University
University of Otago
Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Geographic Information Systems
This course is available
On-Campus
Level of Study
Master's Degree
Duration
1 year
Next start date
Expected Feb 2025
Campus
University of Otago
Summary
The Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) is a 180-point, coursework postgraduate degree. A candidate would normally be a graduate but the degree is also open to those with other relevant qualifications.
The MAppSc is designed for students who wish to pursue an interdisciplinary programme of study underpinned by science that delivers versatile skills relevant to multiple end-users. Optional paths are available that emphasise commercialisation, workplace-based projects or independent study.
Optional papers for particular interests
The MAppSc can be completed in 12 months or in stages, providing flexibility for recent graduates and those currently employed.
Why study Geographic Information Systems?
GIS are fundamental to urban and regional planning, wildlife management, using business intelligence in commerce, tourism, public health, traffic management, and a host of other applications. It is a multi-billion dollar worldwide industry, with opportunities almost anywhere in the global economy.
It is an area of study that is truly cross-disciplinary. GIS combines academic rigour with practical application. Accurate, complete and up-to-date spatial information is an immensely valuable resource for businesses and governments.
You will gain a thorough understanding of spatial data, analysis, and visualisation, and be able to apply GIS techniques.
You'll also learn about mobile GIS and web mapping as well as remote sensing (including from drones) and GNSS (GPS positioning.
You will learn skills in project management, cartographic representation, database design, and basic computer programming.
Career opportunities
There are diverse opportunities for GIS graduates throughout New Zealand and worldwide. You'll gain the specialist skills needed to work as a GIS or Remote Sensing operator, analyst or manager.
You may end up employed by a large corporation, working in local, regional or the national government, or equally, you could work for a consultancy firm. This kind of work tends to have plenty of variety, and opportunities for travel.
You might be identifying the geographical distribution of endangered plant, animal or bird species. You could work for a regional council, analysing the risk of landslips or flood mitigation; or advising on planning issues. You will also be in an excellent position to launch your own business after you have gained some experience in the spatial information industry.
Note: July commencement may be possible, although the duration of the qualification may be longer, or paper selection may be limited.
Entry criteria
Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).
Every applicant shall have fulfilled one of the following conditions:
- be a graduate and have achieved an average grade of at least B in the relevant 300-level papers;
- have obtained a Postgraduate Certificate or a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science with an average grade of at least B;
- have equivalent alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).
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
- IELTS (Academic module) (including IELTS Online) - Overall score of 6.5, no individual band below 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT - Overall score of 90 and a writing score of 21.
- C1 Advanced (previously Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)) or C2 Proficiency (previously Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)) - Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169).
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50.
- Language Cert - International ESOL: C1 Expert (LRWS) with a high pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill OR C2 Mastery (LRWS) with a pass overall and no less than a pass in each skill.
- NZCEL - NZCEL 5 Academic endorsement
- English New Zealand's Accredited Pathway Assessment - Assessment Level 3 (with no skill lower than Level 2).
- APIEL Advanced Placement International English Language Examination - Grade 4 or higher.
July commencement may be possible, although the duration of the qualification may be longer, or paper selection may be limited.
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