and political context of spatial data, and insights into the process of organisational/societal decision-making with spatial data. 

      The programme aims to:

      • introduce the principles of GISc at an advanced level through the development of scientific knowledge, technical expertise and practical experience
      • provide relevant theoretical background and a conceptual understanding of GISc
      • provide the social and political context of geographical data and the implications of its use
      • enable you to develop skills in real-world application areas.

      Find out more about studying at Birkbeck and what our students say about our geography- and environment-related programmes.

  • Why study this course at Birkbeck?
      • Designed for professionals working with spatial data to develop more advanced theoretical knowledge and high-level practical skills.
      • Study by distance learning, wherever you are in the world, with internet-based teaching.
      • Teaching team includes external collaborators – researchers, GISc consultants, and GISc professionals working in private industry and public bodies.
      • Watch our video on GIS and spatial analysis.
  • Course structure

    • The programme consists of the following five modules:

      • GISc01: Fundamentals of Geographic Information Science, Data Capture and Database Management
      • GISc02: Spatial Statistics, Programming for GIS
      • GISc03: Spatial Modelling, Advanced GIS Analysis
      • GISc04: GIS Applications, Social Issues in GIS
      • GISc05: Dissertation.

      MSc: complete modules GISc01–05.

      Postgraduate Diploma: complete modules GISc01–04.

      Postgraduate Certificate: complete modules GISc01 and GISc02.

  • Study resources

    • Virtual learning environment; textbook list; GIS software (ArcGIS, IDRISI) available at student rates; GIS practicals (ESRI Virtual Campus, IDRISI and self-contained); e-library facilities; programme handbook.

      We offer student support and have a range of research resources.

  • Further study opportunities
  • Careers information

    • Graduates go on to careers such as cartography, GIS analysis, remote-sensing applications and software development.

  • Apply now