Environmental Management with Geographic Information Systems PgDip, MSc

About this course

This course aims to teach how environmental management and data handling tools, such as impact assessment, ecological monitoring and GIS are applied in making knowledge based decisions on managing the environment. This is considered in the context of environmental legislative/policy frameworks within which industry, government and voluntary bodies work.

Specific objectives are to:

• Understand the importance of evidence-based approach to environmental policy and strategic decision-making
• Apply quantitative techniques to assess the effects of environmental management
• Use GIS as a framework for collating, manipulating and managing spatial data relating to the environment
• Produce environmental impact statements and advise on implementing environmental management systems
• Apply structured planning principles to site biodiversity management and ecosystem restoration
• Monitor pollution and assess its environmental effects.

Modules

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Year 1

Semester 1

EGM 821 Pollution Monitoring

Optional

Module description

This module provides the knowledge and skills necessary to monitor pollution of the environment. The topics included are: the key elements of the monitoring programmes for air, water and land; sample collection; chemical methods of analysis, including quality assurance; biological methods of analysis, including toxicity tests and bioassessment; use of environmental models; statistics, data analysis and assessing compliance and; critical loads. The student gains experience through lectures, supporting documents, directed reading and practicals.

EGM 711 Principles of GIS

Optional

Module description

This module introduces the theory and practice of Geographic Information Systems, and is intended to provide an understanding of the breadth of potential GIS applications and to equip students with key concepts and skills relating to the input, management, manipulation, analysis and output of spatial data. Lecture-based teaching of key concepts is reinforced by linked practical exercises which allow students to develop competence in ESRI's ArcGIS package. The module assumes no prior knowledge or experience of GIS.

EGM 712 Spatial Data Management

Optional

Module description

This module builds on the knowledge and practical skills gained in EGM711 to provide students with further experience in the acquisition, manipulation and analysis of spatial data. Methods for generating and collecting digital spatial data from primary and secondary sources are considered, and data processing, selection, integration and analysis extensively practiced. Lecture and practical sessions include digitising, geo-registration, GPS, accessing and using secondary sources, spatial join and overlay, network analysis and 3D modelling, and incorporate experience of a variety of large and small scale vector and raster datasets. The module also incorporates practice in statistical analysis and interpretation. Development of GIS software skills focuses on ArcGIS and extensions.

EGM 713 Introduction to Remote Sensing

Optional

Module description

This postgraduate module offers students the opportunity to study the principles and applications of remote sensing and image analysis and to explore links between remote sensing and GIS. Students will become familiar with theoretical foundations of remote sensing and will develop technical skills through a series of software-based practical exercises and assignments using appropriate remote sensing and GIS software.

Year 1

Semester 2

EGM 804 Environmental Impact Assessment

Optional

Module description

This module introduces the concepts and requirements of environmental impact assessment, the methodology of planning and carrying out an environmental audit and the use of environmental management systems.

EGM 715 Web Based GIS

Optional

Module description

This module examines the role of programming within the GI industry. It aims to enable students to appreciate the need for programming skills that can be used to customise and develop applications. A range of programming skills is introduced which equip the student with knowledge of the potential and scope of programming within various applications.

EGM 716 Spatial Analysis

Optional

Module description

This module builds on the introductory material of EGM711 and EGM712, covering advanced concepts of spatial data analysis and modelling, and providing extensive practical experience of ESDA and spatial analysis and modelling within a GIS environment.

EGM 721 GIS for Environmental Management

Optional

Module description

This optional module examines the application of GIS to environmental management, modelling and impact assessment. It aims to enable students to appreciate the need for properly researched information to support strategic and operational environmental management decisions, and to be aware of the means by which such information can be obtained and evaluated.

Year 2

Semester 1

EGM 802 Environmental Data Analysis

Optional

Module Description

This module will provide new and synthesise existing knowledge and skills necessary to understand analyse environmental data. Statistics, environmental modelling, geographical information systems and presentation skills will all be taught and demonstrated. The students will put this knowledge into action in the form of worked examples and assessments. Knowledge and evaluation techniques are provided in lectures, skills developed during worked examples and demonstrated by assessments.

EGM 711 Principles of GIS

Optional

Module description

This module introduces the theory and practice of Geographic Information Systems, and is intended to provide an understanding of the breadth of potential GIS applications and to equip students with key concepts and skills relating to the input, management, manipulation, analysis and output of spatial data. Lecture-based teaching of key concepts is reinforced by linked practical exercises which allow students to develop competence in ESRI's ArcGIS package. The module assumes no prior knowledge or experience of GIS.

