MC-GEOSPA v.1 Master of Science (Geospatial Science)
MSc(Curtin)
Course CRICOS Code: 056083G
Registered full-time Duration:
2 Years
Course Overview
Master Degrees (Coursework) prepare students to apply advanced knowledge for professional practice, scholarship and further learning corresponding to AQF level 9 qualifications.
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.
Professional Recognition
Graduates may become eligible for full membership to and certification by the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI), as well as membership to and accreditation by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
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 and other essential study materials.
Course Entry and Completion Details
Applicants for a Master Degree (Coursework) are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au. Subject to the duration of the course applicants usually require a Bachelor Degree or equivalent (and may require relevant work experience), Bachelor Honours Degree, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.
Specifically, applicants normally require a qualification in engineering, cartography, surveying, geographic information science, applied science or in a relevant planning, geography, environmental, biological or agricultural science. Applicants must have a background in mathematics and statistics equivalent to first year university level.
Credit for Recognised Learning
Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.
Credit for recognised learning is not normally granted for optional units.
Intermediate Awards
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 awards approved for this course:
GC-GISC Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science; GD-GISC Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science
Pathway to Further Study
Graduates may qualify for entry to Doctoral degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.
Course Organisation
Master Degrees (Coursework) contain a series of units in a specialised area of study which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may also contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from.
The course comprises core and advanced units in the field of geographic information science and the geospatial sciences. Students will extend this knowledge and skills by undertaking optional units and a supervised geospatial project that requires preparation of a project report. Of the optional units, at least one (1) must be chosen from units starting with SPAT5 and three (3) chosen from units starting with SPAT6. The choice of optional units may be limited depending on the semester of entry and the availability of units in each semester. Optional units are intended to provide students with a broader and deeper insight into the knowledge, skills and applications of GIScience.
Course Learning Outcomes
A graduate of this course can:
1. apply the principles of geospatial technology and information to applications in the geospatial sciences
2. critically analyse spatial issues and solutions for geospatial information applications
3. locate, extract and critically appraise relevant evidence and scientific literature
4. relate the issues and solutions for geospatial information problems in the scientific community using effective written communication
5. use geospatial technologies to effectively collect, analyse and present information
6. demonstrate ability in self-directed learning
7. recognise the global nature of managing geospatial technologies and information
8. appreciate how cultural understandings and perceptions impact on geospatial applications
9. apply an ethical approach consistent with the geospatial sciences professional community to applying geospatial technologies and analysing geospatial information
Duration and Availability
Course duration is two years full-time or equivalent part-time study. Flexible modes of program delivery are utilised and the course is available on campus as well as fully online. Part-time and external study is only available to Australian resident students and international students studying outside Australia.
Location and delivery Mode
| Year | Location | Period | All* | Internal | Partially Online Internal^ | External | Fully Online# |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Bentley Campus | Semester 1 | Y | ||||
| 2015 | Bentley Campus | Semester 1 | Y | ||||
| 2015 | Bentley Campus | Semester 2 | Y | ||||
| 2015 | 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.
| Course Structure | Hrs/Wk | Credit | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 Semester 1 | |||||
| SPAT5006 | v.1 | Geographic Information Systems | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT1003 | v.1 | Spatial Computations | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT5005 | v.1 | Remote Sensing | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: | 25.0 | ||||
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 1 Semester 2 | |||||
| SPAT5002 | v.1 | Geographic Information Analysis | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT1002 | v.1 | Spatial Database Systems | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: | 50.0 | ||||
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Semester 1 | |||||
| SPAT6001 | v.1 | Spatial Sciences Research Methodology | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| SELECT OPTIONAL UNITS TO THE TOTAL VALUE OF: | 75.0 | ||||
| 100.0 | |||||
| Year 2 Semester 2 | |||||
| SPAT6002 | v.1 | Spatial Sciences Research Project | 36.0 | 100.0 | |
| 100.0 | |||||
| Optional Units (No Year Level Specified) | Hrs/Wk | Credit | |||
| SPAT2012 | v.1 | Applied Cartography | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT5004 | v.1 | Spatial Algorithms | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT5003 | v.1 | Spatial Data Representation | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT2006 | v.1 | Applications of Global Positioning Systems | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT5001 | v.1 | Geographic Information Systems Programming | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT5000 | v.1 | Web Mapping | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT2002 | v.1 | Coordinate and Mapping Systems | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT2000 | v.1 | Photogrammetry | 5.0 | 25.0 | |
| Optional Units to Select from in Year 2 Semester 1 | Hrs/Wk | Credit | |||
| SPAT6004 | v.1 | Geovisualisation and Mapping | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT6007 | v.1 | Geographic Information Science | 3.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT6006 | v.1 | Spatial Project Management | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT6003 | v.1 | Geospatial Analysis | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
| SPAT6005 | v.1 | Spatial Modelling | 4.0 | 25.0 | |
* Year 1 options must include at least two (2) units from 500 level
** Year 2 options must be chosen from 600 level
Further Information
For further information contact the Department of Spatial Sciences on (08) 9266 7566 or email: spatial@curtin.edu.au or visit our website http://spatial.curtin.edu.au
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.
Handbook
The Courses Handbook is the repository of Curtin University ("Curtin") course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavours to keep this handbook up to date, information on this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the: course structure and contents, student assessment, tuition fees and to: withdraw any course or its components which it offers, impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or vary arrangements for any course without notification via the website.
For course and enrolment information please visit our Future Students website.
