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Bachelor of
Geospatial Information Systems
Entry requirements
Key information
VIEWING DOMESTIC
VIEWING INTERNATIONAL
Start dates
March
July
Delivery mode*
In person
(Bedford Park)
IELTS Overall
6.0
Speaking: 6.0
Writing: 6.0
Pearson Overall
50
CRICOS code
110618F
Duration
3 years full-time
Delivery mode
In person (on campus)
Bedford Park
Start dates
March
July
Annual fee
$43,600 (2026)
About these fees
Learn GIS, drones, and earth observation science
Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) is a unique degree that blends science, technology, and exploration.
You’ll learn how to capture and analyse geographic data using drones, satellites, and mapping software, then apply it to real-world challenges like climate change, urban growth, and defence planning.
GIS is everywhere - from disaster response to agriculture to smart cities - and it’s growing fast. With hands-on projects and fieldwork, you’ll graduate ready to use maps, data, and innovation to make a difference.
Spatial data powers the industries of the future - GIS careers are cool, important, and growing fast!
GIS is not just a job - it’s a career where maps, technology, and discovery intersect. With GIS skills, you can work outdoors or in labs, design apps, analyse satellite data, or help solve global challenges. The geospatial jobs market is growing, new roles are emerging every year, but the skills gap is still getting bigger - will you help fill it?
Salary
$95K
typical salary in Australia
GIS Analyst
Turn raw data into meaningful maps and insights that guide real-world decisions. They work on projects like modelling bushfire risk, mapping biodiversity, or designing transport routes. Their tools include satellite images, drones, and spatial databases, making the role both technical and creative.
In Australia, GIS Analysts work across government, defence, environment, and private industry. The role provides pathways to senior analyst, spatial consultant, or project leadership positions.
Geospatial Data Scientist
Combine coding, artificial intelligence, and GIS to make sense of massive datasets.
They might analyse flood patterns, predict crop yields, or model urban growth. The role sits at the frontier of data science, geography, and computer science.
With demand for data-driven decision-making on the rise, these specialists are valued across sectors from defence to agriculture. Many move into roles as spatial AI leaders or innovation consultants.
Salary
$120K
typical salary in Australia
Sources: Seek, 2025 | Glassdoor, 2025
Earth Observation Specialist
Uses satellite and drone imagery to monitor landscapes, agriculture, and natural disasters. Supports government, defence, and environmental management agencies.
Catographer
Designs and produces maps that communicate complex spatial information in clear and accessible ways. Often works in government, research, or private mapping firms.
Environmental Consultant
Applies geospatial data to assess and manage environmental issues, advising businesses and government on sustainability, land use, and compliance.
Transport and Infrastructure Planner
Uses GIS to design and optimise transport systems and infrastructure projects, ensuring efficiency and sustainability in growing cities.
What will you study to start your career in GIS?
Learn GIS, drones, and satellite data while choosing a minor to shape your future career. With projects and fieldwork built in, you’ll graduate with the skills to map and model the world around you.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
In your first year, you'll build your geospatial foundations with core science and GIS tools.
Year 1 - Core topics
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
In your second year, you'll advance into programming, location intelligence, and drones.
Year 2 - Core topics
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Database Modelling and Information Management
- Engineering Programming
- Drone Observation
- Motor learning and control
- Location Intelligence
- Coordinate Systems and Satellite Positioning
- Science Applied
- Start a Minor to specialise. Minors available include: Artificial Intelligence, Archaeology, Biodiversity and Conservation, Climate Change, Coding, Coasts and Oceans, Environmental Restoration, Marine Biology, Palaeontology, and Plant Science.
In your third year, you'll specialise with advanced analysis and a major GIS project.
Year 3 - Core topics
Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Geospatial Information Systems Project
- Spatial Information Management
- Advanced Spatial Analysis
- Advanced Earth Observation
- Science Connect
- Remaining 9 units from chosen minor. Minors available include: Artificial Intelligence, Archaeology, Biodiversity and Conservation, Climate Change, Coding, Coasts and Oceans, Environmental Restoration, Marine Biology, Palaeontology, and Plant Science.
