Bachelor of Surveying (Honours)

Upon completion of this program, graduates will have:

1. Apply mathematics, statistics, and numerical methods to spatial measurement, modelling, and uncertainty analysis.
2. Demonstrate understanding of physics, earth science, and measurement theory underpinning surveying instrumentation and spatial positioning.
3. Plan, conduct, supervise, and manage field surveys in accordance with safety, ethical, and professional standards.
4. Apply geodetic principles, datums, projections, gravity field concepts, and coordinate transformations within national and global reference frameworks.
5. Derive and analyse spatial position using GNSS, satellite-based systems, and astronomical positioning techniques.
6. Process, adjust, and analyse spatial observations using least squares estimation, error propagation, and statistical inference.
7. Acquire, process, analyse, and visualise spatial data using photogrammetry, remote sensing, GIS, laser scanning, and spatial databases.
8. Use programming, databases, digital workflows, and emerging technologies to manage, integrate, and communicate spatial information.
9. Develop computational solutions and apply analytical reasoning to complex spatial and land-related problems.
10. Apply legal principles, boundary definition methodologies, and regulatory standards to land titling, subdivision, and cadastral surveys.
11. Evaluate and contribute to land development, urban planning, infrastructure, and environmental decision-making processes.
12. Apply surveying expertise to industrial, hydrographic, mining, construction, and interdisciplinary contexts.
13. Design and conduct independent investigations, critically evaluate literature and data, and communicate research outcomes at a professional standard.
14. Demonstrate ethical conduct, legal accountability, risk awareness, and commitment to professional standards and lifelong learning.
15. Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences, function effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and demonstrate leadership in professional contexts.

The Bachelor of Surveying (Honours) combines surveying expertise with emerging technologies in spatial data science, satellite positioning, remote sensing and digital mapping. You’ll learn how advanced technologies are used to capture, analyse and manage spatial information to support infrastructure, land development, and environmental decision-making.

The University of Newcastle's Surveying programs have been designed to prepare graduates for the future of the profession through a combination of flexible study, practical field experience and industry engagement. Study flexibly through a combination of online learning and dedicated on-campus field intensives, allowing you to develop practical surveying skills while accessing a high-quality university education from a wider range of locations.

Award requirements

The Bachelor of Surveying (Honours) is a four year program. Students are required to complete 320 units, which is comprised of:

• 280 units of core courses
• 40 units of Electives
• 0-unit compulsory Industrial Experience.

No more than 120 units can be taken at 1000 level; and at least 40 units must be taken at each level from the 2000 level and above for this program.

Note: The program includes compulsory in‑person field intensive sessions to ensure students develop and demonstrate essential surveying competencies. These intensives are delivered in dedicated blocks to maximise accessibility and minimise disruption to study schedules. Relevant prior learning or professional experience may be recognised as meeting this requirement, subject to program approval.

Choose your subjects

Electives

Electives can be used to extend and complement your core studies with more courses in the same field of study, or from areas that might be of interest to you. Electives can be chosen from all courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them.

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

Indicative total fee $39,520

The amounts shown here are 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.

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The University of Newcastle is dedicated to outstanding education and research.

Its degrees are shaped around global learning, work placements and entrepreneurial opportunities. The university is known as a champion of innovative approaches, striving for a dynamic teaching culture that delivers world-class outcomes. Welcoming students from diverse backgrounds, it focuses on equity and developing the next generation of socially-oriented leaders.

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Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.

The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.

If you have additional qualifications or experience above what is required for admission, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL). This means you can complete your degree faster with less courses to complete. Different pathways are outlined on each degree page on the University of Newcastle website.

The program combines online learning with dedicated on-campus field intensives. Intensive sessions are delivered in blocks during semester, with students attending one intensive per semester. This hybrid model gives you greater flexibility while maintaining hands-on surveying experience.