Overview 2020
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- CRICOS: 058833B
University of Tasmania graduates in surveying and spatial sciences are in high demand and find employment in a diverse range of industries and occupations. Many progress to careers in land, engineering and hydrographic surveying, others join teams working in areas such as environmental management, geospatial analysis and land development planning.
You’ll also be learning from the very best. The University of Tasmania is home to Australia’s top rated spatial research group* and your lecturers are world leading experts in their fields.
*Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2018 National Report
Course objectives
While studying the Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences you will gain hands-on experience with the full range of traditional land surveying equipment as well as a wealth of modern technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), UAS (unmanned aerial systems), airborne and satellite remote sensing, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and laser scanning (3D point cloud processing).
Graduates will understand the scientific principles fundamental to surveying and spatial sciences and be able to apply that knowledge using current technology. They will have developed strong analysis, problem-solving and design skills, and be able to communicate with diverse audiences at a professional standard.
Graduates of the three-year Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences who wish to progress to registration under State and Territory legislation as practising land and cadastral surveyors will also need to complete the 1-year Graduate Diploma of Land Surveying.
Learning outcomes
CLO 1. Describe and justify the role of surveying and the spatial sciences in society to peers, associated professionals and the public.
CLO 2. Apply a range of data collection techniques and perform quantitative and qualitative analyses as required by a professional Surveyor or Spatial Scientist.
CLO 3. Solve problems commonly encountered in the role of a Surveyor or Spatial Scientist by:
- identifying, interpreting and analysing stakeholder needs,
- gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources,
- designing and critically analysing potential solutions
CLO 4. Communicate effectively to develop and maintain constructive working relationships with a variety of stakeholders via both oral and written mediums.
CLO 5. Conduct themselves in a professional manner and demonstrate work practices that meet the expectations of ethical and responsible behaviour, including adherence to the regulatory frameworks of a Surveyor or Spatial Scientist.
Practical experience
Practical experience is an integral part of your University experience in the Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences, and for those continuing to the Graduate Diploma of Land Surveying there is a one-semester work placement. We have a large range of units that focus on field and practical exercises, turning theory into practice to ensure you graduate with job-ready skills across a range of technologies, platforms, and environments.
Unmatched practical and field experience.
Industry-leading surveying and spatial science equipment and software is utilised in class activities from first year. Beyond the classroom, our huge range of field-based units get you out into the living laboratory of Tasmania, providing genuine environmental learning experiences using state-of-the-art surveying, laser-scanning, remote sensing and GNSS equipment. Practical experiences also extend to using specialised, industry standard software to work with real-world datasets to investigate solutions to environmental/social/agricultural problems.
Learn from the best
Amongst our award-winning staff are Australia’s best spatial scientists, producing world-leading climate change and environmental remote sensing research, and our comparatively small class sizes provide unrestricted access to their experience and connections. As a result, our graduates are sought-after around the world for their breadth and depth of knowledge across the surveying and spatial sciences discipline.
Capstone projects and industry engagement
A capstone project-based unit in the final year provides you with an opportunity to engage closely with our research programs, or to pursue an area of specialisation of your own choice.
Experienced consultant surveyors and practising geospatial professionals contribute to the design and delivery of many of our units.
Students articulating to the Graduate Diploma of Land Surveying interact very closely with experienced practitioners for the theory components of the course, and then consolidate their learning from both the undergraduate program and the Graduate Diploma program during a 20-week period of Professional Practice prior to graduation.
Study overseas at one of our partner institutions
Our international exchange program offers opportunities to study at universities around the world, and it counts towards your degree. Exchange can allow you to have an affordable educational and cultural experience in a foreign country for a semester, or a full year. To facilitate this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial assistance. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with their airfares, accommodation and other expenses.
Find out more about Student Exchange.
Work placement
Students in the Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences have many exciting opportunities to participate in work placement. The University of Tasmania has consistently maintained a strong relationship with industries that utilise surveying and spatial sciences knowledge and skills, such as agriculture, earth science, and forestry, among others. Through this, many of our students are able to turn practical experience into work experience.
You may also be able to gain practical experience in industry via the Dean's Summer Research Scholarship.
Career outcomes
The University of Tasmania has taught me the academic requirements and also the practical skills to make me ‘job ready’ by the end of my degree.
Skills and knowledge in surveying and spatial sciences is a vital component of projects across an increasingly wide range of industries within both government and private enterprise including cadastral surveying, land planning and development, environmental management, civil engineering, mining and agriculture.
In March 2019, the report ‘Determining the Future Demand, Supply and skills Gap for Surveying and Geospatial Professionals 2018-2028’ forecasts a shortage of surveying and spatial scientists across Australia over the next decade. This high demand is also coupled with a forecast that those job opportunities will come with salaries well above the national average
Every industry on Earth utilises surveying and spatial sciences in some way, and graduates will therefore have the opportunity to pursue their any career that they choose, such as:
Geospatial analyst and GIS specialist
Conduct computer-based mapping and analysis of spatial information, answering ‘what if’ questions at both the small and large scale to assist with efficient and effective decision making. From assessing plausibility of constructing billion-dollar tunnels under cities, or projecting housing expansion over the coming decades, or assessing traffic congestion solutions or evaluating climate change effects on the environment geospatial analysts are involved in many different types of practical, important projects around the world.
Remote Sensing specialist
Provide measurement, mapping and data analysis from drone, aircraft and satellite sensors, mapping areas of the world that can’t otherwise be easily accessed of visualised, both in real-time e.g. during bushfires and floods, and as part of ongoing planning and management e.g. tracking climate change impacts over time, in both urban and remote settings.
