MSc in Geographical Information Management

This MSc is unique in providing a balanced coverage of the key GIS technologies. The course has been developed in collaboration with industry, in response to the increased demand globally for multi-disciplinary managers, advisors and consultants in resource management. The international nature of this course means that career opportunities are not restricted to the UK. Cranfield graduates develop careers around the world.

Overview

• Start date: October
• Duration: One year full-time, two-three years part-time
• Delivery: Taught modules 40%, Group projects (dissertation for part-time students) 20%, Individual project 40%.
• Qualification: MSc
• Study type: Full-time/Part-time
• Campus: Cranfield campus

Who is it for?

We welcome students from a variety of backgrounds who have a passion for technology and data, have an interest in solving real-world problems and making a positive impact. You will acquire experience of world-class spatial problem solving and develop a range of personal and leadership skills to set you on the path for a challenging and rewarding career in one of the growing range of industrial and research sectors that now routinely make use of the GI technologies. The course involves a varied selection of case study work, tutorials and lectures led by centre staff and senior visiting lecturers from industry.

Why this course?

Geographical information management is an exciting and rapidly growing branch of information technology (IT) incorporating satellite remote sensing, aerial photography and other spatial data such as soil survey information, to derive information which is essential for the management of the earth's resources. A suite of technologies exists that can be applied at local, national and global levels to issues such as climate change, improving farming yields, tropical deforestation, transportation, smart navigation systems, disaster response management, recreation, property management and telecommunications.

Sustainable use or conservation of the earth's resources requires the organisation, exploitation and integration of technologies such as database management, image processing and digital cartography, to ensure the provision of high quality, reliable and up-to-date information. The Geographical Information Management programme has been developed in collaboration with industry, in response to the increased demand globally for multi-disciplinary managers, advisors and consultants in resource management.

The course is an exciting combination of rigorous academic, technical and practical training. It provides a thorough training in technical, analytical and research skills needed for a career in this expanding field. Throughout the programme, students focus on identifying problems and creating solutions through the selection and integration of the appropriate technologies.

Informed by Industry

Our courses are designed to meet the training needs of industry and have a strong input from experts in their sector. This gives our students the confidence to know that what they are learning is both relevant and beneficial to building a rewarding career in this sector.

These include:

• ERM
• GIGL
• WRG
• WRc PLC
• Enviros
• Golder
• Unilever
• Neales Waste
• Natural England
• National Trust
• Trucost
• SLR Consulting
• FWAG
• RSPB
• PA Consulting
• Joint Research Centre, Ispra
• Adas
• Cresswell Associates
• Chartered Institute of Waste Management
• Geospatial Insight
• Oakdene Hollins
• Chartered Institute of Water and Environment Management
• Health Protection Agency
• Highview Power Storage
• Nomura Code Securities
• Astrium Geo-information Services
• Environment Agency
• Landscape Science Consultancy

Course details

This course comprises eight modules, a group project and an individual project. Courses are not isolated from the real world and many are supported by research groups working on cutting-edge programmes.

This programme includes an individual research thesis which provides an opportunity to study a problem in some detail, whilst some of the courses also include a group design project allowing the realism of industrial projects to be introduced. Additionally, the taught component of the programme is supported by visits and seminars. The individual modules are linked through case studies and practical work so that different aspects of the geographical information technologies are integrated.

Group project

The group project experience during the course is highly valued by both students and prospective employers. It provides students with the opportunity to take responsibility for a consultancy-type project while working under academic supervision. It also enables students to start building essential industry links and knowledge whilst studying.

The projects involve the application and integration of component technologies:

• GIS
• GPS and remote sensing
• field methods, and statistical analysis to produce quality-assured innovative solutions.

Recent group projects include:

• Using GIS Mapping With UAV Integration And Historic Flood Extents To Explore Flood Emergency Response Pathways
• Integrated catchment planning using a natural capital approach: a case study of the Bristol Avon

Individual project

The individual project is either industrially or University driven. Students select the individual project in consultation with the course team. It provides the opportunity to demonstrate independent research ability, the ability to think and work in an original way, contribute to knowledge, and overcome genuine problems in relation to the management of the earth's resources. It also offers students the opportunity to work and build links with the types of the organisation they will be seeking employment with on successful completion of the course.

