The School of Surveying supports a number of postgraduate degree programmes, all of which are listed below.
All students should have a confirmed supervisor before applying for postgraduate courses.
- Visit the Our People section to find a suitable supervisor for your research topic.
- Find out more information on suggested research topics and ideas for postgraduate students.
- Find out more about student research in the School of Surveying.
- View our postgraduate student profiles.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
This is a one year course which is specifically designed for the mature student who wishes either to up-skill in a particular discipline or to move into a different avenue of study. Provided that the programme of study has the appropriate number of 200-level and 300-level points and can be demonstrated to be cohesive, then it is entirely flexible and can be tailored to the needs of the student. To gain entry, a candidate may have either a first degree or appropriate technical qualification and experience. A candidate who excels in his/her programme of study may be admitted directly to a Postgraduate Diploma of Science or Applied Science.
Find out more about the Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
This is a one year course consisting of graduate level papers and a research project. While the School offers PGDipSci programmes in Surveying and in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the course of study is flexible and can be tailored to the needs and interests of a particular student. This is an excellent programme for either a BSc or a BSurv student wanting to specialise on a particular subject by undertaking a single year of postgraduate study. Entry into such a programme is restricted to those students who have an appropriate undergraduate (or equivalent) degree.
Find out more about the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
Masters' degrees (MSurv, MSc(Applied) or MSc(Thesis))
The School offers a Master of Surveying degree, a Master of Science (Applied) in GIS degree, and a Master of Science (Thesis) in GIS or Surveying. Entry to the MSurv is restricted to those students who have a four-year undergraduate Surveying degree (or its equivalent). The MSurv is generally a two-year programme open to those candidates who have obtained a degree in Surveying. The papers taken in Year 1 of the programme are identical to those taken for the PGDipSci, with progression to the second (thesis) year being normally restricted to those students who obtain a B+ average (or better) in Year 1. A student who obtains a BSurv with distinction, a BSurv(Hons) first class, or equivalent qualification, may be admitted directly to the thesis year of the degree.
15-month coursework masters' degrees
The Master of Science (Applied) in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) is a coursework masters' degree. The primary focus of the MSc(Applied) GIS is to give you the geospatial and analytical skills required to conduct socially and physically relevant research and be part of the key growth industries of the 21st Century, with application to business, government and the built and natural environment. When you learn to think and work in four dimensions, you become part of the solution to problems that span many orders of magnitude, from your home town to the world.
Key information about the degree:
- 15 month duration
- Seven taught papers + either a project or a work placement
- Applicants normally require a B+ average (at 300 level) in an appropriate undergraduate degree
- Applicants with relevant practical experience may also be considered
Find out more about the masters' degrees
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
This degree is open to those who hold either a bachelor's degree with first class or upper second class honours, or a master's degree, or who have appropriate research experience. It consists of an original research project embodied in a thesis on a topic of personal choice. It requires a minimum period of two and a half years full time study or four years part time.
Find out more about the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Further information
Postgraduate scholarships
The University of Otago offers a wide range of postgraduate scholarships.
Find out more about postgraduate scholarships
Contact
For any postgraduate enquiries please contact: