Master of Spatial Science Research (MSSR) - MSpScRes
CRICOS code (International applicants): 066079J
On-campus | Distance education | |
Semester intake: | Semester 1 (February) Semester 2 (July) | Semester 1 (February) Semester 2 (July) |
Campus: | Toowoomba | - |
Fees: | Domestic full fee paying place International full fee paying place Research training scheme (RTS) | Domestic full fee paying place International full fee paying place Research training scheme (RTS) |
Standard duration: | 3 semesters full-time, 6 semesters part-time. | |
Program articulation: |
Contact us
Future Australian and New Zealand students | Future International students | Current students |
Freecall (within Australia): 1800 269 500 Phone (from outside Australia): +61 7 4631 5315 Email: study@usq.edu.au |
Phone: +61 7 4631 5543 Email: international@usq.edu.au |
Freecall (within Australia): 1800 007 252 Phone (from outside Australia): +61 7 4631 2285 Email usq.support@usq.edu.au |
Program objectives
The program is a postgraduate level research program in the fields of geodesy, surveying, photogrammetry, land management, geographic information systems or spatial science education.
The program is intended to allow students to enhance and extend their knowledge of a particular surveying or geographic information systems discipline area. The aim of the degree is to produce graduates who are skilled in spatial science investigation, evaluation and synthesis. Students who successfully complete the Master of Spatial Science Research should be able to demonstrate:
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strong communication skills
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a broad knowledge of the general discipline area of spatial science at an advanced level
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an extensive and detailed knowledge of one significant aspect of spatial science at a level that allows for the proposal and evaluation of innovative solutions to complex technical problems in that area
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an exhaustive knowledge of, and ability to access, sources of information about spatial science
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an ability to utilise sound research methodology and experimental design in an investigative study
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an awareness of the practical application(s), and the implications for professionals, of the research work that has been undertaken
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a high standard of written and verbal English language communication skill.
Admission requirements
Entry to this program will be restricted to students who have demonstrated a high level of ability at the undergraduate level, or who, in pursuit of their occupation or by other means, have demonstrated their ability to successfully undertake studies at this level. Specifically, candidates shall normally be considered for admission to a quota place in the Master of Spatial Science Research if they either:
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hold a graduate diploma or four-year bachelor degree in surveying, geomatics, science, urban and regional planning or engineering awarded by an Australian university, or an equivalent qualification awarded by an overseas institution
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have demonstrated a high level of academic performance in these studies
or
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hold a three-year bachelor degree in science, geographic information systems or related field of study awarded by an Australian university, or an equivalent qualification awarded by an overseas institution
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have demonstrated a high level of academic performance in their undergraduate studies
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have completed a qualifying program of spatial science studies approved by the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences achieving a GPA of 5.0 or more in those studies
or
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have worked as a professional in the field of spatial science for a period of not less than five years and can provide documentary evidence, such as technical publications, that satisfies the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences that advanced knowledge has been acquired
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successfully complete an interview conducted by the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences or his/her nominee to assess the candidate's chance of success in the program.
Domestic and International Applicants from a non-English speaking background are required to satisfy .
If you do not meet the English language requirements you may apply to study a 精东传媒app-approved . On successful completion of the English language program, Applicants may be admitted to an Award Program.
Program fees
Domestic full fee paying place
Domestic full fee paying places are funded entirely through
the full fees paid by the student. Full fees vary depending on the
courses that are taken. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular
course via the
Domestic full fee paying students
may be eligible to defer their fees through a Government loan called provided they meet the residency and citizenship
requirements.
Australian citizens, Permanent Humanitarian Visa
holders, Permanent Resident visa holders and New Zealand citizens
who will be resident outside Australia for the duration of their program
pay full tuition fees and are not eligible for .
International full fee paying place
International students pay full fees. Full fees vary depending on the courses that are taken and whether they are studied on-campus, via distance education/online. You are able to calculate the fees for a particular course via the .
Research training scheme (RTS)
Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens commencing a higher degree research program may have their tuition fees paid for by the Australian Federal Government under the Research Training Scheme (RTS). A RTS place entitles a student to a maximum period of 4 years full-time fees or 8 years part-time fees on tuition fees for a Doctorate program and 2 years full-time fees or 4 years part-time fees for Masters by Research programs. As part of the enrolment process students are required to submit proof of citizenship and transcripts of all previous academic study. It is with this documentation that USQ can determine eligibility for RTS. Students who are eligible for RTS are:
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those who have not consumed a full RTS allocation previously;
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those who have already utilised RTS to successfully completed a research program. Once a student completes a higher degree research program full entitlements of RTS are restored.
