Geography (Coastal Management Systems) – (M.A.)

The MA in Geography (Coastal Management and Geographical Informations System) will not be on offer in 2011/2012 and is expected to commence again in September 2012.

This programme has been designed to develop specialist knowledge and practice in the field of coastal management with Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The course will provide a thorough introduction to the principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and of GIS. It will help students to make the link between theoretical approaches and practical management scenarios through the provision of real life case studies. Wider conceptual and applied issues in areas of Geography will also be treated.

Learning OutcomesOn successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

* Describe the core conceptual and practical principles, as foundational knowledge, of the different elements of coastal management and planning, together with related technical areas of Geographical Information Systems (GIS);
* Analyse and interpret the structures, functioning, significance and best practices of integrated coastal management and planning, and of its links with wider environmental management, at local to global scales, with particular reference to the governance, administration and policy development for coastal environments and of their wider impacts upon society;
* Apply the principles of the collection and analysis of geographical data at a range of scales, from local to global settings;
* Demonstrate knowledge and experience of a series of practical skills in the practice of integrated coastal management of linked information technology areas, based upon a range of methods. These include, field-based techniques; mapping, numerical and computational techniques; focus group, consensus building and other socio-economic analytical approaches;
* Work as an individual in small groups and teams, in the analysis of thematic issues and to report upon the outcomes;
* Organise and present publicly, conceptual and technical information in a variety of thematic and technical sectors;
* Design, organise and manage a research-based project through its different stages, from inception to its final production, involving reporting on its development and progress, writing and defence.