Bachelor of Spatial Science (Honours) (Geographic Information Systems)

Explore the world of satellite imagery, online maps and geographical information systems and gain in-depth knowledge and skills in geographical data, programming and remote sensing with UniSQ’s Bachelor of Spatial Science (Honours) (Geographic Information Systems).

1. advanced knowledge in the theories, concepts, methods and technologies in the areas of surveying and spatial science
2. skills and knowledge in the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of appropriate technologies, methods and processes to solve and complete a range of surveying and spatial science
3. development of advanced technical and cognitive skills to create innovative and sustainable solutions utilising cutting-edge technologies, supported by research to collect, store and manipulate spatial data
4. knowledge and skills to accept responsibility and autonomously apply well-informed judgements regarding professional practices, theories and processes
5. advanced oral and written communication skills to transmit and convey the necessary information and ideas to relevant stakeholders
6. consistent adaptation and application of academic norms and ethical standards in decision making when working collaboratively in a professional capacity
7. knowledge of surveying and spatial information systems of sufficient depth to be eligible for employment, certification and, where appropriate, registration as a Professional Surveyor or Spatial Scientist.

Do you think about how land is used? Interested in property development, digital maps or geographic information systems? UniSQ’s Bachelor of Spatial Science (Honours) will prepare you for careers in high demand within areas of surveying or geographical information systems. Study with UniSQ – the only university in Queensland that offers online planning and surveying qualifications.

Within the Geographic Information Systems major you will explore the world of satellite imagery, online maps and geographical information systems. You'll gain in-depth knowledge and skills in geographical data, programming and remote sensing.

Recommended study pattern

Year 1 - Semester 1

ENM1600 Engineering Mathematics

GIS1402 Geographic Information Systems

SVY1102 Surveying A

ENG1003 Problem Solving in Engineering and the Built Environment

Year 1 - Semester 2

GIS1401 Geographic Data Presentation

ENG1002 Introduction to Engineering and Built Environment Applications

SVY1110 Introduction to Global Positioning System

CSC1401 Foundation Programming

Year 1 - Practice Courses

SVY1901 Surveying and Spatial Science Practice 1

Year 2 - Semester 1

ENV2201 Land Studies

URP1001 Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning

GIS3407 GIS Programming and Visualisation

ENG2002 Technology, Sustainability and Society

Year 2 - Semester 2

URP2002 Local Government Planning Practice and Technology

Approved course (Select from the approved courses list)

SVY3302 Property Valuation and Development

GIS3406 Remote Sensing and Image Processing

Year 2 - Practice Courses

GPL2901 GIS and Planning Practice 1

GPL3902 GIS and Planning Practice 2

Year 3 - Semester 1

CSC3400 Database Systems

Approved course (Select from the approved courses list)

SVY3202 Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

SVY4309 Practice Management for Spatial Scientists

Year 3 - Semester 2

GIS3008 Applications of GIS and Remote Sensing

GIS3405 Spatial Analysis and Modelling

ENG4110 Engineering Research Methodology

GIS4407 Web Based Geographic Information System

Year 3 - Practice Courses

PSG3900 Professional Week 1

Year 4 - Semester 1

Approved course (Select from the approved courses list)

CSC2402 Object-Oriented Programming in C++

PSG4111 Research Project A

LAW2107 Environmental Law

Year 4 - Semester 2

Approved Course (Select from the Approved Course list)

Approved course (Select from the approved courses list)

CSC2406 Web Technology 1

PSG4112 Research Project B

Year 4 - Practice Courses

PSG4900 Professional Week 2

Award requirements

Completion of 32 units (including 0-unit value Practice Courses) as outlined in the Recommended Study Pattern section.

Choose your subjects

Majors

• Geographic Information Systems
• Surveying

Electives

Approved courses are part of the Academic program and students must select approved courses from a specified list.

Exit points

• Upon completion of the appropriate eight units, a student may apply to exit with the Diploma of Engineering Studies.
• Upon completion of the appropriate 16 units, a student may apply to exit with the Associate Degree of Spatial Science.
• Upon completion of the appropriate 24 units, a student may apply to exit with the Bachelor of Spatial Science.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $31,800

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

As Australia’s #1 university for graduate starting salary (Good Universities Guide, 2022), University of Southern Queensland is the right place to make real progress. Regardless of your education history, your age or your aspirations, at UniSQ you’ll be inspired by quality learning experiences matched with top resources and research. Having delivered distance and online learning for over 40+ years, UniSQ supports you to learn at your own pace—exactly how it suits you.

Learn more about USQ.

Explore USQ courses.

QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

24

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

25

• Have achieved a minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 74.15, or equivalent qualification.
• Subject Pre-requisites: English (Units 3 & 4, C) and Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent.

All students are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements. For entry to the Bachelor of Spatial Science (Geographic Information Systems) program, applicants are required to meet the Category 2 English Language Proficiency requirements.

Exemptions/credit will be assessed based on the USQ Credit and Exemption Procedure.

Work Experience

Work and industrial experience that has not been formally assessed, does not normally qualify for course credit in the Bachelor of Spatial Science (Honours) program.

Work experience is desirable and encouraged but is not required for the completion of the Bachelor of Spatial Science (Honours) program. Students are encouraged to obtain work experience during vacation periods.

The majority of the practical and professional experience requirements for the program are contained within the major recommended enrolment pattern. These are zero unit courses, which are a compulsory part of the program, however they do not attract a student contribution charge for Australian Residents or a tuition fee for international students.