EGM 712 Spatial Data Management

Optional

Module description

This module builds on the knowledge and practical skills gained in EGM711 to provide students with further experience in the acquisition, manipulation and analysis of spatial data. Methods for generating and collecting digital spatial data from primary and secondary sources are considered, and data processing, selection, integration and analysis extensively practiced. Lecture and practical sessions include digitising, geo-registration, GPS, accessing and using secondary sources, spatial join and overlay, network analysis and 3D modelling, and incorporate experience of a variety of large and small scale vector and raster datasets. The module also incorporates practice in statistical analysis and interpretation. Development of GIS software skills focuses on ArcGIS and extensions.

EGM 713 Introduction to Remote Sensing

Optional

Module description

This postgraduate module offers students the opportunity to study the principles and applications of remote sensing and image analysis and to explore links between remote sensing and GIS. Students will become familiar with theoretical foundations of remote sensing and will develop technical skills through a series of software-based practical exercises and assignments using appropriate remote sensing and GIS software.

Year 2

Semester 2

EGM 801 Biodiversity Management

Optional

Module description

Biodiversity managers make decisions based on understanding ecosystems and by applying ecological principles to achieve their objectives. This module covers key scientific topics, which are crucial for developing effective biodiversity management plans in different ecosystems. It exemplifies how ecological-social-economic factors interact to influence our ability to conserve and manage biodiversity.

EGM 715 Web Based GIS

Optional

Module description

This module examines the role of programming within the GI industry. It aims to enable students to appreciate the need for programming skills that can be used to customise and develop applications. A range of programming skills is introduced which equip the student with knowledge of the potential and scope of programming within various applications.

EGM 716 Spatial Analysis

Optional

Module description

This module builds on the introductory material of EGM711 and EGM712, covering advanced concepts of spatial data analysis and modelling, and providing extensive practical experience of ESDA and spatial analysis and modelling within a GIS environment.

EGM 721 GIS for Environmental Management

Optional

Module description

This optional module examines the application of GIS to environmental management, modelling and impact assessment. It aims to enable students to appreciate the need for properly researched information to support strategic and operational environmental management decisions, and to be aware of the means by which such information can be obtained and evaluated.

Year 3

Semester 1/2/3

Environmental Management with GIS Project

This module provides students with the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of research in an area of particular interest to the student. The student will be assessed on their project plan, a literature review, a poster/presentation and a research paper on an area agreed with the student's supervisor.

Optional Modules

Optional modules are reviewed on a Programme each year and we may change the options available to you, to reflect our staff expertise, changes in Programme requirements or to reflect feedback that we have received from other Students, employers or other interested parties.

If your Programme contains optional modules, you will be provided with a list of these in good time so that you can choose the options right for you each year. Sometimes, we may not be able to run a particular optional module because not enough Students sign up for it or because a member of staff is not available to teach a module. Where this may be the case, we will let you know when you are provided with your option choices, and you will be able to choose an alternative if one of your selected modules does not run.

Attendance

Fully online - part-time by distance learning. You do not need to visit Ulster at any stage to successfully complete this course.

The Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) Environmental Management with GIS and the Master of Science (MSc) Environmental Management with GIS are linked courses. You must successfully complete the PgDip (120 credit points) before transferring to the MSc (a further 60 credit points), i.e.to get the full MSc you complete 180 credit points in total.

For the MSc an additional two semesters are required to complete the project module i.e. three years in total part-time (6 semesters).

Start dates

• September 2026
• January 2027

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Assessment is 100% by course work with no examinations. There is a mixture of methods including practical reports, problem analysis, projects, literature reviews and essays, class tests, group work and a research project.

Students are able to use the University's extensive online resources of electronic journals, books and databases to support this work.

Academic Delivery and Award Information

The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.

Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:

• the relevant generic national Qualification Descriptor
• the applicable Subject Benchmark Statement
• the requirements of any professional, regulatory, statutory and accrediting bodies.

Attendance and Independent Study

As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.

Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.

The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.

Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.

Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes.  You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.

Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.

Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.

Calculation of the Final Award

The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).

Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.

All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study.

In Masters degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.

Figures from the academic year 2022-2023.

Academic profile

Standard Entry Conditions

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Careers and Opportunities

Students on the course join us from a variety of backgrounds:

• those working in the environmental sector who take the course as part of continuing professional development and to further career opportunities.
• those working in sectors that want to adopt environmental practices and ensure their activities are more environmentally sustainable.
• those wishing to change careers and move into the environmental sector

Key skills which will be developed are:

• Knowledge of drivers of environmental management
• Ecological monitoring
• Research analysis and data interpretation techniques
• Management, processing, analysis, interpretation and presentation of geo-spatial data
• Operation and use of Geographic Information Systems.

Work placement / study abroad

There is no opportunity to undertake a work placement as part of this postgraduate programme.

Fees and Funding

The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.

