Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours)

Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours)

UNDERGRADUATE

Find out why the world relies on geospatial science.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 4 years
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

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

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 4 years
Fees:

AU$40,320 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Melbourne City

This program has been discontinued and is only available to current RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program.

Overview

RMIT's Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours) will teach you to apply scientific principles in professional practice as well as develop research skills.

This degree will prepare you to play an important role in collecting, distributing, storing, managing, analysing and communicating geospatial information to meet the societal demands in agriculture, transportation and logistics, energy, retail, defence and intelligent operations, emergency services, insurance, health care, environment and natural resources, and government sectors. 

Throughout your geospatial studies, you will engage in project-based learning, tackling real-world problems and designing solutions using geospatial technology. 

From Google Maps to GPS navigators, spatial science is everywhere and is relied on for geospatial technology to determine where things are, and how they are related. Gain specialised knowledge to meet the needs of AI-based geospatial solutions and increased demand for geospatial scientists. 

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What you will study

This degree will provide you with a sound repertoire of scientific knowledge and technical expertise, which are needed for a professional career in industry, government, and academia. 

Why study geospatial science at RMIT?

Graduate job-ready

Conduct industry-based and practical learning activities, providing you with vital skills.

High employment rate

More than 90 per cent of graduates are employed within three months of completing this degree.

Industry connected

Learn from geospatial scientists and benefit from a curriculum influenced by the latest industry trends.

 

 

Alexandra Wong, Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours) BH117
The ability to analyze, visualise and interpret location-based information is in high demand. If you’re passionate about geography, technology and problem-solving, a geospatial science degree can be a rewarding path that allows you to make a meaningful impact on our ever-changing world.

- Alexandra Wong, Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours)

Details

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Learning and teaching

You will benefit from an extensive range of practical learning experiences which are based on industry standard software and hardware, the same tools you will find in the workplace to reinforce your theoretical learning. 

You will have ample opportunities to develop skills and experience with these tools, including 3D processing and modelling, Digital Twins, cloud-based data sharing and analysis, virtual and augmented reality, LiDAR sensing, global navigation satellite systems, spatial scan systems, geographic information systems (GIS), eye tracking, and drones. 

You will learn through a mix of teaching approaches including, lectures, lectorials, seminars, tutorials, workshops, practical and laboratory sessions and site visits, using face-to-face, online, and other flexible delivery mechanisms. 

Learning support for students includes a first-year transition program, academic staff and a strong Geospatial Science Student Association.

Assessment methods

Ongoing assessments throughout the semester may include tests, quizzes, essays, reports, presentations, projects, and assignments.   

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.

The curriculum has been developed in collaboration with industry, ensuring this geospatial science degree reflects current industry trends and meets the needs of the global geospatial industry and strong future growth forecast for the sector.

You will meet many professionals that are passionate and dedicated in sharing knowledge that matters through invited lecturers, capstone project supervisions, internships, and integrated professional development activities. 

You will benefit from one-of-a kind industry placement opportunities, engaging with industry professionals from companies such as Jacobs, Photomapping Services, CR Kennedy and Company, 1Spatial, Veris, Spatial Vision, Spiire, Hellier McFarland, MNG, AutoNet Services, Clarita Solutions, Breese Pitt Dixon, Taylors, 4D Global.

We also partner with key players operating in the global geospatial market including Google, ESRI Australia, Trimble, Leica, and Hexagon.

You will have the opportunity to undertake a work placement overseas, building a global network and boosting career opportunities.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

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.

View the learning outcomes for each stream:

Year 1

The first year provides a transformative learning experience, in which you will learn and explore core science concepts across physical, life, data and mathematical science disciplines and develop and strengthen key scientific and transferable skills that will underpin your future studies and careers in geospatial science. You will learn the principles and reasoning of spatial thinking in conjunction with applied geospatial techniques.

Years 2 and 3

You will gain more in-depth education and training in the major discipline areas in Earth Observation Science, Spatial Information Science, Geospatial Programming, Mapping and Visualisation, Geodesy, GNSS Navigation Systems, and Human Geography. 

You will deepen your knowledge in geospatial science, while getting the opportunity to undertake major studies of your choice so you can tailor the degree to suit your areas of interest and enhance your career opportunities.

