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Programmes Structure 

Difference between MSc and Master Degree

The Master of Science (MSc) and Master’s Degree programmes differ primarily in terms of the research component. In the MSc Programme, prospective students admitted will undertake a Research Project (Thesis), while those pursuing the Master’s Degree will focus on completing the Problem-solving with GIS: Demonstrations and Applications components of the programme to address real-world challenges.

It's worth noting that the MSc in GIS and RS is an academic master's degree, allowing for a seamless transition to a PhD programme. In contrast, the master's degree in GIS and RS is considered a ‘Terminal Professional Master's, designed for practical applications and not intended as a pathway to higher-level academic degrees like a PhD.

 

MSc GIS&RS 

Duration of study - minimum of one year and eight months (1.67 years)  to a maximum of seven (7) years

Profile: 

  • 5 Core Courses, (18 credits) 
     
  • 4 Electives Courses, (12 credits)
     
  • 1 Research Project, (12 credits)

Minimum Credits to Graduate: 42 

 

M in GIS&RS 

Duration of Study - minimum of one year and four months  (1.3 years) to a maximum of seven (7) years

Profile: 

  • 6 Core Courses, (26 credits) 
     
  • 4 Electives Courses, (12 credits)

Minimum Credits to Graduate: 38

*Beyond the minimum credit requirement, students are welcome to take additional courses as may be required by their preference. 

 

Graduation Requirements  

  • Students who complete their full complement of Core and Elective Courses and a Thesis Research (Project) will graduate with a Master of Science Degree. 
     
  • Students who complete their full complement of Core and Elective Courses, in addition to Problem-solving with GIS: Demonstrations and Applications of the components of the course to resolve real-world situations, will graduate with a Master’s Degree. 

Students will graduate with: 

  • Pass with Distinction: minimum GPA of 3.4 in the core and elective courses; MSc students will also require a pass with minor corrections in the thesis; or 
     
  • Pass: minimum GPA of 2.0

 

Exit Strategy

In the case of the MSc in GIS and RS, a student may exit the programme with the following:

  • Master in GIS&RS if (s)he has completed a minimum of 30 credits within the prescribed time for the MSc, with the exception of GIS 6101 and instead takes GIS 6102.
     
  • Postgraduate Diploma if (s)he has completed a minimum of 30 credits within the prescribed time for the MSc programme. The minimum credits must include all courses with the required grade point average minus the thesis, GIS 6101, GIS and Remote Sensing Thesis.

In the case of the MGIS and RS, a student may exit the programme with the following:

  • A student may exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma if (s)he has completed a minimum of 30 credits within the prescribed time for the MGIS&RS programme. The minimum credits must include all courses with the required grade point average minus the GIS 6102 –Problem-solving with GIS: Demonstrations and Applications.