For modules commenced in the academic year 2026/27, the following fees apply:

Fees

Credit Points	NI/ROI/GB and EU Settled Status Cost	International Cost*
1	£41.61	£101.72
10	£416	£1,017
20	£832	£2,034
30	£1248	£3,052
60	£2,497	£6,103
120	£4,993	£12,206
180	£7,490	£18,310

A standard full-time PGCert is equivalent to 60 credit points per year. A standard full-time PGDip is equivalent to 120 credit points per year. A standard full-time Masters is equivalent to 180 credit points per year. Master of Fine Art, Masters with Applied Research and our Extended programmes are equivalent to 240 credit points.

*Please note our on campus part-time postgraduate courses are not open to international (non-EU) students.

Fees Notice - January Start

Important Notice: Fees information for programmes with a January 2027 start date

Ulster University has two main intakes for Academic Year 26/27 – 1. September 2026 and 2. January 2027.
Many of our programmes which start in January will continue into Academic Year 27/28 and consequently any modules undertaken in Academic Year 27/28 will be charged at our 27/28 prices.

If your study continues into future academic years your fees are subject to an annual increase. Please take this into consideration when you estimate your total fees for a degree.

International Students

• International Student fees for programmes commencing in January 2027

Students from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Great Britain

For those who are starting a programme in January which continues into Academic Year 27/28, 27/28 fees are currently not available. To help with budget planning please refer to the 26/27 fees. These are subject to increase.

• Visit our Fees pages for full details of fees

Additional mandatory costs are highlighted where they are known in advance. There are other costs associated with university study.

Fees are subject to annual increase. Correct at the time of publishing. Terms and conditions apply.

Scholarships, awards and prizes

The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management sponsor a prize for best student thesis.

Find the right scholarship for you

See if you can access financial or other forms of support, including mentorship to excel in your studies.

View available scholarships.

Additional mandatory costs

There are no additional costs associated with this course

It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.

Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.

There are additional fees for examination resits and library fines. Where a graduation ceremony is part of your course, please be aware that additional fees will apply.

Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.

See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.

Sustainability

Ulster continues to develop and support sustainability initiatives with our staff, students, and external partners across various aspects of teaching, research, professional services operations, and governance.

At Ulster every person, course, research project, and professional service area on every campus either does or can contribute in some way towards the global sustainability and climate change agenda.

We are guided by both our University Strategy People, Place and Partnerships: Delivering Sustainable Futures for All and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our work in this area is already being recognised globally.  Most recently by the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact rating where we were recognised as Joint 5^th Globally for Outreach Activities and Joint Top 20 Globally for Sustainable Development Goal 17:  Partnership for the Goals.

Visit our Sustainability at Ulster destination to learn more about how the University strategy and the activities of Ulster University support each of the Sustainable Development Goals.

• Sustainability at Ulster University

Faculty of Life and Health Sciences – Sustainability in Focus

Learning and Teaching

Our Faculty is dedicated to integrating sustainability across our curriculum, preparing students to address global environmental challenges.

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) have been incorporated throughout each course within the Faculty and each module outlines how and where they meet these SDG’s.

Subject specific guidance on sustainability has been provided in the QAA benchmarks statements for Biomedical Science and Biomedical Sciences; Biosciences; Chemistry; Optometry; Psychology; Earth Sciences; Veterinary Nursing; Agriculture; Rural –Environmental Sciences; Animal Studies; Consumer Science; Forestry, Food Horticulture –and –Human Nutrition; Health Studies; Earth Sciences and Geography.

Research and Knowledge Exchange

Our Faculty has key centres of research excellence within all Schools and our interdisciplinary approach brings together researchers from diverse fields to develop impactful solutions.

By advancing knowledge in various fields within the faculty, we aim to identify sustainable approaches to:

• Health promotion
• Achieving food security improved nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture
• Ensuring healthy lives and promote wellbeing
• Promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all
• Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls
• Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
• Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
• Conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
• Promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems
• Promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development
• Implementation and revitalisation of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development

External Partnerships

Collaboration is key to driving sustainability. Our Faculty partners with external stakeholders including professional bodies and learned societies to enhance the sustainability journey for all our students and to promote sustainable practices.

External partnerships enable us to apply research and innovation to real-world challenges. We drive meaningful change in local communities, industries, and global ecosystems, fostering a more sustainable society through impactful projects and community engagement.

Contact

For more information visit

• Visit Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
• Visit School of Geography and Environmental Sciences

Student and Employer Stories

Eric

The Environmental Management with GIS course is very good programme and I have never regretted doing it.

First and foremost, the programme enables you to work on your own pace though with deadlines of submission of assignments and projects, but it is very good for people who may not be able to do full time learning.

Second, I did really enjoy all the modules and they are tailored to meet the right skills and knowledge needed to do my work. I was actually not working on Environmental industry at the time I was enrolled, but it has equipped me with the knowledge and skills which I am applying at the school I am teaching especially the GIS modules.

