Master of Geospatial Science
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not applicable
-
Duration
Full-time 2 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
AU$25,920 (2020 annual)
Next intake
February, July Entry score
6.5 IELTS
Duration
Full-time 2 years Location
Melbourne City Fees
AU$34,560 (2020 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Geospatial scientists are experts in using spatial analytics to make sense of big spatial data captured from the latest sensor technologies.
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, including 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
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.
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, and present your research and receive feedback from industry partners.
This course enjoys an excellent reputation and is widely recognised by industry employers as producing graduates who are well informed, motivated, adaptable and industry-ready.
- Dr Amy Griffin is the program coordinator and is an expert in cartography and geovisualisation.
- Professor Simon Jones (professor of Remote Sensing) is internationally renowned for his research in remote sensing, land cover, and change mapping.
- Professor Matt Duckham (discipline leader of Geospatial Science) has taught GIS on five continents and is a co-author of a major textbook on GIS (GIS: A Computing Perspective).
- Associate Professor Karin Reinke is an expert in resource management and environmental monitoring using geospatial science technologies, particularly with applications to wildfire management.
- Dr Gang-Jun Liu (senior lecturer) is an expert in GIS, in particular in the industry-standard ESRI ArcGIS platform.
- Dr Chayn Sun (lecturer) is an expert in applied GIS with over a decade of experience in applying GIS in multidisciplinary projects with industry partners.
The Master of Geospatial Science consists of 192 credit points. 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.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Geospatial Science | City Campus |
2 years Full-Time
|
2 years Full-Time
|
MC265 | 092796G |
Choose a program structure
Program code: MC265
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.
Employment resources in geospatial science
If you have any questions about the geospatial industry, employment or your career options, please contact David Mitchell, the Geospatial Science Industry Liaison Officer.
RMIT resources
Information and positions for graduates
Employment agencies
- Armstrong Personnel
- Australian Job Search
- CareerOne
- Careers Online
- Indeed
- LinkedIn Job Search
- Seek
- Spatial Jobs Online
Potential employers
The following are some of the organisations that have employed graduates of Geospatial Science programmes.
Professional organisations
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 for admission to the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute of Australia (SSSI).
Graduates are also be eligible for membership of the Mapping Sciences Institute of Australia (MSIA).
Admissions
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.
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.
Entry requirements
To study this program 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
Fees
2020 indicative annual fees
Full-fee places: AU$25,920*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308* maximum fee for 2020.
- 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.
Learn more about fees for postgraduate study.
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 the Department of Human Services for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.
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 2020 is $308.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$34,560.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$70,080.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.