Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Science

Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Science

POSTGRADUATE

Enhance your scientific knowledge and skills in geospatial information.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 6 months
Part-time 1 year
Fees:

AU$16,320 (2025 total)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
Online
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Science has been designed for qualified professionals in fields including environmental science, geography, social science, biology, geology, and engineering.

This graduate certificate will extend the skill sets of professionals by building on their skills in spatial data management and analytics.

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Science at RMIT?

Industry links

Hear from experts, and take part in industry-related activities such as field and project work.

Graduate job-ready

Build a foundation for your career, or be prepared for further study and research roles.

Future-focused

Work with the latest technology in the field, ensuring your skills are up to date.

During studies in this certificate, you will develop an understanding of spatial analytics and big spatial data, allowing you to provide input for decisions about the built and natural environment. Additionally, you'll learn to use the latest technology in the field, and develop the skills to analyse and communicate the data you find.

Enhancing your scientific knowledge and skills in geospatial information, you'll build a foundation for a career in the spatial sciences, or allow you to undertake research and further study.

Please note: this graduate certificate is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you are holding a temporary visa (other than a student visa) and your visa has a full study entitlement, you may be eligible to apply. For more information, see the international students with other temporary (non-student) visas.

Details

As part of your studies, you will build specialised knowledge in key areas relating to geospatial science, including environmental science, resource management, computer science, business and project management, urban planning, mathematics andstatistics.

You'll develop knowledge of spatial information technologies, build advanced skills in mapping and visualisation, and learn about spatial data capture systems, including satellite remote sensing, GPS satellite positioning, aerial imagery, sensors, and crowdsourced data.

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Learning and teaching

Your learning experiences will be online.

You will learn through a broad mix of study modes, including lectures, seminars, webinars, virtual classrooms, and online collaborative project work.

Assessment methods

Your assessment in this certificate may include assignments and projects done independently or as part of a group, reflective journals, assessed tutorials or presentation, and self- and peer-assessment.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

RMIT has extensive links with industry across all aspects of spatial sciences, including remote sensing, geographic information systems, geovisualisation, photogrammetry, surveying, cartography, land administration and land management.

Geospatial Science at RMIT has strong links across industry with many opportunities for you to participate in industry-related teaching and learning activities such as field and project work.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

As part of your studies in the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Science, you will cover key learning areas, including:

  • GIS Fundamentals
  • Database Concepts
  • GIS Principles
  • Cartography and Visualisation.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Science
Program code: GC187
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Science
City Campus
0.5 Years Full-Time
GC187
Location
City Campus
Duration
0.5 Years Full-Time
Plan code
GC187
CRICOS
View plan

Career

Upon successful completion of this graduate certificate, you will be qualified to pursue roles in industry or government contexts, including:

  • environment and natural resources
  • land development mining and exploration
  • facilities management and construction
  • transportation and utilities
  • governance and policy
  • emergency and disaster management
  • data analytics and ICT.

You may also choose to undertake further study in the Master of Geospatial Science

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • An Australian bachelor degree, or equivalent

OR

  • At least 10 years of relevant work experience in geospatial science, geomatics, land information, surveying, geography, environmental science, geology, earth science, environmental engineering or a relevant discipline


If you wish to have industry or employment experience assessed as part of meeting the entry requirements you will need to provide a detailed CV/resume listing previous positions, dates of employment and position responsibilities; a statement from your employer confirming these details (or contact details of employer so RMIT can seek confirmation); and evidence of any relevant professional development undertaken.

International qualifications are assessed according to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry to be granted credit.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

None

None

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Pathways

You can gain entry to this graduate certificate from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Science are guaranteed entry into MC265 Master of Geospatial Science and will receive 48 credit points of credit.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$16,320* (2025 total).

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

This course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

Sorry, this course is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa. If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

 

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information