Master's Programme in Human Geography with specialisation in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), 60 Credits

Entry Requirements

A Bachelor's degree (equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, 180 ECTS) from an internationally recognised university. Special requirements: 15 ECTS in Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Degree

Master of Science (60 ECTS). Major field of study: Human Geography. Specialisation: Geographical Information Systems
See http://www.student.umu.se/english/getting-your-degree/

Description of the education for current education cycle

Education on advanced level should build further upon knowledge retained during basic level studies or the equivalent.
Advanced level education shall involve a deepening of knowledge, skills and abilities relative to first cycle education and, in addition to what applies to first cycle education
- further develop students' ability to independently integrate and use knowledge,
- develop students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
- develop students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable independence or for research and development.
Higher Education Act 1 cpt 9 § (Högskolelagen 1 kap 9 §)

National goals for current degree

Knowledge and understanding
For Master of Science Degree 60 ECTS, the students should be able to
- show knowledge and understanding in their main field of study, including both an overview of the field and deeper knowledge of certain parts of the field and insight into current research and development, and
- demonstrate deeper methodological knowledge in their main field of study.

Skills and abilities
For Master of Science Degree 60 ECTS, the students should be able to
- demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge and to analyze, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, even with limited information,
- demonstrate the ability to independently identify and formulate questions to address and to plan and use appropriate methods to carry out advanced tasks within specified time limits;
- demonstrate the ability to verbally and in writing  present and discuss their conclusions and the knowledge and arguments behind them, in dialogue with different types of  groups, and
- demonstrate the skills required to participate in research and development work or to work in other advanced contexts.

Ability to evaluate and approach
For Master of Science Degree 60 ECTS, the student should be able to
- demonstrate the ability within the  main field of study to make judgments with regard to relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects, and demonstrate an awareness of ethical aspects of research and development,
- show insight into the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society and the human responsibility for its use, and
- demonstrate the ability to identify the personal  need for further knowledge and to take responsibility for the personal competence development.

Higher Education Ordinance, Appendix 2 - System of Qualifications (Högskoleförordningen, Bilaga 2 – examensordningen)

Local goals for current degree

For Master of Science Degree 60 ECTS the student should be able to
- demonstrate the ability to do qualified, scientifically informed and socially relevant analyses supported by geographical information systems (GIS).

Examination format

See current course syllabus.

Grades

The program applies a seven-point grading scale with the grades, A Excellent, B Very Good, C Good, D Satisfactory, E Suffcient, FX Insufficient- completion possible, F Insufficient. Those who pass an exam cannot redo the exam aiming for a higher grade.

Transfer of Credits

Students have the right to apply for recognition of previous courses or activities that can be accepted for credit transfer. For more information see Higher Education Ordinance as well as: http://www.umu.se/english/education/student-support/getting-a-degree-from-umea-university/transfer-of-credits

A negative decision on recognition of previous courses is possible to appeal to the Higher Education Appeals Board. A negative decision should also be motivated in writing.

General

The programme offers the opportunity to develop skills and abilities in geographical information systems (GIS). To be eligible to the programme you must have a bachelor degree of at least 180 ECTS, or similar internationally recognized degree, including at least 15 ECTS in GIS. The main aim of the programme is to provide advanced skills and abilities in GIS.  

The programme will prepare students for professional positions in state agencies and municipal functions as well as the private sector. It will also grant basic eligibility for doctorate studies. The programme can advance students´ position in the labour market and it provides a possibility to further develop knowledge in human geography in combination with GIS.

The programme runs for two semesters, 60 ECTS altogether. Under the heading Outline the courses that make up the programme are presented. Courses are taken in the order that the outline presents, however the specific order can be changed. All courses are full time courses. For information on how individual courses are set up see the different course syllabi. The programme is taught in English.

Outline

Deferment of studies

Deferment of study entry may be granted if special circumstances exist. Examples of specific reasons are social, medical or other special circumstances such as child care, military or civil service, student union assignments or postponed leave according to law (1974:981) on work labor rights to time off for education. Application for deferment is to be submitted to Student Centrum.

A negative decision on deferment of enrollment may be appealed to the Higher Education Appeals Board.

Approved leave from studies

The student admitted to the program can apply for a study break. The application is submitted to the program coordinator. Study break with a guaranteed seat may be granted for the following reasons: social, medical or other special circumstances such as child care, military or civil-service or student union assignments.

Negative decision to resume studies after study breaks can be appealed to the Higher Education Appeals Board.DiscontinuationStudents who interrupt their education shall notify their dropout to the Program Coordinator.
 

Discontinuation

Students who interrupt their education shall notify their dropout to the Program Coordinator.

Other

Access to courses in the program is governed by the course syllabus.