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  1. Home
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  6. Geographic Information and Climate Change, MSc

Geographic Information and Climate Change, MSc

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Accredited by Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
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Geography opens up a world of discovery - continue your adventure with us.

Key Course Details

  • UK
  • EU
  • International
MSc 1 Year Full Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
2:1
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 9,300
MSc 2 Year Part Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
2:1
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 4,650
MSc 3 Year Part Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
2:1
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 3,100
MSc 1 Year Full Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
2:1
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 19,400
MSc 2 Year Part Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
2:1
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 9,750
MSc 3 Year Part Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer (view equivalents)
2:1
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 6,500
MSc 1 Year Full Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer
2:1 - More Information
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 19,400
MSc 2 Year Part Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer
2:1 - More Information
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 9,750
MSc 3 Year Part Time
Mode of Study
Campus Based
Typical Offer
2:1 - More Information
Location
Singleton Park Campus
Start Date Tuition Fees - Year 1
Sep 2021 £ 6,500
Accredited by Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

Course Overview

The MSc in Geographic Information and Climate Change gives cross-disciplinary training in the scientific basis of GIS, satellite remote sensing and earth system modelling, alongside aspects of climate change.

You will concentrate on the technical aspects of GIS and earth observation, as well as the past, present and future global and regional environmental and climatic change.

By graduation you will have hands-on experience and technical knowledge in GIS and remote sensing, supported by a broad knowledge of scientific issues underpinning climate change.

Your learning benefits from the combined Geography and Biosciences research expertise of our staff around geographic information, environmental and climate dynamics, marine and ecosystem biology, and sustainable development.

Why Geographic Information and Climate Change at Swansea?

  • 7th in the UK for % Satisfied with course [Guardian University Guide 2021]
  • TOP 10 in the UK for research impact [Research Exercise Framework, 2014-2021]

You will be taught by a range of inspiring experts in environmental dynamics and climate change.

These include Professor Adrian luckman who earned global media coverage for climate change research into the collapse of the Larsen C ice shelf; Professor Peter North who has collaborated with NASA on the ‘greening-up’ of the Amazon; and Professor Siwan Davies whose work focuses on establishing why climate change has changed abruptly over the past 100,000 years through the investigation of volcanic ash deposits trapped in ice sheets.

 

Your Geographic Information and Climate Change Experience

Over the course of study you acquire a deep knowledge of the current scientific issues underpinning geographic data, climate change and environmental dynamics. 

Our exceptional computing facilities support your studies from start to finish. These include fifteen dual-processor workstations for Earth Observation, a 20-node multiprocessor Beowulf cluster, and the Department’s IBM ‘Blue Ice’ supercomputer, which is mainly used for climate and glaciological modelling.

Upon graduation you will have developed the practical problem-solving and communication skills needed for a successful career in the wider industry.

 

Geographic Information and Climate Change Employment Opportunities

The MSc in Geographic Information & Climate change improves your prospects for a rewarding career.

You will have employment opportunities in utilities, county councils, the environmental service industry or regulating bodies. A future career in academia will also be open to you.

Our graduates have progressed to a range of stimulating roles. Below are just a few examples.

  • Environmental Monitoring Officer (Natural Resources Wales)
  • Geographical Data Processor (Western Power Distribution)
  • Graduate Statutory Orders Specialist (Jacobs)
  • Catchment Scientist (Welsh Water)
  • Ecologist (Natural England)
  • Multi-site Supervisor (Phase Eight)
  • Data Analyst (PHS Group)
  • Account Manager Support (Handelsbanken)

Programme Disclaimer

Postgraduate Prospectus

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Welsh Medium Study

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Programme Specification

"Thank you for a great year under tough times. I really enjoyed the course and expanding my geographical knowledge. The two modules that were most challenging but the most beneficial to me were the GIS module and the modelling earth systems (hydrology).

The dissertation was extremely challenging. However, the support given throughout was fantastic, and I couldn't be more thankful.