Year 4

In your fourth year, you will finalise your study with a capstone project on a range of specialised subjects. You will plan your R&D project, conduct a critical review of relevant published material, complete your R&D project, evaluate the outcomes, and report your findings. This can also be a work-integrated project conducted in conjunction with industry, 

You will also complete studies in your chosen minor and professional practice. Minors include: Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Planning and Urban Design, Space Science, and Surveying. 

You will also benefit from 40 days of work experience during your study. This usually takes the form of paid employment during vacation periods or as a part-time employee. RMIT may assist you with finding a placement.

Course structure

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

Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours)
Program code: BH117
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science) (Honours)
City Campus
4 years full time (8 semesters)
BH117
084349J
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 years full time (8 semesters)
Plan code
BH117
CRICOS
084349J
View plan
Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science) (Honours)
City Campus
4 years full time
BH117
084349J
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 years full time
Plan code
BH117
CRICOS
084349J
View plan
Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours)
City Campus
4 years full-time
BH117P23
110980K
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 years full-time
Plan code
BH117P23
CRICOS
110980K
View plan
Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours)
City Campus
4 years full-time
BH117P23
110980K
Location
City Campus
Duration
4 years full-time
Plan code
BH117P23
CRICOS
110980K
View plan

Please note:

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

More than 90% of RMIT graduates are employed within three months of completing their studies, demonstrating that demand for geospatial science professionals is growing across Australia and the globe. 

A geospatial scientist assists in understanding and tackling some of the biggest issues facing the globe, including environmental issues such as climate change, food security, identifying poverty and inequality and underpinning the measuring and monitoring of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs). 

In the past three years, geospatial scientists have underpinned much of the analysis undertaken in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Graduates work in diverse roles that:

  • manage and plan land use systems in local government
  • map and analyse crime patterns with the police
  • build systems for monitoring the spread of infectious disease
  • manage transportation networks
  • perform utility mapping and spatial analysis
  • monitor natural resources
  • manage and map coastal zones
  • perform disaster informatics for disaster risk reduction and response
  • perform weather forecasting.

Graduates can pursue careers in cartography, mapping, surveying, measurement and geographical visualisation:

  • Cartographer - interpret, collect and measure geographic data
  • Photogrammetrist - use satellite images, aerial photographs and light imaging detection to create models of the Earth’s surface and its features to help produce maps
  • GIS Analyst - create spatial data sets, prepare maps and maintain databases
  • Geodisist - measure and monitor the earth to determine the exact coordinates of a point.

 

 

Nikita Sreya Rajaram, Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours) BH117
My goal in this industry was to work at Google. I know it sounds really hard and I myself was not convinced I’d be able to ever do that. Surprisingly, in my final year for my major project, there was an opportunity to work alongside Google to develop an app. I took it up and now I have connections in Google. Now my goal doesn’t seem so impossible.

- Nikita Sreya Rajaram, Bachelor of Geospatial Science (Honours)

Entry requirements and admissions

Please note: From 2024, the BH117P23 program is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should refer to the BP350 Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science major).

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL; or
  • a study score of at least 27 in English as an Additional Language (EAL)

or equivalent studies.

AND

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics

or equivalent studies.

Rankings and adjustment factors

Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.

You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points. For more information about what adjustment factors RMIT considers visit Admission to RMIT.

We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.

Selection criteria by applicant type

Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.

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This program is not available to applicants whose highest level of education is recent secondary education. You should instead refer to the BP350 Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science major).

From 2024, the BH117P23 program is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should refer to the BP350 Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science major).

From 2024, the BH117P23 program is only available to RMIT students articulating from an approved pathway program. All other applicants should refer to the BP350 Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science major).

This program is not available to applicants whose highest level of education is work and life experience. All other applicants should refer to the BP350 Bachelor of Science (Geospatial Science major).

Additional information

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View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.

The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.

*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.

RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.

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

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) Units 3 and 4 in Mathematics (any), with a study score of at least 20.

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

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

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

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Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred course. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

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Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

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.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

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You can gain entry to this degree from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study programs.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT postgraduate program or RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,627 to AU$16,992*.

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 HECS-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.

Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.

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.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2025. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2025 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2025
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,627 per standard year
$578 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $9,314 per standard year
$1,164 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $13,241 per standard year
$1,655 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,992 per standard year
$2,124 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

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.

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.

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.

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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