Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing
The BSc Honours in GIS and Remote Sensing is designed to provide advanced knowledge and skills in the fields of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing.
Overview
This programme offers a rigorous curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing students to excel in various professional and research settings.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to pursue various career paths, including:
- GIS Specialist
- Remote Sensing Analyst
- Environmental Consultant
- Urban Planner
- Research Scientist
- Spatial Data Analyst
- Spatial Data Scientist
- Cartographer
- Natural Resource Manager
- Climate Change Analyst
- Geospatial Software Developer
- Land Surveyor
- Disaster Management Specialist
- Transportation Planner
Curriculum
The BSc Honours in GIS and Remote Sensing curriculum consists of four compulsory courses and one elective course from the existing Faculty of Science Geography or Archaeology Honours degree curriculums to fulfil credit requirements. The coursework includes:
- Advanced Selected Topics in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GEOG4050A)
- Geographic Information Systems (GEOG4015A)
- Advanced Remote Sensing of Environment (GEOG4049A)
- Geospatial Programming (GEOG4051A)
- Geospatial Research Project (GEOG4048A)
Course Details:
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Advanced Selected Topics in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GEOG4050A)
This course covers advanced topics in remote sensing and GIS, focusing on current research trends and applications. Students will explore the latest technologies and methodologies used in remote sensing and GIS, and their applications in various fields such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, and disaster management.
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Geographic Information Systems (GEOG4015A)
This course offers an advanced exploration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), focusing on key aspects such as data collection, storage, analysis, and visualization. Students will gain hands-on experience with GIS software, learning how to create and manage spatial data, conduct spatial analyses, and generate detailed maps and reports. This course is designed to equip students with the technical skills required for effective spatial data management and analysis in a variety of real-world applications.
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Advanced Remote Sensing of Environment (GEOG4049A)
This course provides students with an advanced understanding of the theory and practice of remote sensing. The aim of the course is to develop the ability of the students to acquire, pre-process, analyze and critically assess a variety of remotely sensed data in a wide variety of subject fields across the physical and social sciences such as monitoring vegetation health and productivity, mining, surface water, and change. The course includes practical exercises using different remote sensing software to analyze environmental data.
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Geospatial Programming (GEOG4051A)
This course introduces students to programming languages and tools used in geospatial analysis. Students will learn to develop custom GIS applications, automate spatial data processing, and create geospatial models. The course includes hands-on programming exercises and projects.
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Geospatial Research Project (GEOG4048A)
Throughout the year, students will work on a research project that applies the knowledge and skills gained in the program. The project involves identifying a research question, designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and presenting findings. Students will receive guidance from faculty members and have access to university resources to support their research.
Entry Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree: A relevant bachelor's degree with a minimum of a 65% average in the final year.
- English Proficiency: Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
- Mathematics: A strong foundation in mathematics is recommended.
This is a highly competitive programme and therefore this minimum requirement allows your application to be considered, and does not guarantee admission.
University Application Process
- Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process. Refer to Wits Postgraduate Online Applications Guide for detailed guidelines.
- Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
- Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
- Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.
Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.
International students, please check this section.
For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.
University Fees and Funding
Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.
For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.