Postgraduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science
PGDipGIS
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry times
February (Semester 1)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Geographic Information Science
Download Brochure
Duration
1 year full-time
Entry times
February (Semester 1)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Geographic Information Science
Download Brochure
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.
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
Candidates wishing to enrol in the PGDipGIS must have either:
- qualified for a degree in an Aotearoa New Zealand university which is of relevance to the proposed course of study; or
- presented evidence of ability for advanced level academic study; or
- been admitted Ad Eundum Statum to enrol for this Diploma.
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 the Department of Geography on the prescribed form by 1 February. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that an up-to-date official academic record is sent to the Department of Geography | Te Tari Mātai Matawhenua as soon it is available.
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. Students study:
- four compulsory courses on GIS, research, cartography and geovisualisation, and geospatial analysis
- one elective from Group A of the Schedule
- one elective from Group B of the Schedule
- and two other elective courses at 400-level or higher.
For the up-to-date schedules of courses, see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science.
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 Victoria University of Wellington | Te Whare Wānanga o te Ūpoko o te Ika a Māui)
- GISC 411 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Health
- GISC 412 Spatial Algorithms and Programming
- GISC 413 Geomatic Data Acquisition Techniques
- GISC 415 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Internship
- GISC 416 Conservation GIS
- Another two courses at 400-level from Group A or B, 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.
- 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 | 120 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $8,267 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2019 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $36,600 |
Contact us
For full requirements see the Regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science.
For study planning help contact the Department of Geography | Te Tari Mātai Matawhenua or 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