Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science) (Honours)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
-
Duration
Full-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, JulyEntry score
ATAR 67.25
Duration
Full-time 4 yearsLocation
Melbourne City
Overview
What you will study
This degree will prepare you to play an important role in collecting, managing, analysing and interpreting data to meet the needs of agricultural, environmental, emergency and transportation industries.
Details
RMIT has a dedicated field station at the Bundoora campus, 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 subjects.
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 40 days of work experience during your study. 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.
- Monica Wachowicz, Associate Dean
- Lucas Holden, Program Manager
- Mariela Soto-Berelov (Belonging Champion, year 1)
While there's a sound theoretical base, most subjects incorporate extensive practical work to build skills as well as knowledge.
Learning support for students includes a first-year transition program, academic staff and a strong Geospatial Science Student Association.
In the early years of this degree, 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
VTAC Code
If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.
- Plan BH117 - 3200332281
Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
VTAC Code
If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.
- Plan BH117 - 3200332283
Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
Career
As more and more organisations rely on spatial data as a key information source, the industry demand for graduates grows. It’s typical that more than 90% of RMIT graduates are employed within three months of completing their studies, demonstrating that demand for geospatial science professionals is growing across Australia and the globe. 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.
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.
Admissions
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification).
Prerequisites
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics, or equivalent studies.
Rankings and adjustment factors
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.
Adjustment factors include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments.
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
Selection criteria by applicant type
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
Full-time study commencing in the Midyear/July intake is only available to applicants who:
- Are current BH117 or BH101GS students transferring to BH116; or
- Are previous BH116 students returning to study; or
- Have completed the Advanced Diploma of Surveying (C6156); or
- Are transferring from an equivalent surveying program an another Australian university and have completed the appropriate surveying or spatial courses.
If you do not meet any of the above requirements, you may still apply but are only eligible to study on a part-time basis. Note that this will extend the duration of the program.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Full-time study commencing in the Midyear/July intake is only available to applicants who:
- Are current BH117 or BH101GS students transferring to BH116; or
- Are previous BH116 students returning to study; or
- Have completed the Advanced Diploma of Surveying (C6156); or
- Are transferring from an equivalent surveying program an another Australian university and have completed the appropriate surveying or spatial courses.
If you do not meet any of the above requirements, you may still apply but are only eligible to study on a part-time basis. Note that this will extend the duration of the program.
Personal statement
If you have been excluded from a program due to academic progress you are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining the strategies you will adopt to ensure academic success.
If you are applying to RMIT through VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.
If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Elite Athlete Program
- The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Additional information
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
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. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
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.
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
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree and helping you get the degree you want.
Use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT for more information.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
Fees
2022 indicative fees
In 2022, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,985 to AU$14,630*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022.
- 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
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
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.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students commencing their program in 2022. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. 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 2022 for commencing students
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2022 |
|---|---|
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture |
$3,985 per standard year $498 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology |
$8,021 per standard year $1,002 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science |
$11,401 per standard year |
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture |
$14,630 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
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 the full amount of their student contribution.
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.
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 2022 is $315.
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 2022 is AU$36,480.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$151,680.
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.
Applying for refunds
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.