Master of Geospatial Information Systems

Geospatial information systems (or GIS) is an increasingly important field that focuses on systems that create, manage, analyse and use all forms of geographic data. The Master of Geospatial Information Systems produces graduates capable of capturing, analysing and managing spatially related information in a variety of locations from land-based and drone technology to advanced earth observation platforms.

This two-year course is offered by the College of Science and Engineering with graduates fulfilling the academic requirements for recognition by the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute. The course articulates with the 18 unit Graduate Certificate in Geospatial Information Systems and the 36 unit Graduate Diploma in Geospatial Information Systems, and the sequentially developed topics enables progression through the three awards.

The postgraduate program for Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) is the only GIS stream available in South Australia. Blending the disciplines of science, computer science, data analytics, geography and cartography, GIS is a fascinating and powerful area of study which allows you to impact the world around you – from using drones to survey and photograph potential areas for environmental conservation, using location intelligence and data to address racial inequities, to helping plan our future cities and genuinely improve lives.

The program provides a theoretical and practical framework for graduates from a range of backgrounds, as well as those from the public sector and non-government organisations wishing to extend their choice of career path by acquiring knowledge and skills in the capture, analysis and communication of spatially referenced information. You will develop and implement GIS skills and knowledge applicable to a range of areas, such as environmental management, urban and regional planning, human geography and environmental health, land-use dynamics, natural resources management, ecosystem services, biological sciences and archaeology. Students completing the Master of Geospatial Information Systems will be able to undertake research and analysis using spatially-referenced data and prepare research reports applicable to various fields of GIS application.

Applicants will normally hold an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. The articulated graduate program in GISc is not available to graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Geographical Information Systems or of equivalent undergraduate courses from other tertiary institutions.

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic): 6.0 Overall with 6.0 Speaking, 6.0 Writing; TOEFL iBT: 72 Total score with 18 Speaking, 21 Writing; Pearson PTE Academic: 50 Overall with 50 Speaking, 50 Writing; Cambridge C1 Advanced: 169 Overall with 169 Speaking, 169 Writing; Occupational English Test (OET): 300 Speaking, 300 Writing, 300 Reading, 300 Listening; Duolingo (Up to and including Semester 2, 2024): Overall 95-100