Overview
INTRODUCTION
The proliferation of numerous applications in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has generated a great demand for well trained personnel, especially in developing countries like Kenya where the GIS industry is still young but growing fast. In response to this demand, and within the realm of Continuous Professional Development (CPD), the Department of Surveying, University of Nairobi, has been offering short (certificate) courses in GIS for the last three years. Experience gained from this CPD programme indicates that most of the professionals currently working in the local GIS industry lack formal GIS training and the required capacity to effectively manage GIS projects. The above factors provide the impetus for launching the proposed Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems (M.Sc.(GIS)). This programme is designed to accommodate the diverse interests of professionals from different backgrounds currently working or aspiring to work in the GIS industry. This is pertinent especially given the multidisciplinary nature of GIS. The Objectives of the course are to: • Equip students with the relevant skills and knowledge to pursue careers in the GIS industry as GIS practitioners and educators. • Provide students with comprehensive knowledge of the functionality and applications of GIS technology. • Expose students to the design and implementation of GIS projects. • Equip students with the relevant skills and knowledge to carry out research in GIS.
Structure
COURSE STRUCTURE AND DURATION
4.1 The course shall run over a minimum period of four (4) semesters and a maximum of ten (10) semesters of fifteen (15) weeks each.
4.2 The course shall be by course work, examination and research project.
4.3 The course mark shall consist of eleven (11) core course units, two (2) electives and research project report.
4.4 The first year of study shall be totally devoted to course work, while the second year shall be devoted to course work and the research project.
4.5 In each of the two semesters of the first year, students shall be required to take up to five (5) core course units.
4.6 During the first semester in the second year of study, students shall be required to take (1) core course units and two (2) electives.
4.7 The Department reserves the right to decide the electives to offer in any academic year.
4.8 The second semester of the second year shall be completely devoted to the research project.
Admission Requirements
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2.1 The common regulations for the Masters degrees in the University of Nairobi shall apply. 2.2 The following shall be eligible for admission:
2.2.1 Holders of a Bachelor's degree in any geoinformation related discipline with at least lower second class honours of the University of Nairobi, or equivalent qualifications from other institutions recognized by the Senate.
2.2.2 Holders of a Bachelor's pass degree with a Postgraduate Diploma in Geographic Information Systems (P.G. Dip.(GIS) or equivalent qualifications from other institutions recognized by the Senate.
2 2.2.3 Holders of a Bachelor's pass degree in any geoinformation related discipline and three years experience in GIS.
Careers
Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Fees and Funding
Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems
Exam Regulations
EXAMINATION REGULATIONS
The common regulations governing examinations for the Master’s Degree in the University of Nairobi shall apply.
6.1 Written Examination Regulations 6.1.1 All course units taken in a given semester shall be examined at the end of that semester.
6.1.2 A candidate for the Master of Science in Geographic Information Systems shall be required to complete all course work and assignments.
6.1.3 All course units shall be examined by a three (3) hour written examination paper, except the course unit FGS 705.
6.1.4 The final written examination shall account for 70% of the marks in each course unit, while course work shall account for 30%.
6.1.5 The pass mark for each course unit shall be 50%.
6.1.6 A candidate who fails to obtain a pass mark in any course unit shall, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners and approval by Senate, be allowed to re-sit or re-take the failed units in the next examination semester for a maximum of two times. 5
6.1.7 A pass obtained by re-sitting/re-taking a course unit shall be recorded as 50% in the student’s academic record.
6.1.8 A candidate who fails a course unit in the second re-sit or re-take, or fails to complete the course in the prescribed time, shall on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners and approval by Senate be discontinued.
Research Project Report
6.2.1 Candidates shall be required to submit a research project report to the Department for examination at least two weeks before the end of the second semester.
6.2.2 The project shall be graded out of 100 marks.
6.2.3 The final assessment shall be based on the maximum of 70% for the written research project report and 30% for the oral presentation and subsequent defence.
6.2.4 The pass mark shall be 50%.
6.2.5 A candidate who fails to obtain the pass mark in the research project report shall on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners be allowed to re-submit the project report up to a maximum of two times.
6.2.6 A pass obtained after re-submission of the project report shall be recorded as 50%.
6.2.7 A candidate who fails to obtain the pass mark in the project report at the second re-submission or fails to complete the course within the prescribed period shall on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners and approval by Senate be discontinued.