Get inspired.
Discover more about Flinders University’s Bachelor of Geospatial Information Systems.
“GIS can be applied to anything, because everything has a location and is connected. GIS knowledge is incorporated into many industries and utilised in many different ways... The things that Robert Kean taught I now use every single day.”
Ellen Carter
Bachelor of Geospatial Information Systems
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Need support?
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Student clubs
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Campus facilities
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Senior Lecturer and Teaching Specialist
Dr Tessa Lane
Tessa is a geoscientist turned GIS specialist whose work bridges earth systems, spatial data and environmental insight. She holds a PhD in coastal and fluvial geomorphology from the University of Adelaide and a first class honours in Geoscience.
At Flinders, she works in GIS and spatial modelling, coordinating both the Bachelor and Master of Geospatial Information Systems programs. Her teaching and research topics include modelling in space and time, geostatistics, airborne and ground-based data capture, and GIS applications across disciplines.
Tessa is a member of the Geospatial Council of Australia and contributes to the College’s STEM Academy. She is passionate about using spatial tools to understand landscapes, manage change, and empower students to make sense of our dynamic world.
Senior Lecturer and Teaching Specialist
Graham Walker
Graham is a registered surveyor and geospatial specialist committed to bringing real‑world mapping and spatial thinking into education. With a BEng (Honours) in Civil Engineering and an MSc in Geodetic Surveying, he spent more than 18 years working as a surveyor in the UK and Australia before joining Flinders as a lecturer.
As a Senior Lecturer and geospatial advocate, Graham champions the use of mapping, positioning and spatial data to make sense of our world. He is Chair (SA) for Geospatial Council of Australia and has been recognised as “Professional of the Year” in South Australia’s Geospatial Excellence Awards.
His professional path blends surveying precision with teaching, and he is passionate about supporting students who want to build careers in geospatial science, surveying, and spatial technologies.
Technical Field Officer
Neil Brown
Neil is the backbone of field work and technical support for the surveying and geospatial teams at Flinders. In his role as Technical Field Officer (Surveying), he ensures that instrumentation, spatial data collection, field campaigns and lab‑to‑field operations run smoothly. 
With deep hands‑on experience in surveying equipment, measurement techniques and field logistics, Neil helps students and researchers turn spatial theory into practice. Though not a traditional academic lecturer, his on‑ground support and technical expertise are crucial to realising hands‑on projects, field exercises and mapping initiatives.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
- Entry requirements
- Application options
If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.
If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.
How to apply
Select your course.
Check entry requirements.
Check your eligibility for credit.
Obtain certified documents.
Submit your application and documents.
Application options.
Apply online
Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.
Find an agent
Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.
Contact us
Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
Don't meet academic requirements? Don't worry. We'll help you get there.
Preparatory courses
If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.
Flinders University Academy
If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
GIS is unique — it blends computing, mapping, and environmental science. You’ll work with drones, satellites, and data while solving real-world problems.
Yes. The global GIS market is growing due to the skills gap in STEM, and demand for skilled GIS graduates is strong in Australia and internationally. Almost every sector has recognised the importance of geospatial data, which is applied to business, financial, societal and defence purposes.
GIS careers are diverse. Some days you’ll be coding or creating maps, others you might be in the field collecting drone or GPS data.
It helps! GIS builds on the power of maps, but takes them further by making them interactive, data-driven, and dynamic.
Yes. GIS often involves fieldwork - from urban surveys to remote environmental monitoring.
In government, defence, environmental management, mining, agriculture, transport, and urban planning. Anywhere location data matters, GIS is there.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 99.40 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 73.35 | 77.78 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 65.50 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 46 | 34% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
| Work and life experience | 11 | 8% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 37 | 28% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | 2 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 13% |
| International Students | 18 | 13% |
| All students | 134 | 100% |
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