Find out why the world relies on geospatial science.
AU$37,440 (2023 annual)
RMIT's Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours) will teach you to apply scientific principles in professional practice as well as develop research skills.
This degree will prepare you to play an important role in collecting, distributing, storing, managing, analysing and communicating geospatial information to meet the societal demands in agriculture, transportation and logistics, energy, retail, defence and intelligent operations, emergency services, insurance, health care, environment and natural resources, and government sectors.
Throughout your geospatial studies, you will engage in project-based learning, tackling real-world problems and designing solutions using geospatial technology.
From Google Maps to GPS navigators, spatial science is everywhere and is relied on for geospatial technology to determine where things are, and how they are related. Gain specialised knowledge to meet the needs of AI-based geospatial solutions and increased demand for geospatial scientists.
This degree will provide you with a sound repertoire of scientific knowledge and technical expertise, which are needed for a professional career in industry, government, and academia.
Conduct industry-based and practical learning activities, providing you with vital skills.
More than 90 per cent of graduates are employed within three months of completing this degree.
Learn from geospatial scientists and benefit from a curriculum influenced by the latest industry trends.
You will benefit from an extensive range of practical learning experiences which are based on industry standard software and hardware, the same tools you will find in the workplace to reinforce your theoretical learning.
You will have ample opportunities to develop skills and experience with these tools, including 3D processing and modelling, Digital Twins, cloud-based data sharing and analysis, virtual and augmented reality, LiDAR sensing, global navigation satellite systems, spatial scan systems, geographic information systems (GIS), eye tracking, and drones.
You will learn through a mix of teaching approaches including, lectures, lectorials, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practical and laboratory sessions and site visits, using face-to-face, online, and other flexible delivery mechanisms.
Ongoing assessments throughout the semester may include tests, quizzes, essays, reports, presentations, projects, and assignments.
Learning support for students includes a first-year transition program, academic staff and a strong Geospatial Science Student Association.
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
The curriculum has been developed in collaboration with industry, ensuring this geospatial science degree reflects current industry trends and meets the needs of the global geospatial industry and strong future growth forecast for the sector.
You will meet many professionals that are passionate and dedicated in sharing knowledge that matters through invited lecturers, capstone project supervisions, internships, and integrated professional development activities.
You will benefit from one-of-a kind industry placement opportunities, engaging with industry professionals from companies such as Jacobs, Photomapping Services, CR Kennedy and Company, 1Spatial, Veris, Spatial Vision, Spiire, Hellier McFarland, MNG, AutoNet Services, Clarita Solutions, Breese Pitt Dixon, Taylors, 4D Global.
We also partner with key players operating in the global geospatial market including Google, ESRI Australia, Trimble, Leica, and Hexagon.
You will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement overseas, building a global network and boosting career opportunities.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
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.
View the learning outcomes for each stream:
The first year provides a transformative learning experience, in which you will learn and explore core science concepts across physical, life, data and mathematical science disciplines and develop and strengthen key scientific and transferable skills that will underpin your future studies and careers in geospatial science. You will learn the principles and reasoning of spatial thinking in conjunction with applied geospatial techniques.
You will gain more in-depth education and training in the major discipline areas in Earth Observation Science, Spatial Information Science, Geospatial Programming, Mapping and Visualisation, Geodesy, GNSS Navigation Systems, and Human Geography.
You will deepen your knowledge in geospatial science, while getting the opportunity to undertake major studies of your choice so you can tailor the degree to suit your areas of interest and enhance your career opportunities.
In your fourth year, you will finalise your study with a capstone project on a range of specialised subjects. You will plan your R&D project, conduct a critical review of relevant published material, complete your R&D project, evaluate the outcomes, and report your findings. This can also be a work-integrated project conducted in conjunction with industry,
You will also complete studies in your chosen minor and professional practice. Minors include: Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Planning and Urban Design, Space Science, and Surveying.
You will also benefit from 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.
Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.
If you are eligible* to apply via The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), copy and paste the below code into VTAC CourseSearch.
*Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.
Please note: From 2023, the BH117 plan is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should apply for the BH117P23 plan.
If you are eligible* to apply via The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), copy and paste the below code into VTAC CourseSearch.
*Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.
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.
A geospatial scientist assists in understanding and tackling some of the biggest issues facing the globe, including environmental issues such as climate change, food security, identifying poverty and inequality and underpinning the measuring and monitoring of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs).
In the past three years, geospatial scientists have underpinned much of the analysis undertaken in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Graduates work in diverse roles that:
Graduates can pursue careers in cartography, mapping, surveying, measurement and geographical visualisation:
Please note: From 2023, the BH117 plan is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should apply for the BH117P23 plan. Admissions information for the BH117P23 plan is listed below.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification).
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.
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.
You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points. For more information about what adjustment factors RMIT considers visit Admission to RMIT.
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.
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.
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. You will be ranked on your ATAR plus any adjustment factors.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., level of TAFE qualification completed (including any adjustment factors).
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.
You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., GPA (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
You must have satisfactorily completed at least four courses (subjects) (0.5 EFTSL) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent). You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
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.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.
The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.
*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 admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 65% (see 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.
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Units 3 and 4 in Mathematics (any), with a study score of at least 20.
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:
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.
This course offers pathway options. If you don’t meet the entry requirements, a formal pathway might be your way in.
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.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.
You can gain entry to this degree from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
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 their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.
In 2023, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,124 to AU$15,142*.
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.
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.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
From 2022, there are new government rules about eligibility for higher education student funding as part of the Australian Government’s Job-ready Graduates legislation. If you're starting a program in or after 2022 and are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or have a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan, these changes affect you. For details, please see Low completion rate and government funding.
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.
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 who commence their program in 2023. 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.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2023 |
|---|---|
| Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,124 per standard year $515 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 | $8,301 per standard year $1,037 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $11,800 per standard year $1,475 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $15,142 per standard year $1,892 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.
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.
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.
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 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.
For students who identify as a woman and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in surveying or geospatial sciences; worth up to $10,000.
For students who identify as a woman enrolling in their first year of geospatial sciences; worth $5,000 for one year.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$37,440.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$155,520.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
