Master of Geographic Information Science

Upon successful completion of this program, students will:

1. Access specialist laboratories featuring the latest applications.
2. Study advanced areas of GIS and choose electives to match your career ambitions.
3. Undertake a semester-long GIS and/or remote-sensing research project.
4. Graduate with advanced computing, implementation and management skills.

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.

Recommended study pattern

The Master of Geographic Information Science is a 2 year course for a full-time student. Each year consists of 2 Study Periods, also known as semesters. The recommended study pattern consists of 9 core subjects and 7 elective subjects, with 8 to be completed in your first year and 8 in your second.

Award requirements

To qualify for the Master of Geographic Information Science, students must satisfactorily complete a program of study consisting of 16 subjects.

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

Indicative total fee $19,150

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.

Learn more about UQ.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

6

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

5

To be eligible to complete the degree in 2 years full-time (or part-time equivalent), you'll need:

• a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
• a graduate certificate or graduate diploma in geographic information science
• to have successfully completed at least 3 years of study towards an approved qualification at an overseas partner institution, with a formal pathway to the Master of Geographic Information Science.

You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

Start semester: The 2-year degree is available to start in Semesters 1 and 2.

To be eligible to complete the degree in 1.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent), you'll need:

• a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.

Relevant disciplines include: science (mathematics, physics, computer science), environmental science, environmental management, geographical science, geology, surveying, geometrics and engineering.

Start semester: The 1.5-year degree is only available to start in Semester 1.

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.