Course Summary
Empower your future: Gain hands-on GIS skills through flexible learning to secure your career.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
The normal requirement is an Honours degree (2:2 or above) with a substantial component of geography, environmental science or computing, but we will consider applicants with other equivalent and relevant qualifications or experience on an individual basis.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements
• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country
Application Details
Your Application
You can apply directly to Ulster at any time of year. We advise that you submit your application no later than two weeks prior to your course start date. This is to ensure there is sufficient time for your application to be reviewed and, should you be made an offer, time for you to complete all the necessary pre-enrolment tasks.
Some programmes will have specific deadlines as additional selection (e.g. interview, portfolio submission etc) is required, so please check the course page to ensure you have sufficient time to complete your application.
Start Date: September 2026.
Fees
Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink" below).
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Career Progression
GIS and geospatial technologies are at the forefront of a rapidly growing, multi-billion-dollar industry, now mainstream in both public and private sectors. This growth has created a high demand for graduates with theoretical and practical skills.
Our graduates have secured a variety of GIS-related roles worldwide, including roles such as technicians, analysts, scientists, surveyors, data specialists, mapping officers, consultants, project managers. They work across diverse sectors, including: mapping agencies, GIS and SatNav companies, environmental consultancies, ecological and marine resource management, renewable energy, forestry, fisheries, town planning, heritage agencies, health and emergency services, housing authorities, local government, aid agencies, countryside recreation, rural development, retail analysis, utilities and infrastructure, education, mining, and the oil industry.
The versatility of GIS ensures a wide range of job opportunities. Additionally, knowledge of geospatial data is increasingly valuable in many fields outside the GI profession, enhancing employability across various industries.
We are proud members of the Remote Sensing & Photogrammetry Society (RSPSoc) (opens in new window), the UK’s leading professional body dedicated to advancing the science, technology, and practical applications of remote sensing and photogrammetry, providing students and researchers access to knowledge, networking, and professional development. Students on this course are eligible for FREE membership of the RSPSoc.
Duration
PG Diploma: 8 months full-time
MSc: 12 months full-time
As a distance learning student, you can choose your own study hours each week. However, as a full-time student, you should expect to dedicate an average of 35-40 hours per week to the course. Part-time enrolment is also available (please refer to the separate prospectus entry for details on course duration and study hours per week).
This course is fully online and part-time, with no requirement to visit Ulster University at any stage.
PG Diploma: 2 academic years part-time
MSc: 3 academic years part-time
As a distance learning student, you can choose your own study hours each week. However, as a part-time student, you should expect to dedicate an average of 17-20 hours per week to the course. Full-time enrolment is also available (please refer to the separate prospectus entry for details on course duration and study hours per week).
Students wishing to study at a slower pace than the standard part-time course can enrol for one module per semester instead of two.