Program Overview

Bachelor of Geographical and Spatial Science

Overview

The Bachelor of Geographical and Spatial Science is a specialized degree that focuses on understanding environmental processes and their interaction with people and economies worldwide. Students gain skills and knowledge in GIS and spatial data to help develop solutions for issues such as climate change, growing population, and land degradation.

Majors Available

• Geographical and Spatial Science - Extended Major

The Learning Experience

• Study area: Natural and Physical Sciences
• Barry J Marshall Library: UWA's hub for science
• Why choose UWA: Explore campuses and facilities, get to know the community

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic Student Fees

• For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study
• Fees are subject to annual indexation
• Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required

International Student Fees

• Annual course fee: $49,200.00 (2025)
• Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled
• Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load
• Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course

Scholarships

• Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership, and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area

Careers and Further Study

Career Pathways

• GIS Officer
• Spatial Scientist
• GIS and Spatial Analyst
• Remote Sensing Specialist
• Environmental Consultant
• Specialisations include:
  • Geography and Spatial Sciences
  • Marine and Coastal Science Management
  • Catchment and Water Science Management
  • Environmental Science Management
• Career pathway and industries:
  • Environmental consulting
  • Government environmental policy and regulation
  • Mining
  • Private sector
  • NGOs/Not-for-profits
  • Run and own spatial specialist consulting company

Further Studies

• An Honours in Geographical Sciences provides you with the skills and knowledge to engage in the advanced analysis of spatial patterns and processes in natural and built environments
• Students are eligible for advanced entry into four specialisations of the UWA Master of Environmental Science degree

Entry Requirements

Admission Requirements

• Achieve an ATAR of 80
• Demonstrate English language competence
• Completed prerequisites: Mathematics Methods ATAR or Mathematics Applications ATAR with a mathematics units taken in your first year of study
• View our admission requirements for specific information, depending on your education history

Admission Entry to UWA

• We offer a number of other pathways for you to gain entry into our undergraduate degrees if you do not meet the standard admission requirements
• Learn more about our admission entry pathways

About the Bachelor of Geographical and Spatial Science

• Challenge yourself with the Bachelor of Geographical and Spatial Science where you'll develop fundamental spatial science skills, knowledge, and techniques to solve the world's biggest environmental issues
• This course has a strong focus on understanding the environmental processes including climate and hydrology that interact with landscapes, people, and drive economies, including broader geography principles, demography, and regional development

Quick Details

• Status: Available
• Minimum ATAR: 80
• Course Intake: February and July
• Full Time Completion: 3 Years full time
• Degree Type: Specialised Bachelor's Degree
• Campus Location: UWA (Crawley Campus)
• CRICOS: K

Work Integrated Learning

• Develop your employability skills through a science work placement
• The following units are available to all science undergraduate students who are looking to gain practical hands-on industry relevant experience:
  • SCIE2205 Science Work Placement Unit
  • SCIE2206 Science Consultancy Project

Why Study Geographical and Spatial Sciences at UWA?

• Graduates with GIS and spatial data skills are in high demand and command a salary premium in the job market
• Opportunity to specialise in spatial sciences leading to rewarding careers in the geographical sciences field
• UWA is ranked 3rd in Australia and 44th in the world for Environmental Sciences and Engineering (GRAS 2024)

You'll Learn To

• Demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of core geographical concepts to understand human and physical environments
• Apply well-developed cognitive, creative, and communication skills in diverse contexts
• Review critically, analyse, consolidate, and synthesise knowledge
• Implement critical thinking and judgement to identify and resolve problems
• Present a clear, coherent, and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
• Demonstrate skills and knowledge necessary for employment in the discipline of Environmental Science and further study

Recommended Minors

• It is recommended to combine your Bachelor of Geographical and Spatial Science with a minor from a field you could apply your skills as a spatial scientist, consider one of the following:
  1. Data Science minor (Advanced Data Science area)
  2. Ecology minor (Conservation Biology and Ecological Restoration area)
  3. Global Health minor (Population Health and Disease area)