Master of Surveying
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2021
This degree is only available to Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
LMSV
SATAC Code
4CM210 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Mode
On-campus
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View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Applicants should have a completed Bachelor degree in a related discipline from a recognised higher education institution. This degree must have a minimum GPA of 4.5, but selection will be competitive and applicants will be ranked in order of academic merit. The degree will have strength in geospatial science and will reside in disciplines such as Geographical Information Systems, Science, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management and Geography.
Applicants whose Bachelor degree does not meet the GPA requirement may also be considered for entry based upon 3 years' full time relevant work experience. Relevant experience would typically be in the field of engineering surveying or cadastral surveying. These applicants are required to submit a detailed curriculum vitae.
Applicants must have passed university coursework with the following content:- Maps and coordinate systems
- Geographical information systems
- Urban Planning
- Remote Sensing
- Basic and advanced courses in Land Surveying including GPS
- Earth Systems/Geology
- Mathematics (preferably engineering mathematics)
- Physics
Degree overview
- Build theoretical knowledge and practical skills in land surveying measurements and analysis.
- Undertake cadastral surveying training looking at land management and boundary survey.
- Complete a surveying project linked with industry in your final year.
- Option to graduate with a diploma level qualification after one year of study.
Snapshot
The Master of Surveying is designed for professional scientists to further develop knowledge, ethics and practical skills in land surveying measurements and analysis.
This degree has a strong focus on integrating learning into industry experience. You will have multiple opportunities for fieldwork and study camps where you will work on cadastral surveying, GPS surveying, geodetic science, and precision positioning.
You will graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership in contemporary surveying.
An exit point is available at the successful completion of the first year, with the award of a Graduate Diploma in Surveying.
The pathway into the Master of Surveying includes the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Surveying) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Flexible Entry).
What you'll learn
In this degree you will build theoretical knowledge and practical skills in land surveying measurements and analysis. You will undertake cadastral surveying training looking at land management and boundary survey.
Also key to this degree is the development and application of research methods and skills. These will be invaluable when you begin work on your major project in the second year of study.
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 and contribute to online discussion forums. 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:
· essays, assignments and projects
· surveys, analyses and reporting
· field work
· group projects and reports
· examinations
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. 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.
Research
UniSA has active connections with Australian and international institutions and industry through our research and collaboration. Our research centres provide a dynamic teaching and research base for students. All have state-of-the-art facilities, with world renowned links and associations.
You will benefit from access to UniSA's renowned research centres, including the Scarce Resources and Circular Economy centre, where our academics and researchers have diverse research backgrounds and complementary expertise in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Science, Geospatial Science, Project Management and Water & Wastewater Engineering. A key aim of the centre is resolving real world, multidisciplinary problems and the challenges of industry, government and the community, at both national and international levels
Through your studies you may also become involved with the Barbara Hardy Institute. The Barbara Hardy Institute has world-leading scientists, engineers and social scientists working collaboratively towards the widespread adoption of sustainable principles and environmentally correct practices. Simply put, they do great research into sustainability.
Why Master of Surveying
This degree has a strong focus on integrating learning into industry experience. It is supported and partially funded by the Surveyors Board of South Australia.
You will study advanced courses in surveying, including one distance education course in Remote Sensing: Photogrammetry through the University of Tasmania.
The degree involves camps and fieldwork in cadastral surveying, GPS surveying, geodetic science and precision positioning. You will also work with the support of a professional surveying organisation to complete a field-oriented project.
Your career
Graduates of this master degree find employment in professional areas such as land boundary (cadastral) and engineering surveying.
As a student in this degree you become eligible to enter into an agreement with the Surveyors Board of South Australia to undertake training in cadastral surveying, which will lead to formal licensing by the Board.
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program meets the Surveyors Board of South Australia requirements to proceed through a Registered Training Agreement to be become a Licensed Surveyor. The program is designed for professional scientists for careers in areas such as land boundary (cadastral) and engineering surveying. Graduates will develop knowledge, ethics and practical skills in land surveying measurements and analysis. The program incorporates integrating learning into industry experience, and opportunities for fieldwork and study camps on cadastral surveying, GPS surveying, geodetic science, and precision positioning.
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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.
Scholarship for student leadership
$7,000 for a full year is available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Receive up to $2500 total in travel grants to participate in our Study Overseas programs. UniSA has agreements with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect 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 student support services can make your life at university easier. We provide a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling. You can also access a range of services through our students association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.
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 program director
Before joining UniSA, I worked for Ordnance Survey, Great Britain’s national mapping agency for 21 years where I undertook various surveying, mapping and management roles. I use this extensive experience to add authenticity to my teaching and together with my natural enthusiasm I create an engaging learning arena for students. I am passionate about student success and I am a member of UniSA’s Student Engagement Advisory Group and Orientation Working Group. I maintains links with the surveying and mapping industry through my membership of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI) and South Australia’s Board of Surveyors Surveying and Mapping committee where I champion new approaches to attracting, retaining and educating surveying and mapping students.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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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.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
What others are saying
Through my degree, I've been on plenty of field trips that have taken me all across South Australia. This has allowed me to see and explore places that I never would have gone to. All of the teaching staff are either working or have worked in the surveying industry, which has also provided great insight.
Michael Button
Bachelor of Geospatial Science, Master of Surveying
