Graduate Diploma in Spatial Science

On successful completion of the program students will have:

• Specialist knowledge in computational techniques for acquiring, analysing and interpreting spatial data sets.
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills applied to the field of spatial science.
• Critically evaluated literature and other information sources relevant to spatial science fields.
• Independently planned, implemented, interpreted, analysed and evaluated problems within the environmental and spatial science fields.

From tracking bushfire spread, to precision agriculture and climate change, as a Spatial Scientist you could be part of one of Australia’s most rapidly advancing industries. This degree will provide you with the practical skills needed to contribute new solutions to the many scientific challenges we face and make a meaningful difference in the world.

Recommended study pattern

Students are required to complete a total of, but no more than, 80 units, comprised of the following:

• 20 units of core courses
• 30 units of Group A directed courses
• 30 units of Group B directed courses

Core Courses:

• Advanced Spatial Science
• Advanced Remote Sensing Data and Applications

Group A Directed Courses:

• Sustainability and Ecosystem Health
• Environmental Management
• Impact Assessment and Climate Change Policy
• Cities and Regions
• Society and Space
• Geographies of Development
• Spatial Science

Group B Directed Courses:

• Town Planning
• Theory and Practice of Disaster Risk Reduction
• Sustainable Development and the 2030 Development Agenda
• Biodiversity, Conservation Science and Management
• Business and the Natural Environment
• Applied Natural Resource Management
• Data Wrangling and Visualisation
• Predictive Analytics

Please note: Students who commence in Trimester 1 or Semester 1 will take a minimum of 1 year to complete the program, dependent on their prior studies and enrolment patterns. Students who commence in Trimester 2, Semester 2, or Trimester 3 will take a minimum of 1.5 years to complete the program.

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

Indicative total fee $22,985

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.

The University of Newcastle is dedicated to outstanding education and research. Their 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, they focus on equity and developing the next generation of socially-oriented leaders.

Learn more about Newcastle University.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

17

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Admission to the program will be available for applicants who have:

• An AQF level 7 Bachelor degree or higher tertiary qualification OR
• An AQF Level 6 Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in a cognate area (such as geography, environmental science, earth science, civil engineering, surveying, or environmental engineering) plus a minimum of one year relevant experience.

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.

You will undertake simulated consulting projects whereby you will work together or individually to solve problems in the spatial sciences (eg. the causes of a major bushfire). You will be trained in GIS software and analysis methods which are highly sought after by industry, and will write a scientific report that follows consulting standards. You will also be exposed to real world applications of the skills you gain throughout your studies.