Structure
Individual modules are generally worth 15 credits (see the list of modules) and equate to 150 hours of student effort. One module will normally be completed every three months allowing workload and effort to be spread evenly throughout the programme of study. We recommend that students should spend 15 hours per week (or approximately 60 hours per month) studying for a module.
In any 12 month period, you will typically undertake study for 60 credits of work (equivalent to four 15 credit modules). There are three exit points available allowing you to choose to graduate with different qualifications depending on the length of study:
- Postgraduate certificate (PgC) - 60 credits - 12 months
- Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) - 120 credits - 24 months
- Masters of Science in GIS - 180 credits - 36 months
The modules are designed to directly meet the overall aims of the programme. The composition of the programme and the pathways that you can follow through it are shown below.
In Year 1 all modules are mandatory. The first three core modules provide knowledge of fundamental concepts and skills in GIS (GEOG5011M Principles of GIS, GEOG5021M: Using Databases and GIS (WUN) and GEOG5891M: Spatial Analysis (WUN) while the final Year 1 module ( GEOG5811M: GIS in the Workplace (WUN) ) provides opportunities for learning that are directly relevant to every day work and will involve consideration of practical 'real world' examples and case studies.
In Year 2 students choose a stream or specialisation (business, developer, environment, health, planning or remote sensing) consisting of two modules. The business, developer and planning streams are taught entirely by the University of Leeds, the health and remote sensing streams are taught by the University of Southampton and the environment stream is taught jointly between Leeds and Southampton. The remaining two modules in Year 2 are chosen from the list of optional modules provided below to reflect particular interests and workplace needs:
- GEOG5061M: GIS and Geocomputation (taught by the University of Leeds)
- Any of the stream modules
Students wishing to pursue the Masters degree are required to undertake an individual programme of original research (the 60 credit GEOG5221M Dissertation) in Year 3. Students who have chosen a health or environment stream will most likely complete their dissertation at the University of Southampton and graduate with a degree from that institute. Otherwise they will graduate with a qualification awarded by the University of Leeds.
