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Bachelor of Geospatial Science (P3R)

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Overview (2027)

Key Information

Duration

Minimum 3 years, up to a maximum of 7 years.

This course is available to study as both part-time or full-time
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

Geospatial scientists measure, map and model our world. They play a critical role in the decisions that affect our society and influence the world of tomorrow.

In this degree you'll delve into the science of collecting, analysing and interpreting geospatial information using advanced tools like Satellite Positioning Systems (e.g. GPS), 3D laser scanning, and drone-based sensors. You will learn how to manipulate and visualise complex data sets, extract meaningful information and products, and communicate your findings using advanced spatial modelling techniques.

Real-world projects and case studies will provide practical experience in analysing and explaining problems such as environmental management, climate change impacts, urban planning, natural resource management, and disaster response planning.

Our expert teaching staff will guide you through the latest trends and innovations in geospatial science, including big data analytics and geospatial modelling. This course will equip you with strong practical skills that are in high demand and will set you up for a rewarding career.

When you study with us, you'll be learning from the very best. We’re home to Australia’s top-rated geospatial research group* and your lecturers are world leading experts in their fields.

With the field of geospatial science presently facing a shortage of skilled professionals, this degree will provide you with plentiful job opportunities across various sectors such as urban planning, environmental management, transportation, public health, and natural resource management.

*Excellence in Research Australia (ERA)

Catalyst Program

Want to combine your degree with overseas trips, summer research programs, scholarships and special events? Our Catalyst Program offers domestic high achieving school leavers all this and more.

All domestic students with an ATAR of 90 or greater, enrolled in a range of STEM courses will be awarded a $3,000 Catalyst Scholarship. Across the program students can access scholarships of up to $14,500 in value, and gain experience that will make you stand out in your chosen field. Learn more about the Catalyst Program

Double degrees

This degree can be combined with another degree to form a double degree. Study what you want, explore your options and find out how you can accelerate your career.

Watch our course information webinar

Thinking of studying this course and want to learn more? This webinar explores course structures, career opportunities, and the student experience to support your study journey.

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  • 1 Generate and evaluate geospatial data using advanced methods and technologies.
  • 2 Create tailored geospatial solutions to address real-world challenges
  • 3 Exhibit autonomy, judgement, and responsibility in applying geospatial knowledge and skills.
  • 4 Communicate geospatial analyses and outcomes to clients, associated professionals and the wider community.

Within the Bachelor of Geospatial Science, you will encounter many study highlights. One is the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become a certified drone pilot. This training consists of CASA RePL theory, drone flight training, and using drones for geospatial mapping.

Throughout your studies, you’ll get hands-on experience with drone technology, airborne and satellite remote sensing, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and laser scanning (3D point cloud processing technology). You'll learn to analyse these geospatial datasets using state of the art software to solve problems.


You'll measure and map places on campus and further afield to better understand physical features such as landslips, forests, and agricultural land. There are also many occasions during the degree where you can interact with geospatial professionals and undertake industry-supported projects.

The Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Surveying Major) is an externally accredited degree.

This course is accredited by the Tasmanian Land Surveyors Accreditation Board and the Malaysian Land Surveyors Board.

Graduates will partially meet the requirements for entry as a candidate for registration with the Tasmanian Land Surveyors Accreditation Board and the Malaysian Land Surveyors Board. There are additional requirements for registration beyond the completion of this course including completion of a fourth year of study at AQF 8 via the Graduate Diploma of Land Surveying (or equivalent).

For further registration requirements, please visit the Tasmanian Land Surveyors Accreditation Board or Malaysian Land Surveyors Board website.

If you have any queries about the accreditation process, please contact us for further information.

Career outcomes

Graduates with geospatial science degrees are in great demand and have an extremely high employment rate across a range of industries and occupations.

This degree provides a pathway to various careers across an increasingly wide range of government and private enterprise sectors, including cadastral surveying, land planning and development, environmental management, civil engineering, mining, defence, and agriculture.

Graduates have many career options available to them, such as:

  • Environmental management
  • Conservation scientist
  • Geospatial analyst
  • Remote Sensing specialist
  • Geodesist
  • Geographic Information Systems officer

A critical shortage of surveyors and geospatial scientists across Australia has been forecast over the next decade*. This high demand is expected to be accompanied by job opportunities that offer salaries well above the national average.

For more information on career paths and the types of jobs available in the Geospatial Science industry, visit: https://everythingsurveying.com.au/

*Determining the Future Demand, Supply and skills Gap for Surveying and Geospatial Professionals 2018-2028

Course structure

The Bachelor of Geospatial Science requires the completion of 300 credit points comprising:

  • 100 credit point Major
  • 100 credit points of Core units
  • 100 credit points of Elective units

A major is an area of focus in your degree. All students complete a Geospatial Science major as well as a set of core units.

In your Elective component you can choose from any units marked as "Student Electives" which you meet the pre-requisites for, at any level, from across the university. 

