The introduction of GIS into a business or organisation brings change. At an operational level it changes the way data are held, the type of data, and the method of representation. At a management level it changes the way decisions are made and the key expertise in decision making. It means the ascendancy of some personnel and working practices and the decline of others. The organisation faces a number of staff-related problems. Education for GIS should address the range of problems. The difficulty is in designing a means of education which addresses the several problems and is suited to both the person and to the business. GIS education is taking off at a time when institutions of higher education are becoming more outward looking, more earnings conscious and educationally more diverse. The short course and distance learning programme at the University of Salford is reviewed. The philosophy behind the programme is outlined and various modules described.