Develop your knowledge of geographical information systems to map, analyse and assess real-world problems.
Use your knowledge to implement geographical information systems.
Gain valuable skills in communication, project management and teamwork.
Increase your employability by working on live projects in the industry.

Geographical information systems (GIS) are becoming increasingly important to global commerce and policy. On this course we’ll explore the importance of GIS – where the acquisition, management, interpretation and analysis of geographical information is vital. Along the way you’ll gain real-world experience in a range of industrial and academic sectors, giving you the knowledge and skills you need to kickstart your career.

Work placements

Through the Professional Project module or the Major Research Project (dissertation) module, we offer opportunities to work with industry. Previously this has included the Environment Agency, South Yorkshire Forest Partnership, Kew Gardens and United Utilities. 

Live projects

On the Professional Project module you’ll take on work commissioned by a client organisation. Here you’ll engage with the client – giving you valuable real-world experience and problem-solving skills.  

Networking opportunities

Members of the teaching team have extensive professional experience and contacts within the GIS field. These will be used to influence teaching and advise you on employability-based issues in tutorials.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

The course provides a balance of academic and practical content, enabling you to use GIS in real-life, applied scenarios.

In most sessions you will be introduced to a topic in a lecture. This will then be followed by a practical session where you will work through relevant techniques using appropriate software, with focussed tutor support. 

You learn through

• tutorials
• work-based placements
• live projects
• lectures
• guest lectures
• a virtual learning platform
• self-directed study
• demonstrations and practical workshops

This course prepares you for a career as a

• researcher
• statistician
• strategic analyst
• data analyst in a range of fields
• GIS technician
• planner
• environmental modeler within a range of disciplines

Previous graduates of this course have gone on to work in

• environmental and ecology fields
• hazard and risk management
• transport
• logistics
• planning departments
• housing
• emergency services
• health authorities
• public health
• education
• research

 

A lower second class degree or above in a relevant subject ensures consideration for entry on to the course. You may also be able to claim credit points which can reduce the amount of time it takes to complete your qualification at Sheffield Hallam. Find out more

Individuals without a suitable degree will be considered where they can demonstrate they meet the applicant entry profile and have worked for two years at a management level using GIS in the workplace, or, have a sufficiently high level of technical ability and responsibility within their role to meet the satisfaction of the admissions tutor.

If English is not your first language you typically need an IELTS 6.0 score with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.

Important notice:

The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.

Modules studied may differ depending on when you start your course.

Final Year Compulsory modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Applied Research Methods	15	Coursework
Applying Gis	15	Coursework
Gis And Spatial Analysis	15	Coursework
Gis And Statistical Modelling	15	Coursework
Introduction To Gis	15	Coursework
Major Research Project	45	Coursework

 

Elective modules
Module	Credits	Assessment
Comparative International Planning	15	Coursework
Ecological Field Survey And Evaluation	15	Coursework
Gis And The Environment	15	Coursework
Open Source And Online Gis	15	Coursework
Professional Practice	15	Coursework
Professional Project	15	Coursework
Remote Sensing	15	Coursework