Short Course: Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing
About
The 'Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing’ module offers significant benefits to both the sector and learners. For the sector, it addresses the need for advanced technical skills in automating and optimising GIS and remote sensing analyses. By training professionals in Python programming, the module enhances the sector's capacity to develop repeatable and efficient workflows, leading to more accurate and timely data analysis. This capability is crucial for sectors such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management, where rapid and reliable data processing can significantly impact decision-making.
For learners, this module provides essential programming skills that are highly sought after in the job market. The focus on Python, a versatile and widely used programming language, ensures that participants can develop automated solutions for complex GIS applications. Additionally, the module's emphasis on academic writing skills prepares learners for the rigors of an MSc degree, enhancing their ability to communicate technical concepts effectively. This combination of programming expertise and academic proficiency equips learners with a competitive edge, enabling them to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to their fields.
Term dates
Start Date: Monday 9 March 2026, this course runs for 8 weeks over Semester 2.
Attendance
Typically, the course will have around 5 hours of taught content per week. Participants should expect to spend around 25 hours per week on the course. This is fully online course and on-campus attendance is not required.
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
This course is delivered through Blackboard, an online Virtual Learning Environment, through which we provide teaching materials, assignment instructions, links to electronic library resources and other reading materials, as well as discussion boards and other communication tools.
You will be assessed by coursework only and there are no sessional examinations. Assessment involves a mixture of methods including practical reports, problem analysis, research projects, presentations, blogs, online tests, and group work.
Academic Profile
Dr Robert McNabb – Dr Bob teaches various modules on advanced remote sensing methods, including the Photogrammetry and Advanced Image Analysis, and Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing modules. His main research focus has been on glacier change, and how glaciers impact not only the physical world, but terrestrial and marine ecosystems. At present, he is working on projects to study glacier changes in Alaska since the Little Ice Age, re-processing historic aerial and satellite images to study landscape and glacier changes, and mapping glaciers and landscape features using tools such as Google Earth Engine.
Career Options
Completing the Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing course opens a range of career opportunities where technical coding skills meet spatial analysis. Graduates can work as GIS Developers or GIS Analysts, automating workflows and creating efficient spatial data solutions, or as Remote Sensing Analysts, processing satellite and aerial imagery for environmental monitoring, urban planning, or disaster management. Other options include Geospatial Data Scientists, Location Intelligence Specialists, and Environmental Consultants, as well as roles in research or academia, where programming expertise enhances data analysis, modelling, and decision-making.
Further Information
Modules
This course comprises a single module on Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing
Entry requirements
Academic qualifications
You must hold a degree in a science, or other suitable discipline, or demonstrate your ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning.
As a normal requirement, applicants must hold an Honours degree (2:2 or above) with a substantial component of geography, environmental science, computing or other numerate discipline. Applicants with other equivalent and relevant qualifications or experience can also be considered on an individual basis.
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are 18 or over at the point of enrolment;
- have a right to work and undertake training in the UK at the point of application and for the duration of the course and must not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status. Proof of this will be required to progress your application. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements including competency in English (as evidenced by GCSE Grade C in English or alternative). For English competency, a degree taught in UK or Ireland covers this requirement. If your degree is from outside the UK or Ireland, please see our list of acceptable qualifications or tests.
- are available to register in person at the campus as required.
Apply now - limited places available
There are a limited number of places for this course. Offers will be extended to those applicants who meet the entry requirements following successful completion of the application process, and have provided evidence of such, on a first come, first served basis. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all offers are extended. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all places are filled. Applications cannot be considered once a course has started.
Please note you can only be funded by DfE for a maximum of two courses at any one time across all institutions who offer courses as part of SkillUp. You will only be permitted to study one course at Ulster in each academic year or a maximum of two microcredentials up to 45 credits per semester.
When creating your application you will need to have the following documents saved electronically as they need to be uploaded as part of the application process:
- Passport
- Evidence of having right to work and undertake training in the UK*
- Degree Certificate
- English Competency (If you have a degree from UK/ROI, you don't need to provide anything else)
* Holders of UK or Irish passports automatically have this right. if you hold a passport from another nation, please provide evidence of UK immigration permissions to include a ShareCode and/or BRP.
To select the correct course, in the field called Please select the subject area, select Green Skills from the drop down box. Then select Programming for GIS and Remote Sensing from the next drop down box.
