SCHOOL OF SCIENCE Landscape Ecology with Geographical Information Systems PGCert/PGDip/MSc Medway Campus www.gre.ac.uk/science
Why study this programme? In both the UK and overseas, the concept of landscape-scale land management has gained acceptance over the last decade. It has gathered particular momentum with the publication of the Lawton Report, Making Space for Nature, in 2010 and the Natural Environment White Paper The Natural Choice: Securing the Value of Nature in June 2011. Environmental conservation policies and strategies based on a landscape ecology approach require spatial data that are managed and manipulated within a geographical information system (GIS). The Ecological Skills Project, a skills gap analysis within the ecology and environmental management profession, has identified a clear need for ecologists with experience of GIS and for GIS specialists with an understanding of the environmental data they are being asked to manage and manipulate within a GIS. You will graduate from this programme as a well-equipped professional able to respond to the new developments in the sector, such as the government-funded Nature Improvement Areas initiative. You will be familiar with state-of-the-art differential GNSS equipment, GPSenabled field computers and soundrecording equipment, and with working in a GIS computing laboratory. The programme will provide you with: An appreciation of the merits and limitations of the spatial data that are potentially available to you as a landscape ecology practitioner or conservation manager An understanding of how these data can potentially be processed and managed within a GIS, encompassing data collection strategies, errors, uncertainties, GIS modelling and GIS decision-support systems The knowledge and skills to confidently operate and manage a GIS for landscape ecology and environmental conservation data sets.
You should apply for this programme if you are interested in developing: An interdisciplinary understanding of environmental management and the current issues facing professionals in this sector An appreciation of the rationale underlying the environmental decision-making process An up-to-date working knowledge of ecological survey and monitoring techniques Skills and knowledge about the ways in which environmental data are handled, stored, analysed and communicated using modern specialist computer software. Why study with us? The School of Science unites science with teaching and research. It works with the university s Natural Resources Institute to provide a centre for higher education with international expertise that spans the social, physical and natural sciences. The School employs the very latest learning and assessment techniques, provides pastoral care to ensure students achieve their goals, and delivers academic and professional programmes supported by research and scholarship. We have some of the most modern and sophisticated instrumentation and laboratory facilities in the UK. Most of our programmes are accredited or recognised by relevant professional bodies, so you can have total confidence in the quality of our teaching programmes. The School is located on the Medway Campus in the rapidly developing area of Chatham Maritime in Kent. The campus is home to three universities, making it a vibrant place to work, study and relax. It has three cafés, a pub, a sports hall and five halls of residence. The Students Union University of Greenwich (www.suug.co.uk) and the Universities at Medway Students Association (www.umsa.org.uk) both organise a variety of sports and social activities. The Medway Campus is located near the historic towns of Rochester and Chatham and is 50 minutes from central London. What will you study? The programme is structured around three compulsory conservation courses that integrate theoretical and practical aspects of contemporary conservation and environmental management and three compulsory courses covering the principles and implementation of GIS. You will also take a compulsory professional practice course and one optional course. The MSc programme culminates in a dissertation, which students undertake between June and September, often in collaboration with an external organisation. This individual piece of research will enable you to focus on the application of GIS techniques to a specific landscape ecology topic. Through the dissertation, you will develop and demonstrate specific skills to add to your portfolio of experience. Teaching staff will help you to present your work effectively. This should help develop your ability to market yourself to
prospective employers after completing the programme. Term 1 Techniques in Applied Ecology 1 Principles and Practice of Environmental Conservation Introduction to Geographical Information Systems Professional Practice for Geographical Information Term 2 Techniques in Applied Ecology 2 Advanced Spatial Modelling Applied Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing One option from: Environmental Impact Assessment; Ecology and Conservation of Estuaries and Coastal Zones; Open Course Term 3 Landscape Ecology with GIS Individual Research Project (60 credits) Career opportunities To help ensure the emphasis of this programme is on employability, we maintain close links with industry. Practitioners from environmental consultancies, local and national government agencies, biological record centres and non-government organisations provide direct input into the programme. They help ensure that it Key facts Attendance: 1 year full-time, 2 3 years part-time Entry requirements: You should have: EITHER a good first degree OR a postgraduate diploma in an ecological, scientific, geographical or environmental management discipline OR relevant personal or professional experience. other than English and/or in a country where English speakers are in a minority, you should have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill) or an equivalent rating in another Secure English Language Test. are considered but should contact the programme leader via sciencequeries@gre.ac.uk. How to apply: Applications to postgraduate programmes should be made online at www.gre.ac.uk/apply. There is no closing date for applications to postgraduate programmes, but many fill up quickly, so you are advised to apply early. You do not have to wait for first degree or other examination results.
meets the needs of the workplace, and, as visiting lecturers, they also provide live example case studies. The academic staff on this programme are practising members of a range of relevant professional bodies, such as the International Association for Landscape Ecology UK Region, the Landscape Institute, the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management and the Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society. You will be encouraged to join the International Association for Landscape Ecology. You will develop vocational skills on this programme that will open up a wide range of potential career opportunities. You can expect to find employment in environmental consultancies, local authorities, non-government organisations and government departments. Teaching and assessment The programme is taught using a combination of lectures, fieldwork, tutorials, computer-based practicals, workshops, case studies and studentled presentations. It has a strong research and practical orientation combined with academic rigour. You will be assessed through a range of strategies, including essay assignments, theory and practical examinations, practical assignments and oral presentations. You will be taught by lecturers who have strong expertise in research, teaching and professional environments. Financial information For up-to-date information on tuition fees and financial help, please visit www.gre.ac.uk/finance.
Your next step University Open Days are held several times a year. They include a programme of talks and offer you the opportunity to speak to staff and students. You may also be given a tour of the campus. A list of dates can be found at www.gre. ac.uk/opendays, or contact the Enquiry Unit or International Office for further information. Why not sign up as a Greenwich VIP and create your own Greenwich webpage, personalised to your choice of programme and interests? Becoming a Greenwich VIP is a fast route to ordering our publications, booking an Open Day and finding out more about the university. You can also take part in chat sessions with staff and students, receive text and e-mail alerts, and enter our online competitions. Sign up at www.gre.ac.uk/study. For further information To find out more about studying at the university, please contact: Website: www.greenwich.ac.uk School of Science University of Greenwich Medway Campus Central Avenue Chatham Maritime Kent ME4 4TB UK students Enquiry Unit Telephone: 020 8331 9000 Fax: 020 8331 8145 E-mail: courseinfo@gre.ac.uk This document is available in other formats on request International/EU students International Office Telephone: +44 20 8331 8136 Fax: +44 20 8331 8625 E-mail: international@gre.ac.uk University of Greenwich, a charity and company limited by guarantee, registered in England (reg. no. 986729). Registered office: Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9LS Every effort has been made to ensure that this leaflet is as accurate as possible. However, the university reserves the right to discontinue any class or programme, to alter any programme or to amend without notice any other information printed here. D7425-12 E October 12