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University of Otago
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Master of Science (MSc) in Surveying

This course is available

On-Campus

Level of Study

Master's Degree

Duration

1 year

Next start date

Expected Jul 2023

Campus

University of Otago

Summary

The Master of Science (MSc) is a two-year degree which encompasses both coursework and research. The first year involves mainly coursework and preliminary research preparation. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to existing fields of research, or to begin to develop new areas.

Surveyors work in a range of land, property and construction related areas. Using modern technology such as GPS and laser instruments surveyors precisely measure land, building, and features in the environment for mapping, development and spatial analysis.

Because of this close association with land and property the roles of the surveyor extends to land development engineering and urban design, resource management and land planning, property boundary surveying, and the determination of land ownership and rights.

The use of computer mapping technology in the form of Geographical Information Systems also leads to work in the capture, display and management of spatial information. Surveyors typically work in a variety of settings – indoor and outdoor - and with a variety of other professions.

Master of Science (MSc) in Surveying

Papers and thesis

SURV 580 Research project

Four 500-level SURV papers

or

Three 500-level SURV papers and PMAN 501

Thesis: SURV 5

Note: The papers are normally taken before undertaking the thesis.

Duration of the Programme

A candidate achieving the degree by papers and a thesis shall normally follow a programme for the equivalent of not less than two years of full-time study and not more than three years of full-time study, and a candidate achieving the degree by thesis alone shall normally follow a programme of study for the equivalent of not less than one year of full-time study and not more than two years of full-time study. Exceptions shall be permitted only with the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).

>Intake: Anytime for thesis-only option

Entry criteria

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).

Every applicant must either

  • be a graduate with an average grade of at least B for the appropriate 300-level papers, or
  • have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).

An applicant seeking admission to the thesis-only option of the programme (see regulation 2(c) below) on the basis of the degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours or the Postgraduate Diploma in Science or equivalent must have achieved a grade of at least B+ for the research report, thesis preparation, or dissertation requirement of the qualification concerned.

In considering an applicant's qualifications, regard will be had to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant's performance in the programme.

English language requirements

Internet-based TOEFL of 102 or better with a minimum of 24 in each section; or Paper-based TOEFL of 600 or better with a TWE (Test of Written English) of 5.0 or better; or IELTS (Academic) of 7.5 overall with a minimum of 7 in each band.

Note: July commencement may be possible, although the duration of the qualification may be longer, or paper selection may be limited.

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