Postgraduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science
PGDipGIS
Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science provides students with a grounding in knowledge covering GIS fundamentals, theory, and research methodology, as well as the acquisition of skills including data collection and processing, analysis, and presentation.
Graduates will have advanced experience in the field, with the ability to plan, execute, and present the findings of applied GIS projects. They will be qualified to work as GIS professionals in government and industry.
Students wishing to enrol in the PGDipGIS must have either:
- qualified for a degree from an Aotearoa New Zealand university in a relevant subject; or
- evidence of ability for advanced level academic study; or
- other qualifications of an equivalent standard.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
Students planning to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science must apply for admission to the GIS programme – see 'How to apply' below.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
Applications for admission must be received by Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth and Environment on the prescribed form by 1 February. You must also apply online at myUC.
Find out more about how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
A total course weighting of at least 120 points must be completed:
- four compulsory courses on GIS, research, cartography and geovisualisation, and geospatial analysis
- two elective courses from the list
- two other relevant elective courses at 400-level or higher, chosen with approval from the Director: GIS.
The Diploma can be completed within 1 year full-time, or can also be studied up to 2 years part-time.
Compulsory courses:
- GISC 401 Foundations of Geographic Information Science
- GISC 402 GI Science Research
- GISC 403 Cartography and Geovisualisation
- GISC 404 Spatial Analysis
Group A – at least one of the following:
Group B – at least one of the following:
- GISC 410 Special Topic (offered by Te Whare Wānanga o te Ūpoko o te Ika a Māui | Victoria University of Wellington)
- GISC 411 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Health
- GISC 412 Spatial Data Science
- GISC 413 Geomatic Data Acquisition Techniques
- GISC 415 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Internship
- GISC 416 Conservation GIS
- Another two courses (30 points) at 400-level, or another relevant programme of study with approval of the Director: GIS.
UC also offers a Master of Geographic Information Science.
Postgraduate study can bring many career benefits eg, specialist skills and enhanced knowledge, entry into specific occupations, higher starting salary/progression rates, research capability/achievement, and evidence of high academic attainment/self-discipline.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | 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) |
2020 | Not open to new enrolments 2020 | ||
2021 | Not open to new enrolments 2021 |
Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
2020 | 120 | Not open to new enrolments | N/A |
2021 | 120 | $39,500 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science.
For study planning help, contact Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth and Environment or the College of Science:
Te Rāngai Pūtaiao | College of Science
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 4141
Email collegeofscience@canterbury.ac.nz