ObjectivesThis course is designed for professionals and practitioners from diverse backgrounds who are looking to develop their geographic information science knowledge and skills. You will explore geographical information science problems of continuing or emerging significance in government and industry. You will undertake a range of coursework units in geographical information science and spatial sciences, complementing core studies with your choice of specialist geographical information science subjects. In your second year you will learn to effectively conduct and manage research before completing your own significant research project. Throughout the course you will specialise in either geographic information science or surveying and mapping. Surveying and mapping students focus on the capture, measurement, mapping and management of spatial data and imagery while geographic information science students consider spatial data representation, handling, management and analysis.
Entry requirementsA degree or equivalent. The qualification would normally be in engineering, cartography, surveying, applied science or in a relevant planning, geography, environmental, biological or agricultural science. Applicants should also have a background in mathematics and statistics equivalent to first year university level. International students may need to substitute a communication unit for one of the specialist optional units subject to an English communication diagnostic test.
Academic titleMaster of Science (Geospatial Science)
Course descriptionMaster of Science (Geospatial Science)
MSc(Curtin)
Course CRICOS Code: 056083G
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 2 Years
Introduction
This course provides an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and skills in the geospatial sciences and undertake a significant investigation in the theory and application of geospatial technologies and systems. Units and project topics explore problems of continuing or emerging significance and often will relate strongly to relevant problems of industry and government. A student will not be permitted to progress in the Master program unless a mark of 65 per cent is achieved in the first 200 credits worth of units. Students who do not achieve this level of academic performance may apply for an intermediate award.
Course Entry Requirements
A degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary educational institution. The qualification would normally be in engineering, cartography, surveying, geographic information science, applied science or in a relevant planning, geography, environmental, biological or agricultural science. Applicants should have a background in mathematics and statistics equivalent to first year university level. International students may need to substitute a communication unit for one of the specialist optional units subject to an English communication diagnostic test.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.
Duration and Availability
Normal course duration is two years full-time or equivalent part-time study. The geographic information science stream is available both on-campus and externally through distance and online learning. The surveying and mapping stream is available on-campus and some selected units are available through distance and online learning.
Intermediate Awards 1
A student who has successfully completed the requirements of an approved intermediate award may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of Head of School/Department. Fees apply. Intermediate award(s) approved for this course are:
Intermediate Awards II
Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science, Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science and Graduate Diploma in Suveying and Mapping.
Course Organisation
The course comprises postgraduate units in geographic information science and the spatial sciences. Note that unit availability may be limited to specific semesters which may affect the sequence in which units are undertaken. Some units may be on a blockmodular format. Optional units are chosen from the list of units offered. Units outside of this list are subject to approval by the course coordinator. Optional unit availability may be restricted depending on the semester and mode of enrolment.Optional units are intended to provide students with a broader and deeper insight into the knowledge, skills and the applications of GIScience. Recognition of Prior Learning is not normally granted for optional units. Continuing progress in this course is subjectto satisfactory performance.
Professional Recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership in the Spatial Sciences Institute.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are able to pursue careers in geographic information science and the broader spatial sciences.
Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials.
Course Structure Disclaimer Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.
Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1
311718 v.1 Geographic Information Science Stream (MSc Geospatial Sc) 400.0
OR
311719 v.1 Surveying and Mapping Stream (MSc Geospatial Sc) 400.0 400.0
NB Year 2 options must be chosen from 600 level
Availability
Year Location Period Internal Fully Online#
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y
2009 Bentley Campus Semester 2 Y
The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.
*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.
^Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.
#Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.