University College Cork

The Postgraduate Diploma in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) at University College Cork develops job-ready skills in GIS, spatial data science, and cloud-enabled geospatial workflows. You’ll learn through practical labs and applied projects using industry-standard tools and methods. Level: 9 (Postgraduate Diploma) Award type: Postgraduate Diploma Duration: 1 year (part-time) Credits: 60 ECTS (typical for a Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma) Delivery: Part-time study Delivery mode: Typically campus-based with practical lab components (confirm for your intake) Language of instruction: English Focus areas: GIS fundamentals, spatial data science, programming for GIS workflows, cloud-based geospatial computing Assessment: Applied coursework and project-based assessments Intake: Check the UCC programme page for current start dates Tuition fees: Check the UCC programme page for the latest fee information Application: Apply via the UCC postgraduate application process (deadlines vary by intake) Software/tools: Practical training using GIS and geospatial tools used within the programme

Programme Structure

The Postgraduate Diploma in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is delivered part-time over one year. Teaching combines practical lab sessions, applied exercises, and project-based learning to help you build both technical GIS capability and professional skills for geospatial work.

• Key Concepts of GIS and Applied GIS Skillsets — core GIS principles, spatial data handling, mapping workflows, and applied use cases.
• Programming for GIS — an applied introduction to programming concepts commonly used to automate GIS tasks and support repeatable geospatial workflows.
• Cloud-Based GIS — internet GIS, cloud mapping, and geospatial analysis using cloud-enabled tools and workflows.
• Geographic Data Science — methods for analysing geographic data, supporting spatial analytics and insight generation.

Applied work / portfolio component: You will complete programme learning through assessed practical work and a project component that demonstrates your ability to apply GIS and spatial data science techniques to realistic scenarios.

Module titles, sequencing, and any elective options can vary by intake. For the most up-to-date module list and assessment details, refer to the UCC programme website.

Academic requirements

GPA Your GPA, or Grade Point Average, is a number that indicates how well or how high you scored in your courses on average. Usually a GPA scales between 1.0 and 4.0, however different countries and universities can have different grading systems.

Lower Second Class

English requirements

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90

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PTE Academic PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) is a language test that enables students to demonstrate their writing, listening, speaking, and reading skills when applying to study in English. The score refers to a total score which ranges between 10 and 90.

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140

IELTS The International English Language Test System (IELTS) tests your English-language proficiency on a scale of 1 – 9. The score refers to the combined average score of 4 subjects (writing, listening, speaking, and reading).

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

Applicants must hold a Second-Class Honours Grade 2 (or equivalent) in a primary honours degree at NFQ Level 8.

If you do not meet the standard entry requirements, a limited quota may be available. In such cases, admission may be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning and assessed using factors such as academic achievement, relevant work experience, a letter of reference, and a personal statement.

Documents typically required: academic transcripts and degree certificate(s), proof of English proficiency (where applicable), CV (if relevant), and supporting statements as requested by UCC.

For the latest application deadlines and any programme-specific requirements, please check the UCC programme website.

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University College Cork and/or in Ireland, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Make sure you meet all requirements

Visit the programme website for the most current entry criteria, deadlines, and required documents.

Post-study work options (Ireland)

Check for any work restrictions

After completing your programme in Ireland, your ability to work will depend on the immigration permission you hold and the rules in place at the time you graduate. You should confirm the latest requirements with the Irish immigration authorities and your university’s international student support team.

• Graduate employment permission: In many cases, graduates may be eligible to apply for a post-study work permission that allows you to remain in Ireland to seek employment.
• Duration: The permitted duration can vary depending on your qualification level and the specific scheme rules at the time of application.
• Eligibility: You generally need to have completed your course successfully and meet the scheme conditions (including holding the correct student permission during your studies).
• Work restrictions: Some permissions may require you to seek employment in Ireland and may include conditions related to your employment status and the type of work.
• Timing: Applications are typically made after graduation and within a defined timeframe, so plan ahead.

Note: Immigration rules can change. Always verify the current post-study work eligibility and documentation requirements for your situation before you apply.