The Master of Geospatial Information Science (MGISc) is a 72-unit program offered by the School of the Environment, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

It articulates with the 18-unit Graduate Certificate in Geographical Information Systems and the 36-unit Graduate Diploma in Geographical Information Systems.

Admission requirements

Applicants will normally hold either the Graduate Certificate in Geographical Information Systems, the Graduate Diploma in Geographical Information Systems or an approved degree or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution.

The Faculty Board may admit others who can demonstrate fitness for candidature.

The Master of Geospatial Information Science is not available to graduates of the Bachelor of Applied Geographical Information Systems or of equivalent undergraduate courses from other tertiary institutions.

Course aims

The MGISc provides students with advanced knowledge of the theory and application of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing and is intended for students with an undergraduate degree that is not related to studies in GIS.

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.

Masters students will develop and implement geospatial information science (GISc) skills and knowledge applicable to a range of areas, such as environmental management, urban and transport planning, environmental health, land-use dynamics, natural resources management, ecosystem services, biological sciences and archaeology, through a focused and in-depth research project accompanied by a written thesis.

Students completing the MGISc will be able to carry out research and analysis using spatially-referenced data and prepare research reports applicable to various fields of GISc application.

Learning outcomes

Students completing the Master of Geospatial Information Science will be expected to be able to:

  • practice higher order skills in Geospatial Information Science analysis applicable to a range of areas;
  • demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of Geospatial Information Science theory and methodologies;
  • demonstrate an in-depth understanding of vector and raster GIS structures, relational and geo-databases, data input and data editing;
  • demonstrate specialist skills in various remotely-sensed image types, their calibration, interpretation and information extraction practices through a range of transformations and classification methodologies;
  • review, interpret and critically analyse literature;
  • undertake self-directed research using spatially-referenced data and prepare research reports applicable to various fields of GISc application.

Credit transfer arrangements

Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate in Geographical Information Systems will receive 18 units of credit in the Master of Geospatial Information Science. Students who successfully complete the Graduate Diploma in Geographical Information Systems will receive 36 units of credit in the Master of Geospatial Information Science.

Program of study

To qualify for the MGISc students must complete 72 units of topics with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study.

Core - Year 1 or 2 topics

4.5 units comprising:

ENVS7720 Research Project Design and Conduct (4.5 units)

Option - Year 1 & 2 topics

Select up to 40.5 units from:*

GEOG8700 Geographical Information Systems GE (4.5 units)
GEOG8701 Introduction to Remote Sensing GE (4.5 units)
GEOG8711 Advanced Digital Image Analysis GE (4.5 units)
GEOG8731 GIS Modelling GE (4.5 units)
GEOG8751 Advanced Spatial Statistics GE (4.5 units)
GEOG8702 Image Analysis in Remote Sensing GE (4.5 units)
GEOG8732 Spatial Information Management GE (4.5 units)
ENVS9752 Airborne Remote Sensing: Planning & Preparation (4.5 units)
ENVS9751 Airborne Remote Sensing: Sensor to Product (4.5 units)
ENVS9790  Field Studies in Environmental Disciplines GE  (4.5 units)
ENVS9870  Environmental Research Project GE  (4.5 units)
ENVS9871  Extended Environmental Research Project GE  (4.5 units)

Available through Charles Darwin University (via cross institutional enrolment)
ENV510 Landscape Ecology and GIS (S2)

*or with the approval of the Course Coordinator, any other topics up to 18 units from across the University at the requisite level that meet the educational aims and learning outcomes of the course.

Core – Year 2 topics

27 units comprising:

ENVS9740A Geospatial Information Science Major Research Project (4.5/27 units)
ENVS9740B Geospatial Information Science Major Research Project (4.5/27 units)
ENVS9740C Geospatial Information Science Major Research Project (4.5/27 units)
ENVS9740D Geospatial Information Science Major Research Project (4.5/27 units)
ENVS9740E Geospatial Information Science Major Research Project (4.5/27 units)
ENVS9740F Geospatial Information Science Major Research Project (4.5/27 units)