What is UNIGIS?

UNIGIS is a network of universities co-operating in the design and delivery of distance learning in GIS. The UNIGIS programme was founded in 1990 and currently includes sites in ten countries.

Members of the UNIGIS network offer postgraduate Certificate, Diploma and Masters courses in Geographical Information Systems by open and distance learning. Core course resources are adapted, translated and supplemented with additional materials to support the needs of local students. Members of the UNIGIS network also work together in research and curriculum development activities related to GIS education.

UNIGIS courses

The UNIGIS programme delivers innovative courses presented to professional standards. These meet the needs of industry and commerce and provide an understanding of the conceptual, technical and organisational aspects of GIS. Industry standard software is use to give appropriate practical experience.

UNIGIS courses are modular and flexible study programmes. The content varies to meet local student needs. Optional courses give the opportunity to tailor the programme to meet individual student needs, and residential workshops are offered to support areas of the courses. Topics covered in the UNIGIS courses include:

• Spatial Data
• Database Theory
• Geodata Sources
• GIS and Organisations
• Spatial Thinking
• Visualisation of Spatial Data
• Project Management
• Applications Development
• Remote Sensing
• GIS and Modelling
• Environmental Impact Analysis

Local centres provide administrative support and access to experienced tutors. Tutoring and assessment is by mail, phone, discussion boards and email. A dedicated website also supports the learning process. Students use digital and printed study materials including specially developed study notes, guided readings, and practical exercises. Professional GIS software to support practical work is provided at no cost to students. There are no examinations in UNIGIS courses - all assessment is by coursework. Students are encouraged to use their work experience in the course, and to apply their new knowledge from their study to their work situations.

Professional development needs, in-service training and personal career development can all be satisfied by UNIGIS.

UNIGIS Students
As a UNIGIS student you join an extensive, international community of professionals working in GIS. Current and past students come from a wide range of organisations, including central and local government, utilities, consultancy, business, GIS vendors, research and education. Success on the course has been achieved by professionals from fields such as planning, surveying, IT, project management, oil exploration, telecommunications, marketing, R&D, as well as by those starting their careers. Many students have gained promotion, career enhancements and new positions whilst on the course, and on completion.

The international community of students is supported by an annual professional updating conference, and Web based discussion lists offer the opportunity to communicate with the world-wide community of UNIGIS staff and students.

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