Michael Rowan GIS by Online Distance Learning2009

Hi, I'm Michael Rowan and I studied GIS by Online Distance Learning within Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Southampton.

Through the online discussion rooms I have exchanged views with people in the UK, the US and across Africa and Europe, and the chance to communicate with fellow GIS students has been invaluable.

As a result of my wife's work for a health charity, we relocated to Myanmar (Burma). The MSc GIS offered the chance to develop new skills in a growing field and, through the specialist streams in year two, combine the learning of GIS with my interest in health studies. Studying online has allowed me to gain a UK university education without needing to leave Myanmar.

Online study is not without challenges, but throughout my time of study the rapid response to any queries and the flexible approach to learning adopted by the University staff have really helped. Through the online discussion rooms I have exchanged views with people in the UK, the US and across Africa and Europe, and the chance to communicate with fellow GIS students has been invaluable.

I feel that my knowledge and skills in GIS, along with the additional benefits of IT and research skills acquired on the course, have greatly enhanced my career prospects.