Career opportunities
The BSurv degree is the only academic qualification offered in New Zealand that will lead to licensing by the Cadastral Surveyors Licensing Board – a licence to carry out land title surveys that is also recognised in all Australian states. It can also lead to full Professional membership of Surveying + Spatial NZ (formerly the NZ Institute of Surveyors).
Because Otago graduates have the skills to take on the full range of surveying activities immediately, you will have a wide variety of options, both in New Zealand and overseas. You might begin with a private sector company here in New Zealand involved in defining land boundaries, mapping and designing subdivisions (including roads, stormwater and sewerage systems), and preparing resource consents. Alternatively you might work for a government agency or a local authority, in their policy planning or GIS departments.
Some graduates do scientific research while others travel the world undertaking seismic surveys, mining, hydrographic surveying, or ensuring that the foundations for buildings and major engineering structures are correctly positioned. Others are involved in defining national and international boundaries for the United Nations. Many end up as consultants running their own businesses.
Most surveying jobs are roughly 50/50 inside/outside — at least in the early years. If you choose a planning option, it will be considerably less outside. If you choose project surveying it will be more.
What you can expect to earn depends upon your personal skills, where you are and how quickly you learn. Starting salaries for most New Zealand-based graduates are approximately $55,000. Those working offshore would start on about $80,000 or more.
The challenges are many and the work is exciting. It is this variety and diversity that makes surveying such an enjoyable profession.
What you will learn?
Your first year covers introductory papers in surveying, mathematics, spatial science and communication plus electives of your choice. The remainder of your degree focuses on a number of core subjects:
Surveying methods gives you hands-on experience in using and calibrating surveying equipment. You learn about GPS (global positioning), and how to determine your position anywhere on Earth. You also learn the science of measurement (both on land and on the oceans), and how to analyse and use the data you collect.
Papers in land tenure studies trace the development and application of land law in New Zealand in both Māori and Pakeha contexts. Combine this with cadastral surveying and you will be able to calculate and lay out land boundaries
Papers in subdivision design and land development introduce principles of urban and rural design. You learn how to value land and design housing developments, including services such as roading and sewerage. A specialist paper on project management gives you the skills to convert designs into reality and managing construction contacts.
Land planning papers explore the history of New Zealand's planning legislation, deal with the practical application of the Resource Management Act and examine environmental ethics.
Finally, papers on how to use spatial data enable you to integrate all the above activities into geographic information systems (GIS) software.
You may also be interested in
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
The ideal secondary school subjects are English, Geography, Physics, Maths with Calculus and Maths with Statistics. If you've taken other subjects we can work out a suitable study programme for you in your first year at university.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Bachelor of Surveying (BSurv)
A four-year degree that leads to full professional recognition as a Chartered Surveyor
Bachelor of Surveying with Honours (BSurv(Hons))
A restricted-entry, advanced study option for high-achieving students in the final year of the Bachelor of Surveying (BSurv) programme
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
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Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasEngineering, land surveying and urban design
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Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | SURV 120 Surveying and Spatial Science | 18 |
| SURV 130 People, Place and the Built Environment | 18 | |
| MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1 | 18 | |
| 200-level | ENGL 228 Writing for the Professions | 18 |
| SURV 201 Surveying Methods 1 | 18 | |
| SURV 202 Surveying Mathematics | 18 | |
| SURV 220 Geographic Information Science | 18 | |
| SURV 298 Introductory Field Camp Notes: ENGL 228 must be taken in the second semester of the first year of study. Admission to SURV 201 and SURV 298 is limited and applications must be submitted by 15 November. | 0 | |
| 300-level | SURV 301 Surveying Methods 2 | 18 |
| SURV 302 Geodetic Reference Systems and Network Analysis | 18 | |
| SURV 314 3D Reality Capture | 18 | |
| SURV 320 Spatial Analysis and Visualisation | 18 | |
| SURV 399 Third Year Field Course | 0 | |
| Two of SURV 206, SURV 306, SURV 319, SURV 322, SURV 329, SURV 413, SURV 450 , SURV 451, SURV 452, SURV 459, SURV 462, SURV 463, PMAN 401 | 36 | |
