Master of Geospatial Science

Master of Geospatial Science

POSTGRADUATE

Become an expert in geographic information systems, mapping, satellite positioning and remote sensing.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus and blended
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$30,720 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus and blended
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Fees:

AU$38,400 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

A Master of Geospatial Science will prepare you for leadership roles in this field, building your understanding of spatial analytics and big spatial data for making critical decisions about our built and natural environment.

You'll gain professional-level expertise in the analysis, management, capture and visualisation of spatial information, and become proficient in the latest technologies and infrastructures to support these skills.

Through this course you will develop a unique breadth of expertise across geospatial science, including:

  • knowledge of fundamental spatial information technologies, such as geographic information systems (GIS), geospatial programming, spatial databases, and cloud and mobile geospatial computing.
  • advanced skills in mapping and visualisation for creating engaging and interactive geospatial presentations.
  • knowledge of the latest spatial data capture systems, including satellite remote sensing, GPS satellite positioning, drone and aerial imagery, wearable sensors, sensor networks, and crowdsourced data.
  • specialised knowledge in key areas that complement geospatial science, and tailored to your specific needs, which may include environmental science, natural resource management, computer science, business and project management, architecture and urban planning, mathematics or statistics.

Details

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Geospatial science is a highly practical discipline and this underpins the learning environment in the program.

With a history of more than 50 years in geospatial science at RMIT, this degree is delivered by a team of world-leading academics in the field.

Featuring unparalleled industry connections, this course provides rigorous scientific training in geospatial science and is grounded in the technical and practical knowledge required for the workplace.

The primary modes of delivery are face-to-face lectures, tutorials and extensive practical activities. All courses use online learning materials to support the teaching and learning program. Students have the opportunity to engage in field excursions, camps and other off-site activities.

As a graduate of the Master in Geospatial Science, you’ll be equipped to meet the growing national and international demand for expertise in spatial analytics, spatial data management, cartography, positioning, and remote sensing.

Blended learning options

Courses offered as part of blended learning programs include a meaningful blend of online, on-campus, and workplace based learning tailored to the type of study you undertake. This learning is active, prioritising tasks that involve exploration and development of skills and knowledge through interaction and engagement.

Online aspects provide positive benefits such as flexibility and adaptability using digital activities and materials, while also strengthening the interaction and connection with timetabled and on-campus experiences such as tutorials, practicals, or workshops.

RMIT has extensive links with industry across all aspects of spatial sciences, including remote sensing, geographic information systems, geovisualisation, photogrammetry, surveying, cartography, land administration and land management.

This degree has strong links across industry with many opportunities for you to participate in industry-related teaching and learning activities such as field and project work.

As part of your studies, you can conduct research by liaising with industry to define/create a problem, undertake an analysis and create a report, as well as present your research and receive feedback from industry partners.

This program enjoys an excellent reputation and is widely recognised by industry employers as producing graduates who are well informed, motivated, adaptable and industry-ready.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Master of Geospatial Science consists of 192 credit points worth of courses. After completing 96 credit points of study approved by the program manager, you may exit with a graduate diploma.

Year one consists of seven core subjects where you will gain broad fundamental knowledge. In year one, you can choose one elective geospatial science subject.

Year two consists of a dissertation which will be developed in conjunction with internal academic supervision and may be pure research, vocationally oriented, or a combination of both.

You will also study a further two geospatial electives and two broader electives to match your specific interests.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Geospatial Science
Program code: MC265
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Geospatial Science
City Campus
2 years Full-Time
MC265
092796G
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years Full-Time
Plan code
MC265
CRICOS
092796G
View plan
Master of Geospatial Science
City Campus
2 years Full-Time
MC265
092796G
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years Full-Time
Plan code
MC265
CRICOS
092796G
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graduates are well-equipped to take on advanced roles within the spatial sciences in an industry, government or research context.

These skills are in high demand both nationally and internationally across a wide range of industries and the government sector including:

  • environment and natural resources, such as environmental impact assessments, environmental monitoring, and agriculture and forestry
  • land development, such as land use planning, geodesign, spatial data infrastructures, and sustainable development
  • mining and exploration, including mineral exploration and environmental engineering
  • facilities management and construction, including site selection, insurance and logistics
  • transportation and utilities, such as water demand modelling, transport planning, mapping and navigation, and intelligent transportation
  • governance and policy, including urban planning, e-government and community mapping
  • emergency and disaster management, such as bushfire mapping, flood awareness, biosecurity, evacuation and emergency response
  • data analytics and ICT, including mobile and wearable computing, web-mapping, cloud computing, and information visualisation.

