Master of Geographic Information Science

at University of Queensland- Saint Lucia

What you'll study
 

At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:

• Basic Mathematics
• Introduction to Information Systems
• Introduction to Earth Observation Sciences
• Geographical Information Systems
• Applied Research Methods
   

Complete 32 units for either of the following:

• 32 units from MGIS - 2 year duration, or
• 32 units from MGIS - 1.5 year duration (24 units of study and 8 units for prior learning)
   

MGIS - 2 year duration

Complete 32 units comprising:

• 8 units from MGIS Foundational Courses, and
• 10 to 12 units from MGIS Flexible Core Courses, and
• 4 units from MGIS Research Project Courses, and
• 8 to 10 units from MGIS Program Elective Courses

MGIS Foundational Courses

Complete 8 units comprising:

• 4 units for all MGIS Foundational Core Courses, and
• 4 units from MGIS Foundational Elective Courses

MGIS Foundational Core Courses

Complete 4 units for ALL of the following:

• Applied Research Methods

Approved research methodologies course. Other research methodologies courses may be chosen if approved in advance by the associate dean (academic).

• Fundamentals of Geographic Information & Technologies

MGIS Foundational Elective Courses

Complete exactly 4 units from the following:

• Introduction to Information Systems
• Mathematical Foundations I
• Analysis of Scientific Data
• or courses approved by the associate dean (academic).
   

MGIS Flexible Core Courses

Complete 10 to 12 units from the following:

• Research Topic
• Introduction to Earth Observation Sciences (EOS)
• Earth Observation: Advanced Image Processing & Modelling
• Spatial Analysis & Modelling
• Geospatial Processing & Web Mapping
• Geographical Information System

MGIS Program Elective Courses

Complete 8 to 10 units from the following:

• Landscape Ecology
• Research Project
• Coastal Processes & Management
• Catchment Processes & Management
• Conservation Planning & Management
• Climate Change & Environmental Management
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Environmental Problem Solving
• Applied Demography
• Global Population Issues
• Biogeography & Geomorphology
• Data Mining
• Relational Database Systems
• System Dynamics
• Citymaking: Theory & Practice
• Urban Design Theory & Practice
• Mathematical Probability
• Academic English & Thesis Writing for International Students
• or courses approved by the associate dean (associate).
   

MGIS - 1.5 year duration (24 units of study and 8 units for prior learning)

Complete 32 units comprising:

• 0 to 2 units from MGIS Foundational Courses, and
• 10 to 12 units from MGIS Flexible Core Courses, and
• 4 units from MGIS Research Project Courses, and
• 6 to 10 units from MGIS Program Elective Courses, and
• 8 units for all approved recognised prior study and/or work experience

MGIS Foundational Courses

Complete 0 to 2 units from the following:

• Applied Research Methods

Approved research methodologies course. Other research methodologies courses may be chosen if approved in advance by the associate dean (academic).

• Fundamentals of Geographic Information & Technologies
• Introduction to Information Systems
• Mathematical Foundations I
• Analysis of Scientific Data

MGIS Flexible Core Courses

Complete 10 to 12 units from the following:

• Research Topic
• Introduction to Earth Observation Sciences (EOS)
• Earth Observation: Advanced Image Processing & Modelling
• Spatial Analysis & Modelling
• Geospatial Processing & Web Mapping
• Geographical Information Systems

MGIS Program Elective Courses

Complete 6 to 10 units from the following:

• Landscape Ecology
• Research Project
• Coastal Processes & Management
• Catchment Processes & Management
• Conservation Planning & Management
• Climate Change & Environmental Management
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Environmental Problem Solving
• Applied Demography
• Global Population Issues
• Biogeography & Geomorphology
• Data Mining
• Relational Database Systems
• System Dynamics
• Citymaking: Theory & Practice
• Urban Design Theory & Practice
• Mathematical Probability

Academic English & Thesis Writing for International Students
or courses approved by the associate dean (academic).
 

approved recognised prior study and/or work experience
Complete 8 units for ALL of the following:

• Prior Learning (8)

It's possible to complete this degree in 2 years or 1.5 years depending on your qualifications and experience.
 

You can apply for any duration as long as you meet the entry requirements. You may also be eligible to apply for credit or exemptions to shorten your degree further. You'll graduate with the same qualification no matter how long you take to complete the degree.
 

2-year degree (32 units of study)
 

To be eligible to complete the degree in 2 years full-time (only available as full-time study), you'll need:

• a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
• a graduate certificate or graduate diploma in geographic information science, or
• to have successfully completed at least 3 years of study towards an approved qualification at an overseas partner institution, with a formal pathway to the Master of Geographic Information Science.
   

You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
 

1.5-year degree (24 units of study)
 

If you have relevant prior learning or experience, you can reduce the number of courses you need to complete and graduate in less time.
 

To be eligible to complete the degree in 1.5 years full-time (only available as full-time study), you'll need:

• a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (see below).
   

You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification.
 

Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications
Relevant disciplines include science (mathematics, physics, computer science), environmental science, environmental management, geographical science, geology, surveying, geometrics and engineering.
 

GPA equivalent
Select where you studied and your qualification to see the GPA equivalent you need to be considered for this program.
 

Use the GPA equivalent as a guide. When you apply, we’ll calculate your GPA using the UQ grading scale. Any failing grades will be included. Entry requirements are subject to change.
 

English language requirements

• IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
• TOEFL IBT - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
• TOEFL PB - Overall 570, listening 54, reading 54, writing 59/5.
• Pearsons - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
• BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
• CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
• OET is not accepted.
   

Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Biotechnology are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
 

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.

Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
 

AUD $42,992
 

Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.

Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:

• Regional planner
• Built environment consultant
• Environment and resource manager
• Mineral exploration consultant
• Geospatial application developer
• Environmental researcher
• Cartographer
• Web map publisher
• Landscape modeller
• Ecologist