Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science

During this course you will:

1. Access specialist laboratories featuring the latest applications.
2. Study advanced areas of GIS and choose electives to match your career ambitions.
3. Graduate with advanced computing, implementation and management skills.
4. Study externally, on a part-time basis, to fit around your other commitments.

The postgraduate programs in Geographic Information Science produce high-quality graduates with both technical and research skills in advanced areas of geographic information science. Graduates are competent in basic and advanced computing skills especially in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software; various GIS and remote sensing operations; and implementation and management of GIS projects. 

The program also covers applications of GIS and remote sensing technologies to various areas; resource analysis through remote sensing and airphoto interpretation; expert systems and decision support systems; and research, both applied and theoretical, in the field of spatial information systems.

This program is available to be taken externally, on a part-time basis.

Recommended study pattern

The Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science is a 1 year course for a part-time student. Each year consists of 2 Study Periods, also known as semesters. The recommended study pattern consists of 2 core subjects and 2 elective subjects, with 2 to be completed in your first study period and 2 in your second.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science, students must satisfactorily complete a program of study consisting of 4 subjects.

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

Indicative total fee $4,787

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.

For more than a century, The University of Queensland (UQ) has delivered knowledge leadership for a better world. The most prestigious and widely recognised rankings of world universities consistently place UQ among the world's top universities. UQ has also won more national teaching awards than any other Australian university. This commitment to quality teaching empowers our 56,000 current students, who study across UQ’s three campuses, to create positive change for society.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

6

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

6

To be eligible for entry, you'll need: 

• a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
• 2 years full-time equivalent, relevant work experience (see below).

You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

Relevant work experience includes: high-level experience in using geospatial technology and managing projects.

All applicants applying based on relevant work experience are required to provide a resume or CV, and attend an interview upon request.

All applicants must satisfy the UQ English language proficiency requirements for admission.

If you've completed previous study, you may be eligible to receive credit for – or exemption from – certain subjects in a UQ program.

Please note that select subjects and assessments may require in-person attendance. Please review the courses and program structure for further details.