| Plus | 126 further points. Notes:
| 126 |
| Total | 360 |
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | SURV 120 Surveying and Spatial Science (or an approved equivalent) | 18 |
| SURV 130 People, Place and the Built Environment (or an approved equivalent) | 18 | |
| ENGL 228 Writing for the Professions (or approved equivalents) | 18 | |
| MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1 | 18 | |
| 54 further points | 54 | |
| 2nd year | SURV 201 Surveying Methods 1 | 18 |
| SURV 202 Surveying Mathematics | 18 | |
| SURV 203 Land Development Engineering 1 | 18 | |
| SURV 204 Land Development Engineering 2 | 18 | |
| SURV 205 Statutory Planning A | 18 | |
| SURV 206 Land Tenure 1 | 18 | |
| SURV 220 Geographic Information Science | 18 | |
| SURV 298 Introductory Field Camp | 0 | |
| 3rd year | SURV 301 Surveying Methods 2 | 18 |
| SURV 302 Geodetic Reference Systems and Network Analysis | 18 | |
| SURV 303 Urban Design 1 | 18 | |
| SURV 304 Land Development Engineering 3 | 18 | |
| SURV 306 Land Tenure 2 | 18 | |
| SURV 307 Cadastral Surveying 2 | 18 | |
| SURV 314 3D Reality Capture | 18 | |
| SURV 399 Third Year Field Course | 0 | |
| 4th year | SURV 320 Spatial Analysis and Visualisation | 18 |
| PMAN 401 Project Management | 18 | |
| SURV 450 Professional Practice | 18 | |
| SURV 455 Statutory Planning B | 18 | |
| SURV 499 Vacation Employment | 0 | |
| Plus | Additional papers worth at least 54 points from SURV 309, SURV 319, SURV 322, SURV 329, SURV 413, SURV 418, SURV 451, SURV 452 , SURV 453, SURV 456, SURV 457, SURV 458, SURV 459, SURV 462, SURV 463 , SURV 465, SURV 469, SURV 470, SURV 480 including at least 36 400-level points. | 54 |
|
Further papers in any subject to make a total of 522 points Notes: Approved equivalent papers may be substituted for any of SURV 120, 130, ENGL 228, MATH 130. Those candidates who have taken and passed 24 units of English at NCEA Level 3, at an appropriate standard, may be exempt the ENGL 228 requirement. These requirements apply to students who are commencing this programme in 2023. Students who enrolled in this programme in 2022 or earlier will normally complete the programme under the regulations in force when they first enrolled. Pre-2023 programme requirements can be found in the 2022 University of Otago Calendar and the 2022 Guide to Enrolment. If you have any questions regarding the structure of your degree, please contact surveying.advice@otago.ac.nz for further information. | 18 | |
| Total | 522 |
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Prerequisites | The compulsory papers for the First, Second and Third Year courses in the Schedule for the ordinary degree of Bachelor of Surveying (in approved cases, students may be credited with or be granted exemptions from some papers on the basis of previous tertiary passes.) | |
| Fourth Year compulsory papers | PMAN 501 Advanced Project Management | 20 |
| SURV 450 Professional Practice | 18 | |
| SURV 320 Spatial Analysis and Visualisation | 18 | |
| SURV 455 Statutory Planning B | 18 | |
| SURV 499 Vacation Employment | 0 | |
| SURV 590 Dissertation | 60 | |
| Additional papers |
Papers worth a minimum of 38 points from the following, including at least 20 points at 500-level selected: SURV 319 (or SURV 519 (20 points)), SURV 322, SURV 329 (18 points each) Any 400-level SURV papers not included amongst the Compulsory Papers or restricted against 300 or 500-level papers already passed or enrolled in. SURV 513, SURV 514, SURV 518, SURV 519, SURV 551, SURV 552, SURV 553, SURV 556 , SURV 557, SURV 558, SURV 559, SURV 562, SURV 563, SURV 565, SURV 569, (20 points each) SURV 573, SURV 574, SURV 575 (40 points each) | 38 |
| Total | 550 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
SURV papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SURV120 | 2025 | Surveying and Spatial Science | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| SURV130 | 2025 | People, Place and the Built Environment | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV201 | 2025 | Surveying Methods 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV202 | 2025 | Surveying Mathematics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV203 | 2025 | Land Development Engineering 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV204 | 2025 | Land Development Engineering 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV205 | 2025 | Statutory Land Planning 1 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV206 | 2025 | Land Tenure 1 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV220 | 2025 | Geographic Information Science | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV298 | 2025 | Introductory Field Camp | 0 points | 1st Non standard period (3 February 2025 - 21 February 2025) |
| SURV301 | 2025 | Surveying Methods 2 | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 28 November 2025) |