Geospatial Science graduates can choose from diverse career opportunities in many sectors including tourism, environmental management, surveying and property development, building and construction, land management, software development and marketing and sales.

Geospatial science careers often provide career flexibility, opportunities to work overseas and great earning potential.

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If you have any questions about the geospatial industry, employment or your career options, please contact Gang-Jun Liu, the Program Manager for the Master of Geospatial Science (MC265) at RMIT University.

RMIT resources

Employment agencies

Potential employers

The following are some of the organisations that have employed graduates of Geospatial Science programmes.

A - G

H - Z

Upon successful completion of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, geospatial science graduates are eligible for admission to several professional organisations:

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
We are currently working to have the Master of Geospatial Science accredited by RICS. RICS is the leading organisation in the world for professionals in property, land, real estate, construction, and related environmental issues. The RICS accreditation allows our graduates to be RICS members and gain automatic recognition in many developed and developing countries around the world.

Download or view the RICS digital brochure (PDF 1.2MB 20p).

Mapping Sciences Institute, Australia (MSIA)
Holders of RMIT's Master of Geospatial Science degree are eligible on graduation for Associate Membership of the Mapping Sciences Institute, Australia (MSIA). After a period of about two years of experience they may be eligible to become a member.

As postgraduate students, you are encouraged to join as student members and participate in the affairs of MSIA.

Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI)
The Surveying Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) is the national body combining the professional disciplines of surveying, mapping, engineering and mining surveying, remote sensing and photogrammetry and spatial information. Members’ training or qualification and experience will be recognised and rewarded through formal certification.

Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute of Australia (SSSI).

Graduates are also be eligible to apply for membership of the Mapping Sciences Institute of Australia (MSIA).

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • An Australian bachelor degree in any discipline, or equivalent. 

OR

  • You may also be considered if you have at least ten years’ of work experience in geospatial science, geometrics, land information, surveying, geography, environmental science, geology, earth science, or environmental engineering. 

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.

Exemptions

Some applicants might be eligible for exemptions that might change the duration of their program. Please refer to the Articulation and Pathways section for more detail.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • An Australian bachelor degree in any discipline, or equivalent. 

OR

  • You may also be considered if you have at least ten years’ of work experience in geospatial science, geometrics, land information, surveying, geography, environmental science, geology, earth science, or environmental engineering. 

International qualifications are assessed for comparability to Australian qualifications according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

Exemptions

Some applicants might be eligible for exemptions that might change the duration of their program. Please refer to the Articulation and Pathways section for more detail.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in geospatial science, geomatics, land information, surveying, geography, or a relevant discipline you will be eligible for exemptions as follows:

Qualification level Masters exemptions offered Remaining program duration*

(AQF Level 7 or equivalent)

  • Bachelor degree
  • Graduate certificate

Up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)

(AQF Level 8 or higher)

  • Bachelor degree (Honours)
  • Graduate diploma
  • Master
  • PhD

Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in environmental science, geology, earth science, environmental engineering, or relevant discipline you may be eligible for exemptions as follows:

Qualification level Masters exemptions offered Remaining program duration*

(AQF Level 7 or higher)

  • Bachelor degree
  • Bachelor degree (Honours)
  • Graduate certificate
  • Graduate diploma
  • Master
  • PhD

Up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)

Note: AQF exemptions cannot be used to exit with a Graduate Diploma.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in geospatial science, geomatics, land information, surveying, geography, or a relevant discipline you will be eligible for exemptions as follows:

Qualification level Masters exemptions offered Remaining program duration*

(AQF Level 7 or equivalent)

  • Bachelor degree
  • Graduate certificate

Up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)

(AQF Level 8 or higher)

  • Bachelor degree (Honours)
  • Graduate diploma
  • Master
  • PhD

Up to 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)

96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters of full-time study)

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in environmental science, geology, earth science, environmental engineering, or relevant discipline you may be eligible for exemptions as follows:

Qualification level Masters exemptions offered Remaining program duration*

(AQF Level 7 or higher)

  • Bachelor degree
  • Bachelor degree (Honours)
  • Graduate certificate
  • Graduate diploma
  • Master
  • PhD

Up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester of full-time study)

144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters of full-time study)

Note: AQF exemptions cannot be used to exit with a Graduate Diploma.

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2023 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$30,720.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$38,400.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$76,800.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information