Despite the second lockdown and the doom and gloom on the job markets, I have secured a contract job for a company called Cyient as a GIS Technician mapping land use changes for small scale rural and agricultural businesses. The project is for DEFRA for a period of 6 months, but hopefully I can progress and find another similar role after this." Owen Lauder | GIS Technician

 

“I’d like to thank everyone in the department for running a course that has enabled me to get a job I love. It wouldn’t have been possible without my Master’s degree!” Rhys Jones | Graduate Statutory Orders Specialist

Modules

The first part of this MSc contains compulsory and optional 20-credit modules on subjects such as modelling earth systems, satellite remote sensing and climate science and policy. The second part exclusively involves a 60-credit research project module on geographic information and climate change.

MSc 1 Year Full-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 120 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
GEGM04 Period September-January20Environmental Modelling
GEGM22 Period September-January20Geographical Information Systems
GEGM10 Period January-June20Satellite Remote Sensing
GEGM21 Period January-June20Climate Change - Past, Present and Future
Optional Modules
MSc GI & CC FT Opt 

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIOM25B Period September-January20Science Skills and Research Methods
GEGM07 Period September-January20Environmental Dynamics
BIOM22 Period January-June20Environmental Assessment and Management
BIOM32 Period January-June20Ecosystems: Ecology, Conservation & Resource Management
GEGM26 Period January-June20Climate Science and Policy
FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation
Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
GEGM06B Period September-June60Geographic Information and Climate Change

MSc 2 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 100 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
GEGM04 Period September-January20Environmental Modelling
GEGM22 Period September-January20Geographical Information Systems
GEGM10 Period January-June20Satellite Remote Sensing
GEGM21 Period January-June20Climate Change - Past, Present and Future
Optional Modules
GI & CC 2 Year Optionals Year 1 

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIOM25B Period September-January20Science Skills and Research Methods
GEGM07 Period September-January20Environmental Dynamics
BIOM22 Period January-June20Environmental Assessment and Management
BIOM32 Period January-June20Ecosystems: Ecology, Conservation & Resource Management
GEGM26 Period January-June20Climate Science and Policy

Year 2 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 80 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
GEGM06B Period September-June60Geographic Information and Climate Change
Optional Modules
GI & CC Year 2 Optionals  

Choose Exactly 20 credits from the following Modules:

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIOM25B Period September-January20Science Skills and Research Methods
GEGM07 Period September-January20Environmental Dynamics
BIOM22 Period January-June20Environmental Assessment and Management
BIOM32 Period January-June20Ecosystems: Ecology, Conservation & Resource Management
GEGM26 Period January-June20Climate Science and Policy

MSc 3 Year Part-time

Year 1 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert
Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
GEGM04 Period September-January20Environmental Modelling
GEGM10 Period January-June20Satellite Remote Sensing
GEGM21 Period January-June20Climate Change - Past, Present and Future

Year 2 (Level 7T)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert

Students choose 60 credits from the following:

Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
GEGM22 Period September-January20Geographical Information Systems
Optional Modules
Optional Modules 

Choose Exactly 40 credits from the following Modules:

Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule NameGuidance
BIOM25B Period September-January20Science Skills and Research Methods
GEGM07 Period September-January20Environmental Dynamics
BIOM22 Period January-June20Environmental Assessment and Management
BIOM32 Period January-June20Ecosystems: Ecology, Conservation & Resource Management
GEGM26 Period January-June20Climate Science and Policy

Year 3 (Level 7D)

FHEQ 7 Taught Masters Dissertation
Compulsory Modules
Module CodeSemesterCreditsModule Name
GEGM06B Period September-June60Geographic Information and Climate Change
FHEQ 7 Taught Masters / PGDip / PGCert
Compulsory Modules

None found.

Entry Requirements

Normally a 2:1 degree (with 55% average) in an approved subject. Applicants are expected to have good mathematical and computing skills.

IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 in each component) or equivalent. 

How You're Taught

Taught Masters degrees are assessed through a combination of examinations, coursework and a dissertation or research project. 

 

Welsh Provision

There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study through the medium of Welsh and our dedicated academy for Welsh-medium study, Academi Hywel Teifi, is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea University. We offer you:

  • An interview through the medium of Welsh when applying for a place.
  • The option to receive your personal correspondence in Welsh - we will then communicate with you in your language of choice.
  • The option to write and submit your coursework or exams through the medium of Welsh (even if you have chosen to study in English), and every effort will be made to mark your work in its original language.
  • A Welsh-speaking personal tutor.
  • One-to-one support to improve your academic Welsh language skills.