| SURV302 | 2025 | Geodetic Reference Systems and Network Analysis | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV303 | 2025 | Urban Design 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV304 | 2025 | Land Development Engineering 3 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV306 | 2025 | Land Tenure 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV307 | 2025 | Cadastral Surveying 1 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV309 | 2025 | Remote Sensing for Earth Observation | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| SURV314 | 2025 | 3D Reality Capture | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV319 | 2025 | Spatial Algorithms and Programming | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV320 | 2025 | Spatial Analysis and Visualisation | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV322 | 2025 | Hydrographic Surveying | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV329 | 2025 | Selected Topics in Surveying 1 | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| SURV399 | 2025 | Third Year Field Course | 0 points | 1st Non standard period (27 October 2025 - 19 November 2025) |
| SURV413 | 2025 | Resource Mapping and Image Processing | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| SURV418 | 2025 | Advanced Geographic Information Science | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV450 | 2025 | Professional Practice | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV451 | 2025 | Surveying Methods 3 | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| SURV452 | 2025 | Hydrographic Surveying 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV453 | 2025 | Urban Design 2 | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV455 | 2025 | Statutory Planning B | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV456 | 2025 | Land Tenure 3 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV457 | 2025 | Cadastral Surveying 3 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV458 | 2025 | Marine Law and the Environment | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV459 | 2025 | Engineering Surveying | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV462 | 2025 | Hydrographic Field Design and Voyage | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV463 | 2025 | Advanced Practical Techniques in Hydrography | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV465 | 2025 | Land Development Management | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV469 | 2025 | Selected Topics in Surveying 2 | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| SURV470 | 2025 | Professional Project | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| SURV473 | 2025 | Special Topic | 36 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV474 | 2025 | Special Topic | 36 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV480 | 2025 | Research Project | 36 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 19 June 2026) |
| SURV499 | 2025 | Vacation Employment | 0 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year |
| SURV509 | 2025 | Advanced Remote Sensing for Earth Observation | 20 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| SURV513 | 2025 | Resource Mapping and Image Processing | 20 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| SURV514 | 2025 | Advanced 3D Reality Capture | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV518 | 2025 | GIScience for Postgraduates | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV519 | 2025 | Spatial Algorithms and Programming | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV520 | 2025 | Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV551 | 2025 | Advanced Surveying Methods | 20 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| SURV552 | 2025 | Advanced Hydrographic Surveying | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV553 | 2025 | Advanced Urban Design | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV555 | 2025 | Advanced Statutory Planning | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV556 | 2025 | Advanced Land Tenure | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV557 | 2025 | Advanced Cadastral Surveying | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV558 | 2025 | Advanced Marine Law and the Environment | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV559 | 2025 | Advanced Engineering Surveying | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV562 | 2025 | Hydrographic Field Design and Voyage | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV563 | 2025 | Advanced Practical Techniques in Hydrography | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV565 | 2025 | Advanced Land Development Management | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV569 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Surveying | 20 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| SURV573 | 2025 | Special Topic | 40 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV574 | 2025 | Special Topic | 40 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV575 | 2025 | Special Topic | 40 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV580 | 2025 | Research project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 19 June 2026) |
| SURV590 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 19 June 2026) |
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