Bachelor of Geospatial Science
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2022
You're viewing degree information for International students
You're considered an International student if you are:
- NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
LBSP
Prerequisites
SACE Stage 2 Math Methods
More info
Assumed Knowledge
SACE Stage 2 Physics
More info
Fees
2022: AUD$ 33,600 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)
2023: AUD$ 35,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
074118G
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
To be eligible for selection, applicants are required to:
Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and
- obtain a competitive ATAR, and
- meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C-
Alternatively, applicants can fulfil one of the following requirements with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements, and other academic requirements for the program:
- Complete secondary education qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
- Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points, or
- Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
- Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above, or
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV level or above, or
- Qualify for Special Entry, or
- Complete a University Foundation Studies program
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
SACE Stage 2 Math MethodsAssumed Knowledge
SACE Stage 2 PhysicsEnglish language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.English language testSee equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Admission Requirements by Country
Bangladesh HSC 4 Canada High School (OSSD) 65 Eynesbury FSP 330 German Abitur 3 India (best 4) 65 Kenya KCSE (average) B+ Malaysia STPM (best 3) 6 Malaysia UEC 30 Norway GPA 3 Pakistan HSSC 85 Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3) 7 Sweden GPA 13 UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board 7 Vietnam 7.5 Australia 70 IB (best 6) 26 USA SAT (1600) 1110 Nepal HSEB 65 HKDSE 16
This degree will have no further intakes from 2019. Please review our suite of environmental and geospatial bachelor degrees for alternative options.
Degree overview
- Build a career in land surveying and environmental management.
- Learn about environmental mapping and spatial analysis.
- Take courses in mathematics and applied physics.
- Develop skills in complex modelling.
- Gain practical experience through a series of field trips.
- Learn in an immersive virtual environment using Project Live visualisation technology which transforms traditional classroom activities into flexible, interactive and engaging learning experiences.
- Research rated well above world-class in environmental science and management.1
- A common first year with the Bachelor of Environmental Science, so you can transfer and retain the credits for courses you’ve completed.
1 2015 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Snapshot
The spatial industry helps us understand our world and to solve issues relating to the environment, hazards and development – from local community to a global scale.
The spatial sciences can be part of our daily lives, such as using Google Maps to find the closest coffee shop. They can also be put to specialised use, such as a coach monitoring how far a footballer has run in a game. Even video game companies are using spatial technology to develop topography, maps and rendering to add detail and realism to games.
The Bachelor of Geospatial Science is designed to deliver practical learning. There is a focus on fieldwork and problem solving from the very beginning. You will gain skills you can transfer to the workplace and graduate ready to enter the geospatial industry.
You can complete this degree together with the Bachelor of Environmental Science in four years. You can discuss this option once you have enrolled with UniSA.
What you'll learn
You will learn about Geographical Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, mapping and land surveying, and you’ll have access to the latest satellite positioning equipment and industry standard software for processing geospatial data.
This degree shares a common first year and other core courses with the Bachelor of Environmental Science, allowing you to change specialisation or graduate with two qualifications in four years.
Through Project Live, we’ll provide you with access to cutting-edge digital imagery from your own local environments and further afield, along with tools to process and evaluate this data to critically assess its meaning. From aerial imagery of erosion patterns along the South Australian coastline and ancient landforms in central Australia, to infra-red surveys of vegetation health in Barossa Valley vineyards and satellite monitoring of ice sheet stability in Antarctica, this imagery will give you hands on experience in data creation and manipulation and help you become familiar with the latest digital imaging, mapping and spatial analysis techniques.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- reports and project documentation
- research projects, group projects
- essays and assignments
- examinations
- practicals
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Why Bachelor of Geospatial Science
Your studies will encompass geospatial science, landscape and soil science, mathematics and physics, environmental science and urban and regional planning. Guest lectures by geospatial professionals will give you exposure to real-world scenarios, and you’ll gain practical experience through field trips.
Through Project Live, an immersive virtual environment, you will experience field trips in an entirely new way. In this unique environment, you’ll access remote drone photogrammetry, gigapixel photography, 360-degree panoramic photos and videos, virtual reality platforms using mobile and headset technology to analyse imagery and data relevant to your studies in environmental and/or geospatial sciences.
With crucial real-world context and active experience in data creation and manipulation, our graduates become familiar with the latest digital imaging, mapping and spatial analysis techniques directly applicable to their careers as professional practitioners.
Both the Spatial Sciences Institute and the Surveyors Board of South Australia support this degree. Their involvement puts our students in contact with industry and also helps with placements. They hold mentoring events and women’s nights to provide access to contacts and opportunities.
Our world-class facilities at Mawson Lakes – such as the multi-million dollar Materials and Minerals Science Learning and Research Hub – offer an inspiring environment for collaborative learning, innovation, sustainability and excellence.
Your career
With a Bachelor of Geospatial Science you could find employment in the GIS or spatial industry working for local, state or federal government departments, or in private spatial consultancies or mining companies.
Careers to consider:
- cartographer: compiling data from various sources, such as surveys, and using web-based technology to makes maps
- photogrammetrist: using satellite images, light-imaging detection and ranging technology, and photos — especially aerial photos — to make surveys and maps
- GIS spatial analyst: developing spatial data from maps, documents, and other data sources; performing quality testing and evaluation of data; analysing data and developing spatial data models and maps; managing and maintaining data sets
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Alternative Pathways
There are a wide variety of pathways into studying Geospatial and Environmental Science at UniSA.
Find an Alternative Pathway
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
Your study experience and support
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
- career advice and mentoring
- help with student visas and health cover
- personal counselling
- academic counselling
- fees and finance help
- common rooms
- prayer rooms
- security officers
- accommodation services
- as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your study spaces
You will have access to our multi-million dollar Materials and Minerals Science Learning and Research Hub at the Mawson Lakes campus. The $50 million facility supports our world-class research in minerals and materials science. It’s a place that blends teaching and research environments, making you part of a vibrant learning community.
You'll also be exposed to virtual environments through Project Live a purpose built facility that will help you experience different environments without leaving the campus. From this facility you’ll have access to remote drone photogrammetry, gigapixel photography, 360-degree panoramic photos and videos, virtual reality platforms using mobile and headset technology to analyse imagery and data relevant to your studies in environmental and/or geospatial sciences.
Your program director
I am a geologist and geochemist. I am particularly interested in how mountains form in the centre of tectonic plates, how fluids control the strength of rocks and trigger earthquakes, and how some of the hottest rocks in the world are distributed through southern Australia. I am proud to have been chosen as one of ABC Radio National and UNSW's "Top 5 Under 40" for 2017. As part of this honour, I will have a short residency at the ABC studios in Sydney where I can share my research and my passion for science via the media.
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How to apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
What others are saying
When I finish my studies I plan to work within the Surveying industry, with the aim of becoming a Licensed Surveyor. This work appeals to me because of the mix of indoor and outdoor work and varied day to day tasks which this field offers.
Mat Johns-Forbes
Surveying graduate
I've had plenty of opportunities to connect with people within industry and made some really good networking connections. Also I've joined the Surveying & Spacial Sciences Institute Young Professionals Committee which I have found to be a source of practical experience.
Sophie Min-Thompson
I am a land surveying field assistant, which involves preparing the survey vehicle and checking equipment in the morning before heading to the work site. A career in land surveying gives me the opportunity to work on many different projects and travel all around the Greater Adelaide area. Studying geospatial science and surveying at UniSA gave me the skills and knowledge to start a career in the surveying field.
Jason Heritage
Bachelor of Geospatial Science
