Graduate Diploma of Geomatic Studies (GDGS) - GradDipGeoStud

CRICOS code (International applicants): 030322M

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Program focus

The program is intended to enable students who already hold an undergraduate qualification in another field to develop or extend their knowledge in either surveying or in geographic information systems. The Graduate Diploma program is designed for those wishing to build competencies across a broader discipline area, than the Graduate Certificate in Spatial Science Technology.

Program aims

This eight unit program is intended to enable students who already hold an undergraduate qualification in another field to develop, enhance or extend their knowledge in either surveying or in geographic information systems. The Graduate Diploma program is designed for those students who wish to build competencies across a broader discipline area than the Graduate Certificate in Spatial Science Technology.

Program objectives

Students who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma of Geomatic Studies majoring in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be able to demonstrate:

• an understanding of the concept of spatial and geographic information systems

• familiarity with the analysis and management of spatial information

• an awareness of potential applications and limitations of geographic information systems

• an understanding of the capture, conversion and output of geographic information

• a knowledge of geographic information systems at an advanced level

• a professional standard of communication

• a knowledge of the professional journals and other information sources relevant to geographic information systems.

Students who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma of Geomatic Studies majoring in Surveying will be able to demonstrate:

• a capacity for the analysis, evaluation and synthesis of surveying related systems

• enhanced technical skills in surveying technology

• an awareness of the current surveying practices and methods

• a knowledge of surveying practice at an advanced level

• a professional standard of communication

• a knowledge of the professional journals and other information sources relevant to the specialised area of geomatics.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission to the program candidates must possess a three or four-year undergraduate degree, or equivalent, in an approved discipline. 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. International applicants must also comply with the University requirements for competency in spoken and written English.

Graduates of surveying degree programs who are eligible for registration by an Australian Board of Surveyors will not be permitted to undertake the major study in surveying.

How to apply

Domestic students

Application for postgraduate programs may be made directly to USQ. You should ensure you submit your application by the closing dates.

International students

This program is offered to international students. An international student is a person who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen and not an Australian permanent resident. Please refer to USQ International for information about entry requirements, visa arrangements and how to apply.

Program fees

Commonwealth supported place

A Commonwealth supported place is where the Australian Government makes a contribution towards the cost of your higher education and you as a student pay a student contribution amount, which varies depending on the courses undertaken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.
Commonwealth Supported students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called HECS-HELP.

Domestic full fee paying place

Domestic full fee paying places are funded entirely through the full fees paid by the student. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.
Domestic full fee paying students may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called FEE-HELP.

International full fee paying place

International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the Course Fee Finder.

Program structure

The Graduate Diploma of Geomatic Studies consists of eight courses and is a one year full-time on-campus program that may also be studied externally over two years. The maximum time for completion is two years for a full-time student and four years for a part-time external student.

Students may commence their studies at the beginning of either Semester 1 or Semester 2. Students may select one of the two majors in the program, either geographic information systems or surveying. The courses offered in each major are shown in the following tables. Students wishing to complete the program should select eight courses from the appropriate table including the core courses if specified in the major.

Students who may go on to, or wish to transfer into, the Master of Spatial Science Technology need to select course options to best suit this program transition.

Required time limits

Full-time students have a maximum of two years to complete this program. Part-time students have a maximum of four years to complete this program.
A pro-rata adjustment of the maximum time period will apply for those students who transfer from one mode of study to another. A pro-rata reduction in the maximum time period will apply to students who are admitted to a program with advanced standing.

IT requirements

Students should refer to the section entitled Access to Information Technology Facilities in the General Faculty and Program Information section of this Handbook.

Exit points

Students who, for whatever reason, are unable to complete the Graduate Diploma of Geomatic Studies, and who satisfy all of the requirements of the Graduate Certificate in Spatial Science Technology, may be permitted to exit with that award.

Exemptions

Candidates for admission to the program are eligible to seek exemptions in the program in accordance with existing University regulations. The maximum number of exemptions permitted will be four courses (i.e. a total of four units). Studies used as the basis for claims for exemptions must not have been used to meet the requirements of another award. They will normally have been completed within a period of five years prior to the date of application for exemption.

In this section:

• Geographic Information Systems Major recommended enrolment pattern
• Surveying Major recommended enrolment pattern

Geographic Information Systems Major recommended enrolment pattern

Notes

The Head of Discipline must approve the choice of courses.

Surveying Major recommended enrolment pattern

Notes

The Head of Discipline must approve the choice of courses.
Students intending to seek registration with the Surveyors Board of Queensland should contact the Surveyors Board of Queensland to confirm enrolment in courses that will satisfy Surveyors Board of Queensland requirements for registration as a Surveyor.