Bachelor of Applied Science (Surveying) (Honours)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 4 years -
Location
Melbourne city -
Fees
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
ATAR 70.05
Duration
Full-time 4 years Location
Melbourne city Fees
AU$34,560 (2019 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Your career in surveying
Surveying is an exciting career often involving travel with a mix of outdoor and indoor work. Opportunities are forecast to keep growing with a current shortage of qualified professionals.
What you will learn in this degree
RMIT offers the only undergraduate surveying degree in Victoria. It is accredited with local and international surveying organisations and thoroughly prepares you to enter the profession.
Details
Surveyors use advanced equipment and specialised software to determine the accurate position of features. These include:
- robotic laser instruments to observe and record surveys
- light beams to electronically measure distance
- satellite positioning technology (GPS) to fix positions.
This degree provides you with the essential skills and knowledge required to succeed as a professional surveyor. These include:
- a thorough knowledge of algebra, basic calculus, geometry, and trigonometry
- the laws that deal with surveys, property, and contracts
- the ability to use delicate instruments with accuracy and precision.
This degree strongly links theory and practice. Most subjects incorporate extensive practical work to build skills as well as knowledge.
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.
You’ll carry out a final-year research project that is industry approved and reflects current best practice.
You’ll also complete 60 days of work experience, usually in the form of paid employment during vacation periods or as a part-time employee (we can sometimes assist you to find a placement).
Inside the course experience
Our students enjoy the practical nature of the degree which includes real-world activities and is linked to the needs of industry.
Early in the degree, you’ll study the fundamentals of measurement science, cartography, and spatial information science (GIS). Other required skills in mathematics, statistics, and physics are also covered.
Later, more specialised studies are offered in geodesy, map projections, spatial analysis, remote sensing, image analysis, and professional practice.
Specialised studies in cadastral and engineering surveying, GPS, and advanced adjustment methods are central components of the degree.
Practical work
Field camps are held in the second and third years to reinforce theoretical learning and allow you to exercise your knowledge of real-world problems.
Practical work is based on industry-standard software and hardware, the same tools you will find in the workplace. You will have ample opportunities to develop skills and experience with these tools.
Learning support
Learning support includes a first-year transition program, academic coordinators for each year level, and an active Geospatial Science Student Association. There is also a dedicated field station at Yarra Bend Park to support practical work.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Applied Science (Surveying) (Honours) | City Campus |
4 years full time (8 semesters)
|
4 years full time
|
BH116 | 084350E |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BH116
Career
Surveyors play a major role in land development, from the planning and design of land subdivision, through to the final construction of the roads, utilities, and landscape planning.
They also play an important part in the construction industry providing detailed design plans for the subsequent construction of roads, freeways, tunnels, bridges, pipelines, and high-rise buildings.
Some surveyors work with mining companies on exploration, mining development, and mining operations.
Other surveyors specialise in hydrographical surveys, working with automated position and sounding equipment on survey ships to map the ocean floor.
You may be employed in small or medium-sized consultancy businesses in the private sector or in government agencies.
Many graduates enter a Professional Training Agreement and become licensed surveyors.
You can find out more about surveying by visiting:
The program is externally accredited through the Surveyors Registration Board of Victoria. This means that the Board has identified it as one of the qualifications that leads to registration as a Licensed Surveyor in Victoria.
The Board is also a member of the Council of Reciprocating Surveyors Boards of Australia and New Zealand. Since 1892 the Council has been overseeing the reciprocal recognition of surveyor licensing between Australian States and Territories and New Zealand.
Graduates are eligible to apply for membership of The Institution of Surveyors Victoria and the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute.
The program has international accreditation with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors which also entitles graduates to membership of that Institute.
The program is also accredited by the Land Surveyors Board of Malaysia as a recognised qualification.
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.
Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission 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.
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.
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.
Higher Mathematics; or
VCE Units 3 and 4 in Mathematical Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics, 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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- 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 Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Fees
In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* 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.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2019, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,566 to AU$10,958.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
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 2019
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2019 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,566 per standard year |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,359 per standard year |
|
$10,958 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 HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount 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 2019 is $303.
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.