Land & Engineering Surveyor
Measure and define land boundaries. Surveyors play an integral role in all aspects of land development, from planning and design of land subdivisions through to the construction of major, infrastructure, roads and buildings. Licensed Land (Cadastral) Surveyors are always in demand as they are the only people legally able to define land boundaries.
Hydrographic Surveyor
Measure and map the seafloor to inform large scale marine oriented projects, like ensuring ports and shipping lanes are accessible to facilitate global trade.
Geodesist
Utilise satellite and terrestrial data to measure and map the Earth, and to monitor regional and global changes like sea level rise, shifting ice sheets, and earthquakes.
Professional Recognition
Graduates of the Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences are eligible to apply for membership of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (Australia). The SSSI also provides free student membership to current students.
The degree is internationally accredited through the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES). This accreditation ensures that the degree program meets standards set by industry and also provides free student membership of ICES for the duration of their course and graduate membership upon completion.
For registration as a Land Surveyor in Tasmania, graduates are required to complete the 3-year Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences followed by the Graduate Diploma in Land Surveying, and then undertake a period of supervised professional experience and examinations through the Tasmanian Land Surveyors Accreditation Board.
Students graduating with the Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences and the Graduate Diploma in Land Surveying are recognised by the Malaysian Land Surveyors Board for progression to the registration processes managed by the Board as a Land Surveyor in Malaysia.
Course structure
A Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences normally takes three years to finish and requires the successful completion of 24 units.
This course structure provides you with advanced specialist knowledge and skills in Surveying and the Spatial Sciences, together with a multi-disciplinary foundation of knowledge and skills that can be applied to almost any industry.
- Degree major - Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing (eight units), a
- Degree core knowledge (ten units)
- Experience and Engagement
- Breadth units (two units)
- Student electives (four units of your choice from anywhere in the University)
Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing major
This major combines Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and remotely-sensed data (e.g. from satellites and Unmanned Aircraft Systems) to answer real-world, practical questions. These skills are highly relevant across a multitude of disciplines including Geoscience, Computing and Information Systems, Biological Sciences, Agricultural Science, Marine Science and Antarctic Science.
Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing
Year 1
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View all details for KGG330 Remote Sensing: Drone Photogrammetry
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View all details for KGG306 Global Navigation Satellite Systems
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Degree Core Knowledge (Compulsory)
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Year 2
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Year 3
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View all details for KGG307 Geodesy: Observing Our Changing Planet
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Elective Requirements
Year 1
Year 2
Need help choosing your first year units? Try the Unit Selection Guide.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.
Domestic applicants
Domestic applicants who have recently completed secondary education (in the past two years)
Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2019, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 54.85. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.
Satisfactory achievement in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subject or equivalent:
- Mathematics Methods (MTM415117)
If you have not met this prerequisite, you will need to complete a UTAS foundation unit before you start your course.
UTAS provides foundation units for students who haven’t completed the prerequisite prior studies for their major.
All other domestic applicants
To be eligible for an offer, you must meet the University’s General Entry Requirements based on your prior studies and experience.
Prior study or experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in Mathematics Methods (MTM415117) at Tasmanian Senior Secondary level. If you have not met this prerequisite, you will need to complete a UTAS Foundation Unit before you start your course.
Special consideration
If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.
We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.
International applicants
Admissions information for international applicants, including English language requirements, is available from the International Future Students site. You can also enquire online to check your eligibility.
Credit transfer
You may be eligible for advanced standing (i.e. credit points) in this degree if you:
- Have completed an award such as a Diploma or Advanced Diploma from another institution;
- Are currently studying another Bachelor degree at the University or at another institution;
- Have completed a Bachelor degree at the University or an equivalent award from another institution.
How to apply for a credit transfer
You can apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing as part of the standard online application process for this degree.
For more information on credit transfers, contact us on 1300 363 864 or enquire online.
Articulation from
This degree does not formally articulate from another degree. See Credit transfer for information on advanced standing from other qualification and experience, or Alternative entry pathways for pathway options into this degree.
Articulation to
Successful completion of this degree meets the entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma of Land Surveying.
Successful completion of this degree meets the entry requirements for the Bachelor of Surveying and Spatial Sciences (Honours)
If you successfully complete this course, you may be also be eligible to apply for a range of other postgraduate courses including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas and Masters by coursework and research. Filter the Course lists by Postgraduate to view the current courses available.
Alternative entry pathways
If you haven't completed the required pre-requisite unit(s), we offer foundation units to help you bridge the gap. Many run in spring and summer school so you can meet a prerequisite and not delay the start of your Bachelor level studies. HECS scholarships may also be available for domestic students.
- Visit the Foundation Unit page to find out more.
If you aren’t eligible for an offer to this course, you should consider enrolment in the Diploma of University Studies or the University Preparation Program.
In all cases, contact us to discuss an option best suited to your needs.
Detailed Admissions Information
Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.
Fees & scholarships
Domestic students
Domestic students enrolled in a full fee paying place are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the fees you pay for each unit you enrol in. Full fee paying domestic students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.
Detailed tuition fee information for domestic students is available at the Domestic Student Fees website, including additional information in relation to a compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
International students
International students should refer to the International Students course fees page to get an indicative course cost.
Scholarships
Scholarships for domestic students
Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards to students from all walks of life, including: those who have achieved high academic results, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, students with sporting ability, students undertaking overseas study, and students with a disability.
Scholarships specific to this degree include:
For information on all scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.
Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.
Scholarships for international students
There are a huge range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania. For more information on these, visit the Tasmanian International Scholarships (TIS) website.
How can we help?
Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.
- Domestic
- 1300 363 864
- International
- +61 3 6226 6200
- Course.Info@utas.edu.au
- Online
- Online enquiries