Short Course: Web-based GIS
About
The 'Web-based GIS’ module offers substantial benefits to both the sector and learners. For the sector, it addresses the growing need for web-based GIS solutions that are accessible, scalable, and user-friendly. By training professionals in the use of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as packages like OpenLayers and GeoServer, the module enhances the sector's ability to develop and deploy innovative GIS applications. This leads to improved data visualisation, better decision-making, and more efficient management of spatial information.
For learners, this module provides a comprehensive introduction to web-based GIS, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The focus on programming fundamentals and interface design equips participants with the technical expertise needed to create customised GIS applications. The hands-on practical work ensures that learners can apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, making them highly valuable in the job market.
Term dates
Start Date: Monday 26 January 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 Saad Bhatti – Dr Saad is a Lecturer in GIS and Human Geography at Ulster University, where he coordinates modules in Web-based GIS and GIS for Environmental Management. His research focuses on integrating GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis to address challenges in urban and human geography. Notably, he has contributed to studies on urban resilience, flood risk perception, and climate adaptation. As Course Director for the MSc in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing & GIS, Dr Bhatti is dedicated to advancing GIS education and research.
Career Options
Completing a Web-based GIS course opens a range of career opportunities at the intersection of geospatial technology, web development, and data analysis. Graduates can work as GIS Web Developers or Web Mapping Specialists, creating and maintaining interactive web maps, or as Spatial Data Analysts, transforming complex spatial data into actionable insights. Other roles include Geospatial Software Engineer, Urban or Environmental Planner using web GIS to support projects, and Location Intelligence Specialist applying GIS to business and logistics. There are also opportunities as Remote Sensing or Geospatial Data Consultants, open-source GIS contributors, or freelance web GIS specialists, allowing professionals to deliver innovative, impactful solutions across multiple sectors.
Further Information
Modules
This course comprises a single module on Web-based GIS.
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 Web-based GIS from the next drop down box.
