Postgraduate Coursework
Graduate Certificate of Spatial Science
2021
The Graduate Certificate in Spatial Science complements your current science qualifications and will further develop your professional skill set. This course is designed for professionals, across a wide-range of vocations, seeking to gain expertise in spatial science at postgraduate level.
This stand-alone course belongs to a pathway between graduate certificate, graduate diploma and Master of Environmental Management.
You are not expected to have previous experience in the spatial science field; however, if you do have some background, the repeatable placement unit allows the inclusion of project work in the unit selection.
Career opportunities
Graduating from this course may lead to career opportunities in government, private companies and non-government organisations (NGO) as managers, technicians, project managers, maintenance officers, surveyors and geospatial modellers.
Credit transfers & pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
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This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Admission criteria
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, master's degree or equivalent international qualification in a relevant field, such as biological science, earth science, environmental engineering, environmental science, geography, geographic information, sustainability studies or other disciplines as deemed appropriate.
Applicants who hold a degree not in the disciplines listed above may be considered on the basis of relevant professional experience. Applicants must provide further documentation detailing their professional experience in the form of a curriculum vitae (CV) with their application.
Essential requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Navitas Academic English (will not be accepted from 2021 onwards) | A minimum overall pass and 65% in Academic English 3 with a 65% pass in the research essay. (Note: this score will not be accepted from 2021 intakes onwards). |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
Course structure
The Graduate Certificate in Spatial Science provides a package of applied spatial science units and includes a placement project option for those with existing experience in spatial science.
The course stresses both the importance of theory and the application of theory in practice through projects and practical exercises.
Those completing the Graduate Certificate in Spatial Science may be eligible to articulate into the Graduate Diploma and Master of Environmental Management with full credit transfer.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Specialist Electives (4 units) |
40cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below.
ENV502 Remote Sensing |
| 40cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Graduate Certificate AQF Level 8 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
COURSE CHANGES - 2018
ENV508 Applied Geographic Information Systems is now Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Thinking.
ENV518 Advanced Spatial Science is now Analysing and Synthesising Spatial Data.
Study plan
Students commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a part time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to reduce or vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
| Legend: | SE = Specialist Elective |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
Specialist Elective Units Availability
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 |
| ENV502 Remote Sensing ENV508 Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Thinking (new title 2018) SID500 Professional Practice in Environmental Management (repeatable) |
ENV506 Environmental Monitoring and Modelling ENV518 Analysing and Synthesising Spatial Data (new title 2018) SID500 Professional Practice in Environmental Management (repeatable) |
Students commencing in Semester 2
There is no Semester 2 entry into this course.
Course fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.