Geographical Information Systems (Work Experience)

In this module you will expand your knowledge and application of cutting-edge GIS techniques. You will focus on new emerging technologies in GIS, including AI and cloud computing, and plan for your continued professional development to keep pace with the advancing field.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Spatial statistics
• AI and machine learning
• Python and SQL
• Network analysis
• Spatial autocorrelation and hotspot analysis

In this module you will apply your expertise to a professional context. You will experience the use of GIS in a range of professional contexts, and apply your skills to a real-life project in partnership with colleagues in the industry.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Contacting clients
• Site visits
• Effective GIS consultancy
• Professionalism and CV skills
• Making the most of conference attendance

In this module you will use data collection and GIS analysis techniques to monitor change, and then communicate your findings effectively online.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Remote Sensing and Drone monitoring
• Error classification
• GIS and the Internet of Things
• Statistical Downscaling
• Online data presentation

This module supports your professional development through meaningful work experience. You’ll apply your learning in an industry setting, reflect on your development, and gain insight into your chosen industry. With guidance from your Placement Academic Supervisor, you’ll connect theory to practice and build the skills needed for graduate-level employment.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Applying course knowledge in a professional setting
• Developing key workplace behaviours and attitudes
• Strengthening communication and problem-solving skills
• Building creativity, resilience, and teamwork
• Growing your professional network and relationships
• Understanding industry structures and expectations
• Making informed career decisions
• Reflecting on your learning and contribution
• Sharing progress with your academic supervisor
• Preparing for graduate-level roles and responsibilities

Module aim:    

The aim of this module is to enhance students’ professional development through the completion of, and reflection on meaningful work experience. 

A work experience will provide students with opportunities to experience the realities of professional employment and experience how their course can be applied within their chosen industry setting. The placement will: 

• Allow student to apply the skills, theories and behaviours relevant and in addition to their course. 

• Enable students to enhance their interpersonal skills in demand by graduate employers – communication, problem solving, creativity, resilience, team work etc.  

• Grow their student network and relationship building skills. 

• Provide students with insights into the industry and sector in which their placement occurs. 

• Help student make informed graduate careers choices. 

Indicative Content:  

In this module, students will undertake a work experience (minimum duration and expectations as per HESA regulations – clarified on assignment brief/Blackboard) which is integrated, assessed and aligned to their studies and appropriate for their level of study.  

Their personal Placement Academic Supervisor (PAS) will be their key point of contact during their work experience and will encourage and support students to reflect on their experience, learning and contribution to the organisation they work for.  

To demonstrate gains in professional development, students will be required to share their progress, learning and achievements with their Placement Academic Supervisor and reflect on these for the summative piece of work. 

This module develops your toolkit of skills to understand society and the natural environment. In this module, you will integrate core GIS skills with the broader fieldwork, literacy, numeracy, and presentation skills that a modern GIS professional requires.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Geographical Information Systems
• Desk-based Site Survey
• Collecting field data
• Statistical analysis
• Python for Environmental Science
• Cartography
• Data plotting

In this module you will advance our understanding of the world though the application of your professional skills. You will plan and execute an independent project, with a freedom to explore the range of topics that your developed skillset allows.

You’ll study topics such as:

• Working as part of a research group
• Identifying research gaps in the literature
• Writing a research proposal
• Executing independent research