Third, the environmental management project (research project) equipped and prepared me with the knowledge,skills and experience required for further research projects and I am currently looking forward to pursue my Ph.D. Finally, I like the method of delivering lessons, they were effective and manageable as a distance student. I learnt a lot from the group assignments and the virtual system that enables students to communicate or contact one another for discussion. You will not feel like you are left alone. The materials provided by all the lecturers were very current and helpful with lots of references or other reading lists. The administration team were very supportive and respond promptly with any query when you call them.

David

The course was important for my career and I hope that it will help me to progress in my company in the future. Distance learning was very important for me as I would have had no chance of getting a masters without it! But it can be a long slog! However, the support of
staff was very important and the most helpful for me personally is simply being able to email any questions directly to the relevant member of staff. The modules were very relevant although additional modules on ecology or ecological systems might be interesting. The project module is very useful in that you can specialise in something which is relevant to your work thus meeting any shortfall in the rest of the course. I had a positive experience of the course and would recommend it to others- particularly those who can work well on their own.

Terms and Conditions

1. We prepare our prospectus and online information about our courses with care and every effort is made to ensure that the information is accurate. The printed version of the prospectus is, however, published at least a year before the courses begin. Information included in the prospectus may, therefore, change. This includes, but is not limited to changes to the terms, content, delivery, location, method of assessments or lengths of the courses described. Not all circumstances are foreseeable, but changes will normally be made for one of the following reasons:

• to meet external, professional, or accredited body requirements;
• to provide for exceptional circumstances due to reasons beyond our reasonable control;
• to improve or enhance your experience, or to adopt changes recommended in student feedback, with the aim of improving the student experience and/or student outcomes; and/or
• to ensure appropriate academic standards are met, for example in response to external examiners’ feedback.

2. If there are insufficient enrolments to make a course viable, it may be necessary for the University to withdraw a course. If you have received an offer for a course that we subsequently have to close, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss alternative courses. If you do not wish to study any alternative courses at the University, you may withdraw your application by informing us by email to admissions@ulster.ac.uk.

3. Please note that the University’s website is the most up-to-date source of information regarding courses, campuses and facilities and we strongly recommend that you always visit the website before making any commitments.

4. We will include a durable PDF when we send you an offer letter which will highlight any changes made to our prospectus or online information about our courses. You should read this carefully and ensure you fully understand what you are agreeing to before accepting a place on one of our courses.

5. The University will always try to deliver the course as described in the durable PDF you receive with your offer letter.

6. At any point after an offer has been made, students will be notified of any course changes in writing (usually by email) as soon as reasonably practicable and we will take all reasonable steps to minimise their impact where possible. The University will, where possible and reasonably practicable, seek the express consent of the student in regard to any changes concerning material or pre-contract information.

7. The University website will be updated to reflect the changed course information as soon as reasonably practicable.

8. If, after due consideration, you decide that you no longer want to study your course or to study at the University because of the changes, you may withdraw your application or terminate your contract with the University. In order to do so, you should notify us in writing by emailing admissions@ulster.ac.uk (and update UCAS if applicable). We will, on request, recommend alternative courses that you could study with us, or suggest a suitable course at an alternative higher education provider.

9. If you do not agree that the changes are fair, you can seek redress under the Student Complaints Procedures.

10. Providing the University has complied with the requirements of all applicable consumer protection laws, the University does not accept responsibility for the consequences of any modification, relocation or cancellation of any course, or part of a course, offered by the University. The University will give due and proper consideration to the effects thereof on individual students and take the steps necessary to minimise the impact of such effects on those affected.

11. The University is not liable for disruption to its provision of educational or other services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control providing it takes all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to such services.

12. The published Academic Calendar sets out the University’s standard teaching, assessment, and vacation periods. These dates do not apply to all programmes. Individual programmes may operate different start dates, teaching periods, assessment schedules, or vacation arrangements, and some may include teaching or assessment outside the standard University terms. This is particularly common for programmes with professional accreditation requirements, clinical or practice‑based teaching, placements, fieldwork, or intensive study blocks. Full‑time 12‑month programmes, particularly postgraduate taught courses, may operate across the full academic year and typically continue through the summer period without a standard vacation break.

Applicants and students should not rely solely on the central academic calendar when making decisions about accommodation, travel, employment, or other commitments. Programme‑specific schedules will normally be confirmed in programme information, offer documentation and programme handbooks.

The University takes reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of published information but reserves the right to make changes where reasonably necessary, including to maintain academic standards or to comply with regulatory or professional requirements. Where changes materially affect students, the University will take reasonable steps to notify affected students and applicants in advance where possible.

13. Further information can be found in our terms and conditions.

Student Terms and Conditions

The full Student Terms and Conditions is now available.