Short Course: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Databases
Course closed for 2025 entry
The 'GIS Databases’ module offers substantial benefits to both the sector and learners. For the sector, it addresses the critical need for high-quality data storage and management within Geographic Information Systems (GIS). By training professionals in database design, Structured Query Language (SQL), and the manipulation of both non-spatial and spatial data, the module enhances the sector's ability to maintain robust and efficient GIS databases. This leads to improved data integrity, accessibility, and analytical capabilities, which are essential for informed decision-making in various fields such as urban planning, environmental management, and logistics.
For learners, this module provides a comprehensive understanding of the role and importance of GIS databases. The practical exercises focusing on MySQL, PostgreSQL, and PostGIS ensure that participants gain hands-on experience with widely used database systems. This practical knowledge, combined with theoretical insights, equips learners with the skills needed to design and manage high-quality databases. As a result, they become highly valuable in the job market, capable of contributing effectively to the development and maintenance of GIS systems in diverse industries. This module not only enhances their technical expertise but also broadens their career prospects and professional growth.
Start dates
This course is delivered fully online for 6 weeks in Semester 1, starting 22 September 2025, with no on campus attendance requirements.
Delivery format (fully online)
Typically the course will have 5 hours of taught content per week. Those undertaking the course should expect to spend 25 hours per week on the course.
Teaching, learning and assessment
The 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.
Career options
Graduates of this course will be well-equipped for roles such as GIS Analyst, Spatial Data Scientist, GIS Database Administrator, Geospatial Software Developer, Urban or Environmental Planner, Remote Sensing Analyst, and Logistics or Location Intelligence Specialist. The course develops highly transferable skills, including relational database design and management with MySQL and PostgreSQL, spatial data handling using PostGIS, and proficiency in SQL for both spatial and non-spatial data. Learners will also gain strong problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as a solid understanding of data integrity, optimization, and scalability—making them valuable across industries such as urban planning, environmental management, logistics, public health, and infrastructure development.
Academic Profile
Dr Paul McKenzie – Dr Paul is a Chartered Geographer (GIS) and a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society (FRGS). His research focuses on the development of risk models for poverty mapping across large spatial scales. Other interests include the use of remotely sensed data to map and monitor the environment and the fusion of remotely sensed datasets to extract features in urban and agricultural landscapes. Paul has also a keen interest in developing the use of GIS in Schools.
This work has received a range of national and European awards and Paul leads the “digital earth Centre of Excellence” at Ulster University. Paul’s research uses spatial data and GIS to build area-based models that can be used to identify vulnerable communities. He is currently working on the FAIR (Fuel and transport poverty in the UK’s energy transition) project funded by CREDS. The project examines the intersections between fuel and transport poverty, and low carbon energy transitions, in the UK.
Further Information
Modules
The course comprises a single module on GIS Databases.
Entry requirements
Academic qualifications
You must hold an honours degree (2:2 minimum) in a science, or other suitable discipline, or demonstrate your ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning.
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.
