f862 - Geographic Information Science BSc
Geographic Information Science BSc Honours
UCAS Code: F862 (full time: 3 Years)
Course Overview
This degree focuses on the systems and software for analysing geographic data about the world around us. It is highly ICT-orientated and spans technology, computing, mapping, geography and environmental management.
At a Glance
UCAS Code
F862
UCAS Institution Name and Code
NEWC, N21
Degree Awarded
BSc Honours
Course Duration
3 Years
Entry Requirements
A Level: ABB-BBB
IB: 34 points
Opportunities
You learn a range of skills such as programming and data collection, and work with technology such as satellite imagery and informatics.
The degree is very hands-on, with plenty of opportunities to use our state-of-the-art software.
This combination of practical skills and specialist knowledge makes our graduates attractive to employers and we have exceptional employment rates.
Professional accreditation*
This degree is accredited by:
- the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES)
Newcastle is unique in the UK in having this dual accreditation for its geomatics degrees.
*All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
What you will study
This degree is part of a subject area called geomatics.
Geomatics spans geography, science, mathematics and ICT. It is a fascinating area of study for anyone who has enjoyed these subjects at A level or equivalent.
You are introduced to the subject area through outdoor and computer-based practical work. You learn a wide range of geographic techniques such as:
- land surveying
- GPS
- satellite imagery
- Geographic Information Systems
You also learn the mathematical techniques required to analyse and process geographic data.
You will have opportunities to develop your practical skills, using state-of-the-art equipment, particularly on our residential field course in the Lake District.
Another major aspect of the degree is an independent research project that helps you develop research skills and explore a topic that interests you in depth.
Fieldwork
You will take part in regular practicals in and around Newcastle, as well having opportunities to attend residential field courses around the UK. These include:
- Stage 1 residential field course in the Lake District where your task will be to map the Borrowdale Valley
- Stage 2 three-day study tour, visiting organisations where GIS is being used, for example, the British Antarctic Survey or British Geological Survey
- Stage 3 eight-day GIS field course, which will include data collection exercises, data analysis and data presentation
Strong industry links
Newcastle has strong industry links with a variety of companies in the land survey, offshore survey and GIS sectors. This is reflected in the availability of work placements and sponsorship opportunities for our students. Our annual careers fair also helps you make the most of these opportunities.
Graduates from our degree are highly sought after by industry:
- our employment and further study rate has averaged 98% over the last three years
- in 2013, graduates’ average salary was £34,000
(Destination of Leavers of Higher Education surveys 2012–13)
Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS)
This degree is also approved by DTUS for entry to all technical corps.
DTUS is a Ministry of Defence sponsorship programme for students who wish to join the Royal Navy, British Army, RAF, or Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG) as technical officers after graduation.
Find out more on the DTUS programme.
Facilities and support
Facilities
As a geomatics student at Newcastle, you will join a close-knit community within the School of Engineering.
All our students have access to an exceptional range of facilities, equipped with a wide range of analytical instrumentation.
You will have access to an exceptional pool of advanced industry-standard field and computer laboratory equipment including:
- 3D laser scanners
- GPS and electronic survey equipment
- satellite imagery
- state-of-the-art computer software
Support
To help you get the most out of university life, you'll have access to a range of support, including:
- an extended induction programme to help you settle in
- a personal tutor throughout your degree
- a student mentor in your first year
- our highly active student society
To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive:
• a tablet so you can download the online learning resources you’ll need for your course (helping us to make our campus more sustainable);
• a start-up pack containing essential personal protective equipment and text book.
You'll also benefit from:
- a teambuilding field trip in North Yorkshire in your first week, to help you quickly settle in to our community
- our high level of practical and group work, which helps you get to know staff and fellow students
Jess, Geographic Information Science BSc HonoursThe teaching is done very enthusiastically. The lecturers apply what we are learning to scenarios, which means that we understand the relevance of what we're learning.
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Compare this course
See how this course compares with others for topics such as student satisfaction, fees and costs and prospects after graduation using the Unistats Key Information Set.
Modules for 2019 entry
Please note
The module and/or programme information below is for 2019 entry. Our teaching is informed by research and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, student feedback, or insufficient numbers of students interested (in an optional module). To find out more read our terms and conditions.
Module/programme information for 2020 entry will be published here as soon as it is available (end of May 2020).
Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts for an academic year and you need to complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage. Further information, including the credit value of the module, is available in each of the module descriptions below.
Stage 1
Compulsory modules
- CEG1701 Mapping Fieldcourse
- CEG1702 Geographic Information Systems
- CEG1703 Surveying
- CEG1705 An Introduction to GNSS and its Applications
- CEG1706 Principles of Remote Sensing
- CEG1707 Quantitative Methods for Geomatics
- CEG1711 Tutorial Study Skills for Geomatics
- CEG1713 Informatics 1
If you have A level Mathematics at grade B or above, you normally take the following module:
If you don't have A level Mathematics, or with A level Mathematics at grade C or below, you normally take the following modules:
Stage 2
Compulsory modules
- CEG2703 Observation Processing and Analysis
- CEG2704 Geographic Information Systems: Theory and Application
- CEG2707 Map Projections and Geodetic Datums
- CEG2708 Photogrammetry and Laser Scanning 1
- CEG2709 Applied Remote Sensing and Image Processing
- CEG2720 Geomatics Practice and Research
- CEG2721 Spatial Data Modelling and BIM
- CEG2722 Informatics 2
- CEG2723 Digital Data Acquisition
- CSC2513 Database Systems
Stage 3
Compulsory modules
- CEG3701 Advanced GIS Fieldcourse
- CEG3703 Professional Practice
- CEG3706 Photogrammetry and Laser Scanning II
- CEG3707 Geohazards and Deformation of the Earth
- CEG3716 Geospatial Informatics
- CEG3717 Applied Geospatial Data Handling
- CEG3799 Individual Research Project
- LAW2053 Law and Land Use
Optional modules
You take 10 credits of modules normally selected from the following:
All candidates are considered on an individual basis.
If your qualifications are not listed here, please see our additional entry requirements web pages to find out which other qualifications are considered.
The entrance requirements below apply to 2020 entry.
Geographic Information Science careers
Geomatics involves using cutting-edge technology that will appeal to those who are looking for an exciting and professional future.
As a geomatics graduate you will not only be highly proficient in a variety of specialised geomatics skills but also have other attributes that are applicable to many other professions. Numeracy, literacy, data handling, communication, computing and research skills will stand you in good stead whatever career you decide to go into.
For graduates who remain in geomatics, indoor and outdoor activities are both essential and you are usually working as part of a team, developing your skills in communicating with other professionals in related disciplines.
You will be highly proficient in data collection, analysis, management and visualisation, as well as having a sound basis in mathematics and science principles.
Other graduates may look outside the sector, and consider a wide range of careers such as computing, management consultancy, finance, teaching or the armed forces.
Our graduates work in a range of organisations, including:
- specialist land, air and offshore mapping companies
- central and local government agencies
- cartographic publishers
- suppliers of computer-based mapping technology and GIS
- utility companies
- civil engineering contractors
- oil exploration multinationals
- geophysical consultants
100% of recent graduates were in work with an average salary of over £26,000. Employers include IBM, Network Mapping and Fujitsu.
(Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education 2014–15, based on 10 respondents).
Find out more about the career options for graduates from Prospects: The UK's Official Careers Website.
What our graduates go on to do: employment and further study choices
See what our recent graduates went on to do and view graduate destinations statistics. These statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation. Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates.
The destination data is available in varying levels, beginning with the University and moving through Faculty and School down to individual course reports. This final level may give you some useful ideas about possible options after your course or a course you are considering.
Careers and employability at Newcastle
Newcastle University consistently has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK.
96% of our 2017 UK-domiciled UG/PG graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating.
85.5% of our graduates are in graduate level employment or further study within six months of graduating.
We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through an initiative called ncl+. This enables you to develop personal, employability and enterprise skills and to give you the edge in the employment market after you graduate.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.
Applying to Newcastle University through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
UCAS codes for Newcastle University
- institution name - NEWC
- institution code - N21
UCAS buzzword
Ask your teacher or adviser from your school or college for the UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when you register on the Apply system. This makes it clear which school or college you are applying from.
All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU and international establishments are registered with UCAS.
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Making your application
On the UCAS website you can also find out more about:
- application deadlines and other important dates
- offers and tracking your application
Application decisions and enquiries
Find out more about our admissions process and who to contact if you need help with your application.