PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
Geospatial Analysis
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
(where stopping off points exist they should
be detailed here and defined later in the
document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
MSc
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the
administration of the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
UCL Department of Geography
Method of study:
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Full-time/Part-time
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
Upper 2nd class honours degree in a relevant subject such as
Geography, Earth or Environmental Science, Geomatics or
Oceanography. Applicants with relevant professional experience in
spatial analysis and decision support will also be considered.
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from
UCL, such as study abroad or placements
in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
N/A
From 2011/2012 intake onwards
University College London
http://www.geog.ucl.ac.uk/admissions-and-teaching/postgraduates
Level 7
N/A
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme and its assessment
methods:
(see guidance notes)
Term 1: 4 core modules, each of 15 credits:
GIS Principles and Technology (coursework); Mapping Science
(exam); Principles of Spatial Analysis (coursework); and
Representations, Structures and Algorithms (coursework).
Term 2: Choice of 4 modules to value of 60 credits out of the
following:
Airborne Data Acquisition (coursework); Coastal Change
(coursework); Climate Modelling (coursework); Geodemographics &
Population
Geography (coursework); Geographic Information System Design
(coursework); Management/Group Project (coursework); Network &
Locational Analysis (coursework); Spatial Decision Support
(coursework); Spatio-temporal Analysis & Data Mining (coursework);
Surface Water Modelling (coursework); Terrestrial Carbon: Modelling
& Monitoring (coursework); and Web & Mobile GIS (coursework).
Dissertation with poster presentation and marked components.
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
Physical Geography MSc Exam Board
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
NERC recognition to be applied for at the
next available opportunity.
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
There is a pressing and growing need for scientists who have expertise in one or more domains of environmental
modelling and GIS-based spatial analysis and decision support. Such scientists are able to integrate new, highresolution data sets with appropriate analytical tools and computational environments to provide evidence-based,
policy-relevant research findings to inform decision-making and policy-making across all sectors of the economy.
Such scientists are also ideally placed to help support public understanding of environmental science and its policy
relevance. The course combines a rigorous treatment of the theory underlying, and methods of implementing and
exploiting, spatial analysis and decision support. The options provide the opportunity to develop expertise in
modelling and analysis in one or more areas of environmental science with social and policy dimensions. The MSc
provides an ideal foundation for PhD research, or for prospective employment within a wide range of industries,
government departments, environmental agencies, and consultancies.
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures, practicals and seminars associated with four
compulsory courses in term 1 and modules of the
student’s choice in term 2.
Independent dissertation.
Assessment:
-
-
-
the principles and nature of
geographic data and its
representation, including data models
and databases
spatial analysis methodologies and
analytical methods
the role of information and analysis in
evidence-based decision support
computational environments
principles of environmental modelling
in one or more domains
linkages between analysis and
modelling in the environmental and
social domains and their relevance to
policy development
climate change policy
public understanding of climate
change science
Students will be assessed through coursework
developed around largely lecture and practical-based
modules. Coursework will be designed to reflect
conceptual understanding as well as the acquisition of
the relevant conceptual, analytical and interpretative
skills.
The dissertation will also assess many of these aspects
of knowledge and understanding.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
-
an understanding of the theory,
methodologies and techniques
underlying spatial analysis and
decision support
- computer-based modelling, including
the ability to conceptualise a problem
and select appropriate
representations, structures and
algorithms for use with appropriate
computational and analytical
frameworks.
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
-
proficiency with scientific computing,
including the ability to obtain and
manipulate datasets
IT skills, including the use of Windows
and unix/linux-based GIS and
scientific computing environments and
sophisticated modelling, analytical and
visualisation software
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Laboratory and computer-based practical classes,
supported by lectures.
Independent dissertation work.
Assessment:
These elements will be formally assessed through
independent project work and practical-based
coursework.
Furthermore, the dissertation (and the associated oral
presentation) will reflect and be judged on the familiarity
and quality of these intellectual skills.
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Laboratory and computer-based practical classes,
supported by lectures.
Assessment:
These elements will be formally assessed through
practical-based coursework.
Furthermore, the dissertation (and the associated oral
presentation) will reflect and be judged on the familiarity
and quality of these intellectual skills.
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
formulate and manage research
projects
- communication skills (written and oral)
- problem solving
- independent learning skills
- teamwork
-
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Seminars and associated feed-back
Group work during practical classes and in seminar
preparation
Individual oral presentations
Dissertation and associated supervision and guidance
Assessment:
Embedded in various forms of course assessment,
including examination, course work essays and planning
and conducting of the dissertation
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s)
Dr Paul Densham
Name(s):
Date of Production:
15 March 2010
Date of Review:
October 2015
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
October 2015
November 2015