Your electives can be used to add breadth to your degree, by exploring a variety of different subject areas from within or outside the College of Sciences and Engineering. Alternatively, you can deepen your engagement with specific subject areas, for example, by completing additional units in the same discipline as your major or related fields.

You can also use this space to complete an optional second major which may be a (i) *second disciplinary major, (ii) a sustainability major, or (iii) *another major from across the institution, noting some exclusions apply. (*to enrol in a second disciplinary major, or a major outside your discipline, please contact a Student Advisor via Uconnect).

We have a team of Course Information Officers available to help you structure your studies to meet your desired outcomes.  For enrolment assistance please contact us via U Connect today.

Note: While the Bachelor of Geospatial Science is based in Hobart, the first-year maybe completed by online study (subject to elective unit choices being available online). Units from second year onwards are primarily delivered face-to-face, necessitating relocation to Hobart.

Entry requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the University’s admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Enquire online for more advice on the application process and the available pathways to enrol and study at the University of Tasmania.

Schools Recommendation Program

Australian year 12 students can apply for this course via our Schools Recommendation Program. Rather than an ATAR, your application is based on a recommendation by your school teachers. This can factor in your year 11 results, an assessment of your capabilities, and other considerations.

Through the program, you can receive and accept an offer prior to completing year 12. You will still need to finish your year 12 studies – including any exams – to commence your studies. In addition, the Surveying major of this course requires you to pass specific pre-requisite subjects in Year 12 (or equivalent), see below for details.

If you don’t receive an offer for this course through the Schools Recommendation Program, you will be re-assessed for a higher preference offer once your ATAR is released.

Domestic applicants who recently completed secondary education

Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers are made based on the number of places available. In 2026, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 68.45.  The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

Domestic applicants with higher education study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

  • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 University of Tasmania credit points). If an applicant has failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; OR
  • Completed the University of Tasmania University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian university).

Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.  

Domestic applicants with work and life experience

This course does not admit students on the basis of work or life experience.

Please enquire online for advice on pathways, or alternative course options.

Subject Prerequisites

These prerequisites apply to students from all educational backgrounds.

To be eligible for an offer for the Surveying major, you must have completed studies or have experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subject:

  • Mathematics Methods (MTM415117)

You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subject above. If you need assistance to meet the prerequisite, we offer foundation units that you can complete before you start your course.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION

We believe university education should be an option for everyone, no matter your background. 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, a serious medical condition, or disability.

We can only approve applications for special consideration if we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the University admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

English Language Requirements

This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0, with no individual band less than 5.5, or a PTE Academic score of 50, with no score lower than 42 or equivalent.

For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided.

See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

General Entry Requirements

Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a year 12 education in Australia.

Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

  • Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate IV or above
  • Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Diploma level or higher

Course Specific Requirements

These prerequisites apply to students from all educational backgrounds.

To be eligible for an offer for the Surveying major, you must have completed studies or have experience equivalent to a satisfactory achievement in the following Tasmanian Senior Secondary subject:

  • Mathematics Methods (MTM415117)

You can enquire online for information on interstate and international equivalents to the Tasmanian senior secondary subject above. If you need assistance to meet the prerequisite, we offer foundation units that you can complete before you start your course.

How to apply for a credit transfer

Applications for credit can be made in your course application. Find out more information about how to apply for a credit transfer/advanced standing at Recognition of Prior Learning.

Talk to us on 13 8827 or enquire online about your credit transfer.

Students can articulate from the Undergraduate Certificate in Data and Environmental Management to the BGeospatial Science with credit for all of their completed units.

Successful completion of BGeospatial Science degree with the Surveying major meets the entry requirements for the Graduate Diploma of Land Surveying.

Successful completion of this degree with sufficient proficiency 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.

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 Foundation Units 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.

Diploma of University Studies
University Preparation Program


In all cases, contact us to discuss an option best suited to your needs.

Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, 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.

Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $8,635

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average full-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.

These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

HECS-HELP loans

You may 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 on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

International students

2027 annual international student tuition fee: $44,950 AUD

The standard year of study for this course is 100 credit points.

Indicative total tuition fee for international students: $ 141,705 AUD.

This total tuition fee is indicative only. Please visit fees and costs for further information on how this is calculated.

International students are charged the Student Services and Amenities Fee but this fee is incorporated in the annual rate. International students do not have to make any additional SSAF payments.

Domestic scholarships

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

International scholarships

The University of Tasmania offers a range of scholarships for full fee-paying international students, designed to recognise academic merit and support access to university study.

For many of our international scholarships you will be automatically assessed when you submit your International Student Application, meaning no separate scholarship application is required. Some scholarships may require additional application steps. Explore our International Scholarships to learn more about available opportunities and application requirements.

Course year 2027

View 2026 course information

View 2025 course information

View previous years course information

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Domestic

13 8827 (13 UTAS)

International

+61 3 6226 6200

Email

Course.Info@utas.edu.au

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