GD-GEOSPI v.1 Graduate Diploma in Geospatial Intelligence

Graduate Diplomas prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.

This course provides the tools for managing spatial data and remotely sensed imagery to analyse and begin to extract further meaning (intelligence). Along with two units on GIS and remote sensing, it is packaged with map design, web mapping and visualisation, data management, programming, and photogrammetry, ensuring a well-rounded exposure to key areas. Case studies focus on location-based issues embedded in a range of different disciplines, including biodiversity, agriculture, urban planning, mining, defence, and emergency services. It assumes little to no prior knowledge in the field and is suitable for “up-skillers” who are seeking methods to extract additional meaning from location-based events, career changers and anyone who works in industries that collect geolocated information looking to make the next step. This course is available on-campus and by distance education (via online learning) to Australian and International students.

Professional Recognition

Graduates may become eligible for full membership of the Surveying and Spatial Sciences Institute (SSSI).

Career Opportunities

Graduates are sought in the areas of environment, agriculture, mining and defence, both domestically and globally.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.

Graduate Diplomas contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.

This course comprises eight units (seven core and one alternate core) in the field of Geospatial Intelligence. Alternate core units are photogrammetry or cartographic mapping, which are available in Semester 1 of the degree. Geographic information systems and remote sensing skills and web mapping are the other three units taught in the first semester. Geographic information systems and remote sensing skills are broadened in the second semester and taught with programming and spatial database management. There is no restrictive prerequisite structure in this course; if a student has either passed or is currently doing one of our two GIS units, he or she may study any of the other seven units in any order or at a rate that they wish (subject to availability). As this course is nested in the Master of Geospatial Intelligence, students may use their Graduate Diploma as a stepping stone to the next award. There may be occasions in this course where students study units and attend classes co-taught with undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in other courses.

Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply the fundamental principles of geospatial technology to a range of application areas

2. analyse spatial data and issues to devise novel and appropriate solutions

3. select appropriate datasets/imagery and software to analyse, transform, and present findings in ways that are suitable to a range of audiences

4. recognise and be engaged in spatial issues that occur in other countries and/or on global scales

5. understand, value and interact with people across different cultures and respect different points of view

6. engage and learn with industry to develop initiative, problem solving ability, team and communication skills as well as gain exposure to real-world, location-based, problems

Duration and Availability

This course is one year full time or equivalent part time study. Flexible modes of program delivery are utilised and the course is available on campus as well as fully online. Part time and external study is only available to Australian resident students and international students studying outside Australia. This course has two intakes in February and July.

Location and delivery Mode

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 1

YEAR 1 SEMESTER 2

* Intermediate Award

Applicants for a Graduate Diploma are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://study.curtin.edu.au/. Applicants generally require a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met.

Specifically, applicants require a recognised Bachelor Degree in any discipline. A background in mathematics or statistics equivalent to first-year university level is recommended. Applicants without this background may be required to undertake appropriate preparatory units.

Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au/non-school-leavers/rpl.cfm

Upon graduation, students are eligible to enrol directly in the Master of Science (Geospatial Intelligence), and will be eligible for credit for recognition of prior learning to the value of 200 credits in that award.