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Undergraduate

Associate Degree of Spatial Science (Geographic Information Systems)

Associate Degree of Spatial Science (Geographic Information Systems) (ADSS)

Entry requirements
ATAR 62.70
Study mode
  • On-campus
  • External
Campus
  • Toowoomba
Duration
  • 2 year(s) (or part-time equivalent)
Start
  • Feb, Jul
Note: Students enrolled in the external mode must be able to attend mandatory on-campus residential schools at a UniSQ campus.

Overview

  • The Associate Degree of Spatial Science will give you the freedom of choice to start up your career or set a stepping stone for further study.
  • UniSQ’s Spatial Science degrees will prepare you for a career in one of Australia’s most rapidly changing industries. 
  • Arm yourself with the technical and analytical skills as well as the practical experience needed to succeed in the workforce. 
  • Explore GIS technologies and working with sophisticated technology and tools, including satellite imagery and laser measurement systems for 3D mapping, and visualisation of the natural and built environment. 
 

Further study

The Associate Degree of Spatial Science is the perfect stepping stone into the Bachelor of Spatial Science (Honours).

Thinking of studying in 2024? UniSQ will be delivering flexible new ways of teaching, with different calendar offerings, making the balance of study and life easier. Read more in our new academic calendar FAQs.

Professional accreditation

When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to apply for membership with the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute Australia.

Career outcomes

  • As a professional Geographic Information Systems officer, career possibilities are available in local and state Government agencies in areas including transport, insurance companies, utilities companies, emergency services, primary industries and environment.

Entry requirements

Find the entry requirements most relevant to you.

Recent secondary education

Adjusted Entry score including adjustment factors (additional points given in certain circumstances). Unadjusted Entry score not including adjustment factors.
ATAR The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a percentile rank used to assess the results of high-school applicants for undergraduate entry into university. 62.70 62.20

Pre-requisites

To study this degree we assume you have sound knowledge in:

  • English (Units 3 & 4, C), and
  • General Mathematics (Units 3 & 4, C)

We assume that your knowledge is equivalent to a grade C or higher in Units 3 and 4 at high school level (typically studied in Year 12). Find out more about assumed knowledge.

It is also recommended that you have studied Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C), or equivalent.

Further admission information

Adjustments are additional points given in certain circumstances that may increase your Rank. Find out if you qualify for any adjustment factor pathways such as educational disadvantage where you live, and subjects you passed.

UniSQ is committed to greater admissions transparency. Learn more about the education and work experience, as well as average Ranks for this degrees' student cohort for Semester 1 from the previous year.

Tafe (VET) qualification

If you have completed a qualification from a TAFE or qualified private provider, you may be able to use these qualifications to meet UniSQ's entry requirements.

Work and life experience

You may be able to use your work experience and other adjustment factors to increase your selection rank and meet UniSQ's entry requirements.

English language requirements

You are required to satisfy the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a University-approved English language program.

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

If you don't meet the entry requirements, we have pathway options available to you.

If you identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent you may be eligible to enter the Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP).

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 16 units. Most courses (similar to ‘subjects’) are valued at 1 unit. To study full-time you would usually complete 4 units per semester.

Courses to be studied Units
Major courses 13
Approved courses 3
2 x practice courses (0 unit value)
Total 16

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Practical experience

As part of this degree, you will need to complete practical experience, where interactive hands-on activities, such as experiments and use of specialist equipment, are undertaken.

All students must be able to meet the physical and other professional requirements of practical experience within this degree.

Residential schools

If you are enrolled in the External study mode in this degree, you will have the opportunity to come on-campus for residential schools, where you will attend face-to-face lectures and tutorials, use the facilities and meet staff and other students.

This degree has a mandatory attendance requirement for some of the residential school courses. View the UniSQ Handbook or please contact us for more information.

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

Approximate annual costs1 for your first year of study (8 units) in this degree are:

Study Mode Cost
Commonwealth supported

The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your course and you need to pay a student contribution.

AUD 8296
Domestic full fee paying

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 30000

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2023. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Residential school costs

This degree includes an on-campus residential school component that involves travel, accommodation and meal expenses.

Loan to help you pay your fees

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP allows you to defer your fees until your income reaches a certain level. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Centrelink.

Scholarships

At UniSQ, we offer a range of scholarships to support your success at university. Find a scholarship that works for you.

How to apply

Apply via QTAC

Apply via QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) if you:

  • have never studied with UniSQ before, or
  • are a Year 12 student, or
  • want to transfer to UniSQ from another university.
Mode QTAC Codes
External 907065
Toowoomba 907061

Copy your QTAC code and continue through to the QTAC website to complete your application.

Apply through QTAC

If you are applying via QTAC, please check our application closing dates.

Apply directly to UniSQ

You may be able to apply directly to UniSQ if you:

  • are a current or previous UniSQ student returning to study with complete or incomplete qualifications (excluding Head Start students), or
  • have recently graduated from TAFE.

The closing dates for applying directly to UniSQ are:

  • Semester 1, 2023 - applications close on 20 February and the Semester 1 study period commences on Monday 20 February, 2023.
  • Semester 2, 2023 - applications close on 10 July and the Semester 2 study period commences on Monday 10 July, 2023.

Select to start your degree in one of the following intakes:

  • Trimester 1, 2024 - applications close 22 January 2024 and the Trimester 1 study period starts on 22 January 2024.
  • Trimester 2, 2024 - applications close 13 May 2024 and the Trimester 2 study period starts on 13 May 2024.
  • Trimester 3, 2024 - applications close 2 September 2024 and the Trimester 3 study period starts on 2 September 2024.

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at UniSQ that is relevant to you.

Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with the university rated five out of five stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide, 2023

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