If a student's RTS entitlement expires before they have completed their program they will be required to pay full tuition fees. As there may be limited RTS places available, some students may be required to pay fees for all or part of their program. The Office of Research Graduate Studies will advise students of their eligibility for an RTS place.
Program structure
The Master of Spatial Science Research involves a minimum of either three semesters of full-time research or six semesters of part-time research at the conclusion of which a candidate prepares and submits for examination, a thesis in research or design. Research topics are selected from areas of geodesy, surveying, photogrammetry, land management, geographic information systems (GIS) or spatial science education.
Program completion requirements
The Master of Spatial Science Research is comprised of 12 units of study, consisting of one unit of coursework and an 11 unit research project and dissertation.
Students will be required to complete the course to satisfy the coursework component of the program.
For administrative purposes students will enrol in a selection of the courses listed below in order to complete the 11 unit research dissertation. The 11 units of research will be composed of individual courses ranging in size from one to four units. This provides students with the opportunity to undertake the program in either part-time or full-time mode. Full-time students normally enrol in four units for each term in which they engage in research activities. Part-time students normally enrol in two units for each term in which they engage in research activities.
Programs may be varied to suit the needs of individual students. Enrolment in the above courses is used to assess eligibility for scholarships and awards, and to levy program fees where appropriate, so it is important to consult with the Associate Dean (Research) when finalising enrolment for this program.
All of the courses listed below are ungraded courses, i.e. successful completion will be indicated by a Satisfactory Progress grade.
Some candidates may be required to complete additional coursework, up to a maximum of four single-unit courses, in areas relevant to their proposed field of study. The coursework requirements for each student will be determined by the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences in consultation with the student.. Candidates would be expected to demonstrate a high level of achievement in any additional coursework courses.
Required time limits
Full-time students have a maximum of three years to complete
this program. Part-time students have a maximum of six years to complete
this program.
A pro-rata adjustment of the maximum time period
will apply for those students who transfer from one mode of study
to another. A pro-rata reduction in the maximum time period will apply
to students who are admitted to a program with advanced standing.
IT requirements
Access to an up-to-date computer is necessary. On-campus students can access appropriately equipped laboratories, but should consider acquisition of their own computer. External students should be able to access a computer with the following as advised by the 精东传媒app. All students should have access to email and the Internet via a computer running the latest versions of Internet web browsers such as Internet Explorer or Firefox. The 精东传媒app has a wireless network for on-campus students' computers. In order to take advantage of this facility and further enhance their on-campus learning environment, students should consider purchasing a notebook/laptop computer with wireless connectivity. A notebook/laptop may be required for some courses.
Other program requirements
Students enrolling in this program by external mode will need to demonstrate that the educational objectives normally achieved by attendance on-campus are met by other means. This will normally require that:
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there is acceptable local day to day supervision
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the research project is related to their day to day work
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the student has access to adequate local facilities such as a library, laboratory and/or the technical support required to complete the research project
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communication with USQ staff is readily available via telephone, facsimile and/or email
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the USQ supervisor is able to visit the remote site as required
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the student is able to attend the USQ campus for supervision and/or seminars as directed.
Recommended enrolment pattern
Students are able to enrol in any offered mode of a course (on-campus, external or online), regardless of the program mode of study they enrolled in.
Course | Year of program and semester in which course is normally studied | Enrolment requirements | Comments | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
On-campus (ONC) | Distance education (EXT) | Online (ONL) | ||||||
Year | Sem | Year | Sem | Year | Sem | |||
Coursework Course | ||||||||
1,2 | 1,2 | |||||||
Research Courses | ||||||||
1 | 1 | One unit | ||||||
2 | 2 | One unit | ||||||
1 | 1 | Two units | ||||||
1 | 1 | Four units | ||||||
2 | 2 | Two units | ||||||
2 | 2 | Four units | ||||||
3 | 3 | Two units | ||||||
3 | 3 | Four units |
Notes
Students must complete the course and a combination for a total of 11
credit point units of the Independent Research in Engineering and
Surveying courses.
must be completed satisfactorily during the first term
of study.
Programs may be varied to suit the needs of individual students.
Enrolment in the above courses is used to assess eligibility for scholarships
and awards, and to levy program fees where appropriate, so it is important
to consult with the Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences when
finalising enrolment for this program.
All of the courses listed above (except ) are ungraded courses, i.e. successful
completion will be indicated by a Satisfactory Progress grade.
Some candidates may be required to complete additional coursework,
up to a maximum of four single-unit courses, in areas relevant to
their proposed field of study. The coursework requirements for each
student will be determined by the Faculty of Health, Engineering and
Sciences in consultation with the student. Candidates would be expected
to demonstrate a high level of achievement in any additional coursework
courses.