Program Overview

Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science is designed to equip students with advanced skills in geospatial data analysis, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and remote sensing. This program is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their career prospects in fields such as ecology, exploration, health, planning, mathematics, cartography, surveying, geography, or environmental science.

Program Highlights

• Access to specialist laboratories featuring the latest GIS and remote sensing applications.
• Study of advanced areas of GIS, with the option to choose electives that match career ambitions.
• Graduation with advanced computing, implementation, and management skills.
• The flexibility to study externally on a part-time basis, accommodating other commitments.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for entry, applicants must have:

• A bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline, or
• A graduate certificate in geographic information science. Applicants must also have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in their previous qualification.

GPA Equivalent

The GPA equivalent is used as a guide. When applying, the GPA will be calculated using the UQ grading scale, including any failing grades. Entry requirements are subject to change.

Fees and Scholarships

Indicative Annual Fee

The approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units) for domestic students is $9,370 (2026). For international students, the indicative annual fee is AUD $50,032 (2026).

Government Assistance

Domestic places in the Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science are Commonwealth supported, meaning the cost of education is shared between the student and the Australian Government. International students may be eligible for financial aid from their home country or the Australian Government.

How to Apply

All applications should be submitted to UQ. The program code for the Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science is 5086. Important dates include the closing date for semester 1, which is November 30 of the previous year for international students, and the semester start date, which can be found in the Academic Calendar.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants

Support with applying and questions about university life can be directed to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (ATSIS) Unit.

Career Possibilities

Postgraduate study in Geographic Information Science can lead to various careers, including:

• Urban planner
• Built environment consultant
• Environment and resource manager
• Mineral exploration consultant
• Emergency services officer
• Geospatial application developer
• Environmental researcher
• Cartographer
• Web map publisher
• Ecologist

Average annual salary ranges for some of these positions are:

• Urban Planner: $80K-$100K
• Geographic Information System Officer: $80K–$90K

Next Steps After Graduation

Graduates of this program are professionally qualified in geographic information science and can apply their skills across disciplines and professions, including ecology, archaeology, mineral and oil exploration, health, urban and regional planning, mathematics, cartography, surveying, environmental science, and more. Careers can be found in local, state, and federal governments, semi-government agencies, private industry, and research institutions. The skills obtained through this degree are highly valued, providing a sound theoretical background and practical work experience that is crucial for daily work in these fields.