Apologies for any cross postings
Masters degree in Geographical Information Science by distance learning
Contact: Dr Richard Kelly +44 171 631 6474
Fax: +44 171 631 6498 [log in to unmask]
http://www.bbk.ac.uk/Departments/Geography/
The Department of Geography, Birkbeck College, University of London has
spaces left on its advanced and flexible Masters degree in Geographic
Information Science (GISci) for professionals and researchers working with
geographically referenced data. The degree is based on 20 years of
experience in GISci at Birkbeck and is taught by Prof. David Unwin, Dr
Jonathan Raper (now at City University) and Dr Richard Kelly with
contributions from Prof. John Shepherd, Dr Andrew Church and Prof. Les
Mayhew. The course covers the philosophical, scientific, social, policy,
environmental and technological issues associated with the use of
geographic information in an international context.
As the MSc is entirely delivered over the Internet by distance learning
techniques no attendance at Birkbeck College in London is required at any
stage of the course, although for those who are resident in the UK or who
visit London, facilities for study are provided (the Department is located
in the heart of London, 50m from Oxford Street). Students on the course
need access to the Internet to read the course materials, participate in
course discussion groups and submit coursework. It is the responsibility of
each student to equip themselves with this access locally. Students also
need access to a state of the art personal computer (minimum specifications
will be set out at registration) running an approved desktop GIS package.
Access to GIS for many students will be through their workplace, or if that
is not possible, by acquiring the software through Birkbeck at heavily
discounted prices negotiated directly with GIS vendors (note that any cost
for software will be in addition to the course fees). To receive copies of
papers or to make loans of books, students have access to the Birkbeck
Electronic Library and other UK library resources on-line and are eligible
to use the library services for distance learners provided by Birkbeck.
Full support for students on the course is given through a course tutor
system and course teachers attend the major annual GIS conferences
worldwide, at which course meetings are held.
The course runs from October to September each year and consists of three
course Modules:
COURSE MODULE 1 (Foundations) 12 weeks, two topics per week covering:
- course orientation, practice in the use of course GIS software
- principles of spatial representation
- new dimensions of representation
- application issues in specific sectors of GIS application
- design and interoperability issues for GI
COURSE MODULE 2 (Experiences) 12 weeks, two topics per week covering:
- GIS implementation strategies
- social and political context of spatial data
- GISci case studies
- GIS customisation project
COURSE MODULE 3 (Dissertation):
Supervised dissertation on a subject chosen by the student.
The degree can be taken in 1 year with a full time commitment, or over 2
years part time. Fees for part time EU students are GBP1450 p.a.
(approximately $2300) and for part-time non-EU students will be GBP1900 p.a.
(approximately $3000). Full details given on the web site.
We currently have students from all over the world and from many different
backgrounds so if you want to become involved in a leading edge MSc
programme that is fully international, please get in touch.
Contact: Dr Richard Kelly +44 171 631 6474
Fax: +44 171 631 6498 [log in to unmask]
http://www.bbk.ac.uk/Departments/Geography/
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