Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science) (Honours)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
ATAR 71.10
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Duration
Full-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 4 years Location
Melbourne City Fees
AU$34,560 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
This program paves your way for a career in interpreting how location has an impact on the way we interact with the world around us.
If we understand where things are and how they are connected, we better understand our world. This is what geospatial science is and this program develops professionals to work in the field.
Geospatial scientists use location as the key to collecting, managing, analysing and interpreting information.
It's a specialised discipline, so you'll enjoy the advantage of relatively small class sizes, focused content and staff who are easily accessible.
Why study geospatial science at RMIT?
- While you'll find elements of geospatial science in other programs, RMIT offers the only four-year undergraduate program in Victoria.
- The program has international accreditation with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which also entitles graduates to membership of that Institute.
- Surveying and geospatial science at RMIT actively engages with industry to ensure our programs meet the needs of this rapidly expanding field and our graduates are in high demand.
Details
RMIT has a dedicated field station at Yarra Bend where students can put theory into practice, using high-tech industry standard equipment.
Practical work is based on industry standard software and hardware, the same tools you will find in the workplace to reinforce the theoretical learning.
RMIT maintains strong links with industry and members of the profession regularly participate in our teaching programs.
Many RMIT activities are guided by industry. For example, you'll undertake an exercise based on the Yarra Bend Park Strategy Plan. You'll survey an area of the park, then model, design and illustrate an amphitheatre to suit the local environment.
In addition, all students carry out a final-year research project that is industry-approved and reflects current best practice.
You are also expected to complete 60 days of work experience during your program. This usually takes the form of paid employment during vacation periods or as a part-time employee. RMIT may assist you with finding a placement.
While there's a sound theoretical base, most courses incorporate extensive practical work to build skills as well as knowledge.
Learning support for students includes a first-year transition program, academic coordinators for each year level and a strong Geospatial Science Student Association.
In the early years of the program, you'll study the fundamentals of measurement science, cartography and spatial information science (GIS).
Other fundamental skills in mathematics, statistics and physics are also covered.
In later years, more specialised studies are offered in spatial analysis, web design, remote sensing, image analysis and professional practice.
Elective choices give you the opportunity to develop further skills in these areas or to learn more about information technology, environmental studies, planning and land administration.
From first year, you'll engage in project-based learning, tackling real-world problems and designing solutions using geospatial tools.
This continues in other years, and you'll design and undertake a substantial major project in your final year.
Practical work is based on industry-standard software and hardware, the same tools you'll find in the workplace. You'll have ample opportunities to develop skills and experience with these tools.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science) (Honours) | City Campus |
4 years full time (8 semesters)
|
4 years full time
|
BH117 | 084349J |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BH117
Career
As more and more organisations rely on spatial data as a key information source, the industry demand for graduates grows stronger.
Graduates can work in any organisation where spatial information is used.
It’s typical that more than 90% of our graduates are employed within three months of completing their studies.
Geospatial science professionals are in demand, not only in Australia, but across the globe. With a rapidly growing population, the need for geospatial data is becoming more important to ensure we have precise information about where things are on Earth, and how they are related.
The Bachelor of Geospatial Science will prepare you to play an important role in meeting the needs of the agriculture, environmental, emergency and transportation industries, for example. You’ll build skills and knowledge in mapping, remote sensing, navigation systems and measurement.
A career in geospatial science may be for you, if you:
- have an interest in the physical nature of the world; knowing where things are and how they relate to each other
- enjoy design and computer graphics
- enjoy geography and mapping
- are able to work neatly and accurately, paying attention to detail
- enjoy science and maths
- enjoy problem solving
- are able to work as part of a team
Geospatial scientists develop and manage geographic information systems in a diverse range of exciting areas including:
- land administration and reform
- urban planning
- subdivision planning
- infrastructure management
- natural resource monitoring and development
- coastal zone management and mapping
- disaster informatics for disaster risk reduction and response
- weather forecasting
Graduates work in diverse roles that:
- manage and plan land use systems in local government
- map and analyse crime patterns with the police
- build systems for monitoring the spread of infectious disease
- provide maps and other data for mobile phones
Admissions
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments).
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
To get a better understanding of admissions at RMIT, view our ATAR information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., ATAR or GPA (including any adjustments).
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Certificate IV or above or equivalent.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level or overseas equivalent.
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent more then two years ago.
You must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if:
- You have no prior Year 12, VET qualifications, HE results or relevant work experience that meet the minimum entry requirements for the program; and
- You are 19 years of age or over (as of 1 Jan 2019) and have not enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years.
The STAT Multiple Choice will satisfy Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. Applicants must meet all other prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 65% average (check calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post-secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, there may be other RMIT programs you are eligible for that can lead you to your preferred program. Explore your pathway options.
Mathematics; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematics (any), with a study score of at least 20.
Form: Non-Year 12 applicants may submit additional information if they would like it to be considered.
- For semester 1 intake, this can be completed through the VTAC Personal Statement online.
- For semester 2 intake, this can be completed through the personal statement in the Apply Direct application.
Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) /RMIT Access
This is a gender underrepresented program and awards bonus points to female applicants. To be eligible you must submit a SEAS/RMIT Access application and complete category 1.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 92 (with minimum of 20 in all sections)
- 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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Fees
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2018
| Student contribution band by course (subject) | Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2018 |
|---|---|
| Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing | $6,444 per standard year $805 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture | $9,185 per standard year $1,148 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 3: law, accounting, administration, economics, commerce, dentistry, medicine, veterinary science |
$10,754 per standard year $1,344 per standard (12 credit point) course |
HECS-HELP
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to 100% of their student contribution.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-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 will 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.
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 2018 is $298.
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 2019 is AU$34,560.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2019 commencement is AU$144,000.
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.