University of Glasgow
Geoinformation Technology & Cartography [PgCert]
- 3.5 months
- Full Time
- Regular
Program Description
- Our School is ranked in the top 15 in the UK (Complete University Guide 2022).
- This is the only programme in the UK that focuses on cartography. The programme has been running since 1963 and celebrated its 50th birthday in 2013.
- This programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES), when fully completed with the award of an MSc.
- If you are seeking a career in geographic information management or cartography and have little or no academic background in this subject: or if you have a technical/practical background in the subject and are seeking an academic qualification; this programme is designed for you.
- The MSc in Geoinformation Technology and Cartography is a one-year Masters programme aimed at those seeking a career in Geographic Information management or cartography. The focus of the course is on understanding and managing the locational data underpinning Geographic Information Systems (GIS), visualisation and map production in a GIS environment.
- You will benefit from access to our extensive computer laboratories and the latest software, including ArcGIS and MapInfo for GIS, graphic design packages and remote sensing processing software.
- The programme will include either attendance a 3-day GIS research conference (depending on dates), or a short residential field course. Costs for this are included within the programme fee.
- The School of Geographical & Earth Sciences has an Athena Swan Silver Award, demonstrating the school’s commitment to supporting women in scientific studies and careers, and to improving the working environment for all.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Semester 1 – 60 credits
- GEOSPATIAL FUNDAMENTALS (20 credits)
- PRINCIPLES OF GIS (10 credits)
- LAND SURVEYING I (10 credits)
- TOPOGRAPHIC MODELLING AND LANDSCAPE MONITORING (10 credits)
- ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS FOR GES PGT (10 credits)
Semester 2 – 60 credits
- APPLIED GIS (10 credits)
- GEOSPATIAL DATA INFRASTRUCTURES AND LAND ADMINISTRATION (10 credits)
- PRINCIPLES OF CARTOGRAPHIC DESIGN & PRODUCTION (10 credits)
- VISUALISATION & MAP USE (10 credits)
- WEB AND MOBILE MAPPING (10 credits)
- REMOTE SENSING OF THE ENVIRONMENT (10 credits)
Summer – 60 credits
- GEOMATICS MSC PROJECT (60 credits)
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information, please see: Student contract.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Career opportunities exist in both the private and public sectors and there is currently high demand for GIS skills. Positions include cartographer with map publishing company, government agency, or private service agency; GIS specialist, ranging from support in large corporations (banking, insurance, retail), environmental consultancies, local authorities, utility companies; mapping specialist with software house or geoinformation data provider.
Graduates of this programme have gone on to work for companies such as Scottish Water, Natural Power, Arcus, Harper-Collins Cartographic, BT and British Antarctic Survey. Positions include GIS Cartographer, GIS Operator and GIS Analyst
Admission Description
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Normally an Honours degree in a relevant field such as geography, earth or environmental science, planning, mathematics, or civil engineering, but other subjects will be considered. The programme requires some basic mathematical competence and a pass at Scottish Higher, GCE or equivalent in mathematics is recommended. Significant use is made of computers and IT, but there is no specific entry requirement.
Entry without standard academic qualifications, or with technical qualifications in geomatics for those with significant practical experience in related employment, will be considered on an individual basis.
International students with academic qualifications below those required should contact our partner institution, Glasgow International College, who offer a range of pre-Masters courses.
English language requirements
For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0.
- Tests must have been taken within 4 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
Common equivalent English language qualifications
All stated English tests are acceptable for admission to this programme:
TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)
- 90 with minimum R 20, L 19, S 19, W 23.
- Tests must have been taken within 4 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
PTE (Academic or home)
- 60 with minimum 59 in all sub-tests.
- Tests must have been taken within 4 years 5 months of start date. Combined scores from two tests taken within 6 months of each other can be considered.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 4 years 5 months, combined scores from 2 tests sat within 6 months of each other can be considered.
Glasgow International College English Language (and other foundation providers)
- 65%.
- Tests are accepted for academic year following sitting.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Undergraduate degree from English speaking country (including Canada if taught in English)
- Undergraduate 2+2 degree from English speaking country
- Undergraduate 2+2 TNE degree taught in English in non-English speaking country
- Masters degree from English speaking country
- Masters degree (equivalent on NARIC to UK masters degree) taught in English in non-English speaking country.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:
- School of Modern Languages and Cultures: English for Academic Study
- BALEAP guide to accredited courses
For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form
International students
We are proud of our diverse University community which attracts students and staff from over 140 different countries.
Other Details
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Program Type: Full Time
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Study Type: Regular
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Key Point: Geoinformation Technology & Cartography
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Category: Geoinformation Technology & Cartography
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University of Glasgow
Starting Date: | Submission deadline | Status |
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January 2022 | July 2022 | Open Now |