Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (S5A)

Overview  2024

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 0.5 Years, up to a maximum of 2 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Hobart
Semester 1, Semester 2

This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students

Note:  This course is only available part-time.

The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a professionally-orientated program that aims to build and extend skills in the rapidly evolving fields of GIS and related subject areas including satellite remote sensing. The program includes two compulsory units in GIS, an introduction to remote sensing, and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).

The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems meets the needs of people who do not have prior experience in the field of GIS and are seeking to acquire knowledge, or who have some training or workplace experience with GIS and are seeking to improve and extend their knowledge and gain a formal qualification.

At the completion of the course, students will:

  • be familiar with various sources of spatial data and methods of spatial data collection, understand key data accuracy issues and understand the processes required to import and effectively manage data in a GIS;
  • understand the processes required to combine various sources of data for spatial analysis; be able to undertake data manipulation and GIS analyses of the type commonly required in their own and other disciplines; be aware of more advanced methods of spatial data analysis; and be able to present spatial data using GIS techniques; and
  • have acquired skills in the development and management of GIS-based projects; and understand key GIS implementation issues.
  • 1 Evaluate and apply design concepts, principles, theories, and practices to develop, interpret and communicate ideas and information.
  • 2 Generate solutions to geospatial science problems by applying data collection and analysis techniques. through research, critical analysis and synthesis of information.
  • Career outcomes

    There is substantial employer demand for people with education and training in Geographic Information Systems and related subject areas such as Remote Sensing. Employers from the private sector, local, state and commonwealth government agencies seek graduates with GIS and Spatial Science skills across a range of sectors including environmental management, resource management, forestry, planning, engineering and construction.

    Course structure

    There are four 12.5% units that are compulsory – two for geographic information systems, one for remote sensing and a GPS unit. These are key geospatial science skills on which intermediate and mastery units rely for the Professional Honours and Master courses. 

    This unit is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to become a certified drone pilot. The unit consists of three components: CASA RePL theory, drone flight training, and using drones for geospatial mapping. You will learn…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSummer school
    HobartWinter school
    HobartSpring school

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit is designed to provide students studying at the graduate level with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of spatial information. This unit will introduce students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and basic remote sensing analysis, with a focus…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    As more businesses and scientists adopt geographical information systems (GIS), there is increasing demand for graduates with strong skills in collecting, managing, analysing, and visualising spatial datasets. GIS and spatial analysis skills will be indispensable for almost all careers in…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit introduces you to theoretical and practical foundations of remote sensing. The unit starts with the physics of remote sensing including the concepts of electromagnetic energy and the interaction of energy with the atmosphere and the earth surface. We…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Entry requirements

    A Bachelor degree in any discipline or equivalent.

    Students without the stated entry requirements but who have relevant professional experience and/or training may apply.

    This course is not available to international students. Please enquire online for advice on alternative course options.

    Articulation to:  P4J Bachelor of Applied Science (Professional Honours in Environmental Geospatial Science) and P7B Master of Environmental Geospatial Science.

    Fees & scholarships

    Domestic students

    Options for this course

    Cost shouldn’t get in the way of you studying.

    If you’re a domestic student, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in this course. This means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

    You may also be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

    Further information is available at Scholarships, fees and costs.

    Student contribution

    Student contribution amounts are charged for each unit of study. This means that how much you’ll pay will depend on which units you choose. Find out more about student contribution amounts.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    Scholarships

    For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

    How can we help?

    Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

    Domestic
    13 8827 (13 UTAS)
    International
    +61 3 6226 6200
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

    Next steps