Bachelor of Spatial Science (Honours) (Surveying)

Develop in-depth knowledge of cadastral, geographical information, mining, and construction surveying in UniSQ’s Bachelor of Spatial Science (Honours) (Surveying). 

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.

Within the Surveying major you will develop in-depth knowledge of cadastral, geographical information, mining, and construction surveying. You can choose between Queensland and New South Wales cadastral surveying, or do both. This professionally accredited degree, together with industry experience, enables registration and/or licensing as a professional surveyor. Graduates can find work on land development, construction, or mining projects.

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

SVY1110 Introduction to Global Positioning System

ENG1002 Introduction to Engineering and Built Environment Applications

SVY1104 Survey Computations A

GIS1401 Geographic Data Presentation

Year 1 - Practice Courses

SVY1901 Surveying and Spatial Science Practice 1

Year 2 - Semester 1

SVY2301 Automated Surveying Systems

SVY2106 Geodetic Surveying A

SVY3202 Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing

SVY2302 Mine Surveying

Year 2 - Semester 2

CSC1401 Foundation Programming

SVY2303 Construction Surveying

ENG2002 Technology, Sustainability and Society

 SVY3304 Cadastral Surveying (Queensland) OR  SVY3306 Cadastral Surveying (New South Wales)

Year 2 - Practice Courses

SVY2902 Surveying and Spatial Science Practice 2

SVY2903 Surveying and Spatial Science Practice 3

Year 3 - Semester 1

CIV2701 Road Design and Location

ENV2201 Land Studies

URP1001 Introduction to Urban and Regional Planning

SVY2105 Survey Computations B

Year 3 - Semester 2

SVY3400 Advanced Surveying

URP3201 Sustainable Urban Design and Development

ENG4110 Engineering Research Methodology

SVY3107 Geodetic Surveying B

Year 3 - Practice Courses

SVY3904 Surveying and Spatial Science Practice 4

PSG3900 Professional Week 1

Year 4 - Semester 1

SVY4309 Practice Management for Spatial Scientists

Approved Course (Select from the Approved Course list)

PSG4111 Research Project A

Approved Course (Select from the Approved Course list)

Year 4 - Semester 2

Approved Course (Select from the Approved Course list)

SVY4304 Land and Cadastral Law

SVY3302 Property Valuation and Development

PSG4112 Research Project B

Year 4 - Practice Courses

PSG4900 Professional Week 2

Award requirements

Successful completion of 32 units (including six 0-unit value Practice Courses) as outline 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.

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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 (Honours) (Surveying) 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.