Master of Spatial Science Technology (MSST) - MSpScTech

CRICOS code (International applicants): 062730G

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Program focus

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 (8 units) is augmented by a research project component (4 units). This allows students to enhance and extend their knowledge of a particular GIS or surveying discipline area. 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, 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.

Admission requirements

To be eligible for admission to the program candidates must posses a minimum of a three-year bachelors degree in surveying, geographic information systems, science, engineering, geography, information technology, education, agriculture, arts, business or related field of study awarded by an Australian university, or an equivalent qualification awarded by an overseas institution. Candidates from a non-spatial science background who completed a from USQ can also articulate to the Master of Spatial Science Technology program.

Candidates for admission must have demonstrated a high level of academic performance and must also comply with the University requirements for competency in written and spoken English. A candidate who has not completed a three-year bachelors degree may apply to the program, provided that the applicant:

• has worked as a professional in the field of spatial science (i.e. surveying, GIS, remote sensing and GPS) for a period of not less than five years and can provide documentary evidence, such as technical publications, that satisfies the Dean of the Faculty, that advanced knowledge has been acquired; and

• successfully completes an interview conducted by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying or his/her nominee to assess the candidate's chance of success in the program.

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 Master of Spatial Science Technology is comprised of 12 units of study as indicated in the following tables. It involves a minimum of either three (3) terms of full-time study or six (6) terms of part-time study.

A student can choose from one of the two major fields of study: GIS or surveying. 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 four unit research project and a pre-requisite course on research methods.

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.

Exemptions

Candidates for admission to the Master of Spatial Science Technology program are eligible to seek exemptions, in accordance with University regulations. The maximum number of exemptions permitted will be six (6) units. Studies used as the basis for claims for exemptions will normally have been completed within a period of five years prior to the date of application for exemptions and will not have been credited to another award.

Enrolment

The Master of Spatial Science Technology consists of 12 units of study as indicated in the following recommended enrolment patterns for each major study area. Each candidate must follow a specific schedule based on the candidate’s major study (i.e. GIS or surveying).

The recommended enrolment pattern below is designed to cover a four-semester period for on-campus students. However, the program may be completed within three semesters.

Each student must complete the following:

• Four (4) courses from Group A (GIS and Surveying courses)

• Three (3) courses from Group B (related disciplines and application areas) and

• all courses in Group C (research methods and project dissertation).

• Students may select the additional courses from those listed in Schedule A or Schedule B

A student with previous undergraduate degree in the spatial sciences may opt to select fewer courses in Group A than required and thus will need to complete more courses from Group B, with the approval of the Head of Discipline. All students in this program must select or formulate a research dissertation topic that focuses on spatial sciences (i.e. GIS, remote sensing, surveying, GPS, spatial science education, etc.) and/or their applications.

In this section:

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

Geographic Information Systems Major recommended enrolment pattern

Surveying Major recommended enrolment pattern