Assessment

Taught modules 40%, Group projects (dissertation for part-time students) 20%, Individual project 40%.

Your career

Successful students develop diverse and rewarding careers in the spatial information industry, national and local government, consultancies, utilities and research organisations. The international nature of this course means that career opportunities are not restricted to the UK. Cranfield graduates develop careers around the world.

Cranfield is the leading British University in terms of income generated from industrially and commercially-funded research. The applied GIS and related research our staff undertake are fed back into our GIS teaching programmes, thereby ensuring all students who complete the Geographical Information Management programme are equipped at the leading edge. The courses offered are internationally recognised by employers across the scientific, industrial and educational communities.

Previous students have entered many forms of employment. Graduates follow careers in the consulting industry or with government research establishments. Some are successfully running their own companies.

Successful graduates have been able to pursue or enhance careers in a variety of key areas such as:

Data Scientist, Academic Researcher, Geospatial Analyst, GIS officer and Remote Sensing Scientist.

Cranfield Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you find the job you want after leaving Cranfield. We will work with you to identify suitable opportunities and support you in the job application process for up to three years after graduation. We have been providing Masters level training for over 20 years. Our strong reputation and links with potential employers provide you with outstanding opportunities to secure interesting jobs and develop successful careers. The increasing interest in sustainability and corporate and social responsibility has also enhanced the career prospects of our graduates.

Tuition

Cranfield University welcomes applications from students from all over the world for our postgraduate programmes. The Home/EU student fees listed continue to apply to EU students.

• Home-EU:
  • MSc Full-time £10,250
  • MSc Part-time £1,635*
• Overseas fees:
  • MSc Full-time £20,500
  • MSc Part-time £20,500**

* This course has an annual registration fee and a fee per taught module. The fee quoted above is the annual registration fee and this amount will be invoiced annually. The fee for each taught module is £1,340 and this amount will be payable on attendance. The course consists of a number of taught modules with each module usually worth 10 credits. MSc and PgDip awards consist of 8 taught modules and PgCert awards consist of 6 taught modules. Where a module is worth either 5 credits or 20 credits then the module fee will be adjusted accordingly (so a 5 credit module fee will be halved and a 20 credit module fee will be doubled).

** Fees can be paid in full up front, or in equal annual instalments. Students who complete their course before the initial end date will be invoiced the outstanding fee balance and must pay in full prior to graduation.

Fee notes:

• The fees outlined apply to all students whose initial date of registration falls on or between 1 August 2019 and 31 July 2020.
• All students pay the tuition fee set by the University for the full duration of their registration period agreed at their initial registration.
• A deposit may be payable, depending on your course.
• Additional fees for extensions to the agreed registration period may be charged.
• Fee eligibility at the Home/EU rate is determined with reference to UK Government regulations. As a guiding principle, EU nationals (including the UK) who are ordinarily resident in the EU pay Home/EU tuition fees, all other students (including those from the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees.

Entry requirements

A first or second class UK Honours degree in a relevant science, engineering or related discipline; or the international equivalent of these UK qualifications. Other relevant qualifications, together with significant experience, may be considered.

English Language

If you are an international student you will need to provide evidence that you have achieved a satisfactory test result in an English qualification. Our minimum requirements are as follows:

• IELTS Academic - 6.5 overall
• TOEFL - 92
• Pearson PTE Academic - 65
• Cambridge English Scale - 180
• Cambridge English: Advanced - C
• Cambridge English: Proficiency - C
• Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English III - minimum overall score of pass

In addition to these minimum scores, you are also expected to achieve a balanced score across all elements of the test. We reserve the right to reject any test score if any one element of the test score is too low.

We can only accept tests taken within two years of your registration date (with the exception of Cambridge English tests which have no expiry date).

Students requiring a Tier 4 (General) visa must ensure they can meet the English language requirements set out by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and we recommend booking an IELTS for UKVI test.

Applicants who do not already meet the English language entry requirement for their chosen Cranfield course can apply to attend one of our Presessional English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses. We offer Winter/Spring and Summer programmes each year to offer holders.