Master of Surveying

The Master of Surveying is designed for professional scientists to further develop knowledge, ethics and practical skills in land surveying measurements and analysis.

This degree has a strong focus on integrating learning into industry experience.

You will have multiple opportunities for fieldwork and study camps where you will work on cadastral surveying, GPS surveying, geodetic science, and precision positioning.

You will graduate with the knowledge and skills necessary for leadership in contemporary surveying.

An exit point is available at the successful completion of the first year, with the award of a Graduate Diploma in Surveying.

The pathway into the Master of Surveying includes the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Surveying) and Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Flexible Entry).

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a completed Bachelor degree in a related discipline from a recognised higher education institution. This degree must have a minimum GPA of 4.5, but selection will be competitive and applicants will be ranked in order of academic merit. The degree will have strength in geospatial science and will reside in disciplines such as Geographical Information Systems, Science, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management and Geography. Applicants whose Bachelor degree does not meet the GPA requirement may also be considered for entry based upon 3 years' full time relevant work experience. Relevant experience would typically be in the field of engineering surveying or cadastral surveying. These applicants are required to submit a detailed curriculum vitae. Applicants must have passed university coursework with the following content:

• Maps and coordinate systems
• Geographical information systems
• Urban Planning
• Remote Sensing
• Basic and advanced courses in Land Surveying including GPS
• Earth Systems/Geology

In this degree you will build theoretical knowledge and practical skills in land surveying measurements and analysis. You will undertake cadastral surveying training looking at land management and boundary survey.

Also key to this degree is the development and application of research methods and skills. These will be invaluable when you begin work on your major project in the second year of study.

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12 – 26 hours of study when at university and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

UniSA collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide – we offer our students plenty of opportunities to get hands-on experience and make industry connections.

You will benefit from access to our partnerships with industries, local councils, governments, communities and other research organisations are addressing the knowledge gaps and problems of our natural and built environments.

Surveying has been taught at UniSA since the early 1970s, and the Surveyors Board of South Australia plays an integral role in the development and financial support of this degree.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Your career

Graduates of this master degree find employment in professional areas such as land boundary (cadastral) and engineering surveying.

As a student in this degree you become eligible to enter into an agreement with the Surveyors Board of South Australia to undertake training in cadastral surveying, which will lead to formal licensing by the Board.

Applying to study with us:

• go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
• you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and areas that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.

Adelaide has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Our student support services can make your life at university easier. We provide a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling. You can also access a range of services through our students association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with advanced facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, laboratories, and areas that simulate real work environments.