To see further details about the level of provision delivered in Welsh on this particular degree scheme, please see the Welsh-language course page for further information.

Since 2011, there has been a 113% increase in the number of students studying through the medium of Welsh at Swansea University and our TEF* data over the last two years shows that Welsh-medium students are high achievers with regard to employability (*Swansea University TEF return 2017 and 2018).

Meet Your Lecturers

You will be taught by world-class lecturers who are all active researchers. Their research activities in areas such as climate change, glaciology, poverty alleviation through control of disease and pollution risks from wildfire ash, help to change the world for the better.

Dr Joanne Maddern, Programme Director

Dr Iain Robertson PGT Admissions Tutor:  

Dr Emilia Urbanek PGR Admissions Tutor:

See all of the Geography staff

Tuition Fees

MSc 1 Year Full Time

Start Date UK EU International
September 2020 £ 9,050 £ 9,050 £ 18,850
September 2021 £ 9,300 £ 19,400 £ 19,400

MSc 2 Year Part Time

Start Date UK EU International
September 2020 £ 4,550 £ 4,550 £ 9,450
September 2021 £ 4,650 £ 9,750 £ 9,750

MSc 3 Year Part Time

Start Date UK EU International
September 2020 £ 3,000 £ 3,000 £ 6,300
September 2021 £ 3,100 £ 6,500 £ 6,500

Tuition fees for years of study after your first year are subject to an increase of 3%.

You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

International students and part-time study: It is now possible for some students to study part-time under the Tier 4 visa route. This is dependent on factors relating to the course and your individual situation. It may also be possible to study with us if you are already in the UK under a different visa category. Please visit the University information on Visas and Immigration for further guidance and support.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

EU Transitional Bursary available for September 2021.

Funding and Scholarships

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.

If you're a UK or EU student starting a master’s degree at Swansea University, you may be eligible to apply for Government funding to help towards the cost of your studies. To find out more, please visit our postgraduate loans page.

To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.

Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.

To find out about scholarships, loans and other funding opportunities, please visit our Postgraduate Scholarships page

Additional Costs

Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.

You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):

  • Travel to and from campus
  • Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
  • Purchase of books or texts
  • Gowns for graduation ceremonies

Careers and Employability

Swansea Employability Academy (SEA) will support you at each stage of your career journey helping you build a bright future.

Our career support services include:

  • Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
  • Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
  • Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
  • Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
  • Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.

We also provide help and advice for Swansea University Alumni up to two years after you graduate.

The MSc in Geographic Information & Climate change improves your prospects for a rewarding career.

You will have employment opportunities in utilities, county councils, the environmental service industry or regulating bodies. A future career in academia will also be open to you. Our graduates have progressed to a range of stimulating roles. Below are just a few examples. 

  • Multi site supervisor (Phase Eight)
  • Data analyst (PHS Group)
  • Account manager support (Handelsbanken)
  • Geographical data processor (Western Power Distribution)
  • Catchment scientist (Welsh Water)

Academic Support

As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your personal academic mentor, the Centre for Academic Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas such as:

  • Academic writing
  • Maths and statistics
  • Critical thinking
  • Time management
  • Digital skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Note taking
  • Revision, memory and exam techniques
  • English language skills (if English is not your first language).

In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability, mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.

Our lecturers operate an ‘open door’ policy so you can chat with them about any concerns you may be having. These do not have to be just course related; our academic staff are there to help you with anything at all during your time in Swansea.

Each course has a student rep. They are there to make sure that every student voice is heard. Their role is to listen and feedback on your opinions, attend regular meetings and make sure that the people who can make changes listen to the people who really matter - you!

We offer both academic mentoring and peer mentoring. Our Peer mentoring scheme is in place to help new students settle into university life here at Swansea. You will get a chance to talk to your mentor who can tell you about their experiences as a student and also chat about student life. The peer mentoring scheme is a great way to meet students and widen your friendship circle while at Swansea.

You can also get help with personal issues from our wide range of student support such as CampusLife, Inclusive Student Support Services and The Centre for Academic Success.

How to Apply

Apply now – UK, EU and international students.

For further guidance please visit our how to apply pages.

EU students - visa and immigration information is available and will be regularly updated on our information for EU students page.

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