Spatial Science Technology

This postgraduate degree produces graduates who are skilled in spatial science investigations, evaluation and synthesis. It allows students to enhance their knowledge of a particular surveying or spatial science information discipline area for application, research or management purposes.

Program objectives

The Master of Spatial Science Technology is a graduate level program in the fields of geographic information systems (GIS) and surveying. A coursework component (10 units) is augmented by a research project component (6 units). This allows students to enhance and extend their knowledge of a particular GIS or surveying major. Since spatial science is inherently a confluence of knowledge from various disciplines, a candidate from a non-spatial science background, such as biological and physical sciences, engineering, mathematics and statistics, information technology, agriculture and forestry, arts, and business, can apply to this program.
Students who successfully complete the Master of Spatial Science Technology will be able to demonstrate an ability to:

• critically evaluate knowledge from the literature and other information sources relevant to spatial science fields;

• analyse technological trends, and current and advanced technologies in the spatial science area and related disciplines, such as sustainable development, information systems, and technology management;

• apply knowledge and skills in spatial science;

• undertake research into spatial science issues and applications.

The Master of Spatial Science Technology is comprised of 16 units of study as indicated in the following tables. It involves a minimum of either four (4) semesters of full-time study or eight (8) semesters of part-time study.
The program is flexible, and depending on their previous undergraduate degree and current interests, allows a student to choose courses from a) GIS and surveying courses, and b) related disciplines and application areas, such as sustainable development, information systems, and technology management. All students must complete a five unit research project (ENG8411 and ENG8002) and a pre-requisite course on research methods (ENG8001 ).

Major studies

The major study provides students with knowledge and skills in a specific discipline. The two major study areas in the Master of Spatial Science Technology are:

• Geographic Information Systems

• Surveying.

To be eligible for admission to the program candidates must possess a three or four-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in a discipline approved by the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences. Overseas candidates must possess a degree in an approved discipline recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) as awarding degrees that are comparable to the education level of an Australian bachelor degree. Candidates for admission must have demonstrated a high level of academic performance and International applicants must also comply with the University requirements for competency in written and spoken English. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 570 TOEFL iBT® test: 90

Accreditation

The Master of Spatial Science Technology is not accredited by any professional bodies other than the University of Southern Queensland.