Postgraduate Certificate in Geospatial Science and Technology
PGCertGST
Duration
6–12 months full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Professional Master of Geospatial Science and Technology
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
6–12 months full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Professional Master of Geospatial Science and Technology
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
The Postgraduate Certificate in Geospatial Science and Technology (PGCertGST) programme equips students with a foundational knowledge of geospatial science and technology at postgraduate level. It can be a stepping-stone to a professional master’s degree or a one year professional qualification.
The programme intersects relevant disciplines such as Data Science, Computer Science, Geography, and Environmental Science with spatial analysis. Students will gain skills in programming, research analysis, database management, geospatial technology, and communication.
- UC has extensive research strengths and strategic partnerships in the field of geospatial technology, such as the Geospatial Research Institute | Toi Hangarau.
- Geospatial science is recognised on Immigration NZ’s current Long-Term Skill Shortage List.
- An optional internship course provides an opportunity for students to practice their knowledge in the workplace, enabling experiential learning and engaging in critical thinking and problem solving in a business environment.
- UC is ranked in the top 100 universities in the world for Geography, and in the top 200 for Computer Science and Information Systems (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2018).
Postgraduate certificates and diplomas require a relevant bachelor's degree. If you gained your qualifications overseas, these will need to be assessed to ensure they are of an equivalent standard.
You are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Specific entry requirements
A student wishing to study the PGCertGST is required to have completed a bachelor’s degree with at least a B Grade Point Average in their 300-level courses in an area relevant to geospatial analysis, or equivalent, or three years of professional experience in a related industry.
Prospective students without a geospatial study background can take GISC 422 Foundations of Geographic Information Systems as part of their Certificate.
Students will be approved by the Academic Dean of Science based on the standard of their previous studies and work experience.
For the full entry requirements see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Geospatial Science and Technology or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC. Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The Certificate is comprised of 60 points including two compulsory courses (30 points) and one optional course (15 points).
The Certificate can be studied full-time within 6–12 months or part-time within 1 year.
The PGCertGST includes two compulsory courses on spatial analysis technology and programming, and students may choose their final course from a selection of topics such as data management, modelling, communicating data findings, and specific uses of GIS such as within the Health, Forestry, and Natural Resources industries.
Students without a previous background in GIS should take GISC 422 Foundations of Geographic Information Systems as well as the following courses.
Compulsory courses
Students must complete two compulsory courses (30 points):
Optional courses
Students are required to complete two optional courses (30 points) from topics that include data science, statistics, computer programming, and digital business and technology. These can be selected from Schedule B to the Professional Master of Geospatial Science and Technology.
Students may go on to study the Professional Master of Geospatial Science and Technology.
Graduates of this Certificate will be able to fulfil the current geospatial skill shortage in Aotearoa New Zealand and overseas in a range of different industries, including the private sector, government, and community organisations.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Our Careers, Internships & Employment team can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit the Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 60 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $4,134 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 60 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $18,300 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Geospatial Science and Technology.
For course advice contact the College of Science:
College of Science | Te Rāngai Pūtaiao
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 4141
Email collegeofscience@canterbury.ac.nz