Undergraduate Certificate in Geospatial Science

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Undergraduate Certificate in Geospatial Science

UNDERGRADUATE

Learn the fundamental principles of geospatial science and explore this essential field.

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
July
Location:
Melbourne City
Mode of study:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

Geospatial Scientists are relied on for information about where things are, and how they are related.

The Undergraduate Certificate in Geospatial Science has been designed to build your foundational knowledge in areas such as in cartography, GIS, mapping, and satellite positioning and GPS. As a graduate, you will be able to apply these skills in exciting areas of work such as smart cities, transportation and infrastructure, natural resources management, and emergency management and response.

This certificate has been designed to provide you with a sound repertoire of foundation scientific knowledge and skills, that will assist you in further study in this discipline.

Studies in geospatial science can lead to a career in cartography, mapping, surveying, measurement and geographical visualisation.

Details

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Upon completion of this certificate, you will be able to: 

  • describe the fundamental and applied scientific knowledge that underpins this discipline
  • demonstrate an in-depth understakding of the spatial models and mathematical methods used in industry practice
  • apply models of catographic communication
  • solve a range of measurement and data management problems
  • perform spatial computations in two and three dimensions
  • interpret and critically analyse results

Geospatial Science is a highly practical discipline. You will learn through face-to-face lectures, tutorials and extensive practical activities. While most of your subjects will be delivered on-campus, some may be delivered online.

The learning objectives of this certificate are to develop essential introductory knowledge and fundamental skills which can lead you towards aspects of work and research in the geospatial sciences and surveying industries, and to build practical skills through field work, presentations, projects and reports.

You will have the opportunity to engage in field excursions, camps and other off site activities, including those held at our specialist computer laboratories. 

Assessment is multi-faceted and may consist of tests, practical reports, field work, projects and assignments, and oral presentations.

This is a certificate meant to build foundational knowledge as a pathway to the Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science) (Honours) which contains Work Integrated Learning subjects in years two and three.

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.

To graduate from this certificate, you must select and complete four of the following subjects:

  • Introduction to Engineering Mathematics
  • Scientific Skills and Communication
  • Cartography 1
  • Spatial Information Science Fundamentals
  • The Changing Environment
  • Physics of Satellite Measurement
  • GPS Mapping
  • Environmental Systems Analysis.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Undergraduate Certificate in Geospatial Science
Program code: UC009
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Undergraduate Certificate in Geospatial Science
City Campus
0.5 years full-time or part time equivalent
UC009
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 years full-time or part time equivalent
Plan code
UC009
CRICOS
View plan

Career

Upon completion of this undergraduate certificate, you will be able to undertake further study in the Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science) (Honours).

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; VCE Units 3 and 4: study score of at least 20 in Mathematics (any).

Rankings and adjustment factors

We have a limited number of places in this program. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in the order that applications are received. The ATAR is not used to rank applicants.

No adjustment factors are taken into consideration.

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.

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You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification). Your ATAR is not considered when selecting for this program.

You must have successfully completed an AQF accredited award at Certificate IV or above.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training 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
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), vocational education training studies, higher education studies or relevant work experience that meets the minimum academic requirements for the program

The STAT overall score will be used to meet the minimum academic entry 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 and Year 11 mathematics prerequisites. 

You must meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.

You must have successfully completed at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent).

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), vocational education training studies, higher education studies or relevant work experience that meets the minimum academic requirements for the program

The STAT overall score will be used to meet the minimum academic entry 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 and Year 11 mathematics prerequisites. 

You must meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), vocational education training studies, higher education studies or relevant work experience that meets the minimum academic requirements for the program

The STAT overall score will be used to meet the minimum academic entry 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 and Year 11 mathematics prerequisites. 

You must meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.

Additional information

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Not applicable - This program does not select on ATAR.

*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 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.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

To study this course 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

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry. For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Explore pathway finder
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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Graduates of the Undergraduate Certificate in Geospatial Science are guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science) (Honours) (BH117) and will receive 48 credit points.

In addition, if you complete the MATH2395 Introduction to Engineering Mathematics course, or equivalent you are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Applied Science (Surveying) (Honours) (BH116) and will receive 48 credit points. 

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.

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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.

Alternatively, you may be eligible for entry into other RMIT honours or postgraduate degrees.

Fees

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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.

New government eligibility rules in 2022 - low completion rates

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.

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
$1,425 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $14,630 per standard year
$1,828 per standard (12 credit point) course

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.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$XX,XXX.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$XX,XXX.

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.

Applying for refunds

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

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.

This program is not available to international students.

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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.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

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.

More information