Graduate Diploma in Spatial Science
This degree is part of the programs offering government subsidised places
Find information about indicative course and program fees.
Program handbook
Description
Spatial science underscores almost every aspect of modern life. Due to rapid growth of easily accessible high-quality spatial data, there is increasing demand for employees with skills in managing and analysing location based data in order to solve local through to global scale problems. In this program you will have access to specialised GIS software, learn how to collect unique data sets using drones, access online global earth data and apply spatial analysis techniques to a wide range of environmental and social problems. By the time you finish your studies, you will have the practical skills to make a meaningful difference in the world and contribute new solutions to the many scientific challenges we face.
Please note: For students admitted from a different discipline area (known as a non-cognate background) who do not meet the requisite to enrol in the core courses, you will need to be enrolled in directed course GEOS6161 (available in Trimester 1) before attempting the core courses. 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.
Program learning outcomes
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.
Details
| Information correct as at | Apr 23, 2024 11:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Program code | 40274 |
| AQF level | Level 8 Graduate Diploma |
| Locations and UAC codes |
|
| Mode of delivery |
|
| Duration |
|
| Term type | Semesters and Trimesters |
| Fees |
|
| Relevant University rules and policies |
|
Click on the headings to show/hide sections of content. Hidden information will not be printed. Hide all sections
Admission information
Admission requirements
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.
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.
English Language Requirements
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
- IELTS Overall Minimum: 6.5
- IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6
Credit transfer
If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
80 units
Program duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent up to 4 years maximum.
Program requirements
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 courses chosen from Course List A
- 30 units of courses chosen from Course List B
Please note: Students who do not meet the requisite to enrol in the core courses must complete GEOS6161 as one of their Group A courses in order to enrol in the core courses.
Program planner
Current students program planner
Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.
Prospective student degree planner
If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.
Transition arrangements
2024
In 2024 ARBE6601 and ARBE6609 were discontinued. If you have previously completed these courses as part of your degree, they will continue to count towards your degree requirements.
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
Advanced course filters
Courses that are currently unavailable are hidden by default. You can show them by adjusting the advanced course filters above, or clicking the 'show all' links below each section.
Core
Complete the following core courses. Please note that GEOS6250 and GEOS6350 both have a requisite that students must meet before they can enrol. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| GEOS6250 | Advanced Spatial Science |
| 10 units |
| GEOS6350 | Advanced Remote Sensing Data and Applications |
| 10 units |
Course List A
Complete 30 units from the following course list. Students who do not meet the requisite to enrol in the core courses must complete GEOS6161 as one of their Group A course list. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| ENVS6525 | Sustainability and Ecosystem Health |
| 10 units |
| ENVS6530 | Environmental Management |
| 10 units |
| ENVS6545 | Impact Assessment and Climate Change Policy |
| 10 units |
| GEOG6080 | Cities and Regions |
| 10 units |
| GEOG6090 | Society and Space |
| 10 units |
| GEOG6130 | Geographies of Development |
| 10 units |
| GEOS6161 | Spatial Science |
| 10 units |
Course List B
Choose 30 units from the following course list. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| SURV4730 | Town Planning |
| 10 units |
| ARBE6615 | Disaster Risk and Resilience Principles |
| 10 units |
| ARBE6618 | Disaster Governance and International Frameworks |
| 10 units |
| ARBE6619 | Methods for Evidence-Based Decisions in Disasters | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| ENVS6001 | Biodiversity, Conservation Science and Management |
| 10 units |
| ENVS6500 | Business and the Natural Environment |
| 10 units |
| ENVS6555 | Applied Natural Resource Management |
| 10 units |
| STAT6001 | Data Wrangling and Visualisation |
| 10 units |
| STAT6020 | Predictive Analytics |
| 10 units |
Additional information
Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.
International students
All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.
Additional support
AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.
Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.