Undergraduate
Bachelor of Geographical and Spatial Science
Gain skills and knowledge in GIS and spatial data to help develop solutions for issues such as climate change, growing population and land degradation.
Majors available
Geographical and Spatial Science - Extended Major
An extended major in Geographical and Spatial Science will prepare your for a career as a spatial scientist or geographic information specialist. These skills can also be applied to career opportunities across a range of related areas such as marine and coastal science, geography, climate and weather, catchment and water processes, or environmental management. You'll develop expertise in the use of geographic information and spatial analysis techniques using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies. This degree-specific major can only be taken as a major in the following courses:
The learning experience
Study area - Natural and Physical Sciences
Find out more about where Natural and Physical Sciences can take you.
Barry J Marshall Library
This library is UWA's hub for science students and researchers. Named after the University's Nobel Prize-winning professor, it has soundproofed study rooms, multimedia suites and a café on site.
Why choose UWA
Explore our campuses and facilities, get to know the history of our State’s oldest university and discover why a UWA degree can set you up for the careers of the future, not just the jobs of tomorrow.
Why choose UWA
Student Life
Discover what life’s really like at university, hear from current students in a variety of courses and learn about the student amenities and support services on offer at UWA.
Events
One of the best ways to find out about studying at UWA is to take part in the many events we offer future students.
Fees and scholarships
Domestic Student Fees
For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
International Student Fees
Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load. Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course.
Find out more about international student tuition fees and visit the fee calculator for the relevant course fees.
Fees are subject to annual indexation.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.
Careers and further study
Career pathways
A degree in Geographical and Spatial Science can lead to the following career opportunities:
- GIS Officer
- Spatial Scientist
- GIS and Spatial Analyst
- Remote Sensing Specialist
- Environmental Consultant
Specialisations include:
- Geography and Spatial Sciences
- Marine and Coastal Science Management
- Catchment and Water Science Management
- Environmental Science Management
Career pathway and industries:
- Environmental consulting
- Government environmental policy and regulation
- Mining
- Private sector
- NGOs/Not-for-profits
- Run and own spatial specialist consulting company
Further studies
- An Honours in Geographical Sciences provides you with the skills and knowledge to engage in the advanced analysis of spatial patterns and processes in natural and built environments. It provides you with training in conceptual methodological approaches to geographical inquiry and develops an appreciation of the links between theory and practice in geography. You will also engage in an independent research project on a topic of geographical significance
- Students are eligible for advanced entry into four specialisations of the UWA Master of Environmental Science degree. This allows students to complete a coursework, or coursework and thesis Masters in: Catchments and Water; Environmental Management; Marine and Coastal Management or Sensing and Spatial Data Science specialisations across 18 months or 3 semesters of study. Entry to the Environmental Rehabilitation or Environmental Economics specialisations is possible with conversion (an extra semester of study)
Entry requirements
Admission requirements
To be considered for this course you need to:
- achieve an ATAR of 80
- demonstrate English language competence
- completed prerequisites: Mathematics Methods ATAR or Mathematics Applications ATAR with a mathematics units taken in your first year of study. Students without ATAR mathematics will take two first year mathematics units.
View our admission requirements for specific information, depending on your education history.
Admission entry to UWA
We offer a number of other pathways for you to gain entry into our undergraduate degrees if you do not meet the standard admission requirements. Learn more about our admission entry pathways.
If you don’t meet these entry requirements, you can apply for admission to the Bachelor of Science and subsequently apply to transfer into this course, subject to meeting course transfer requirements set out in the course rules.
About the Bachelor of Geographical and Spatial Science
Challenge yourself with the Bachelor of Geographical and Spatial Science where you'll develop fundamental spatial science skills, knowledge and techniques to solve the world's biggest environmental issues.
This course has a strong focus on understanding the environmental processes including climate and hydrology that interact with landscapes, people and drive economies, including broader geography principles, demography and regional development.
Quick details
- Available
- 80
- February and July
- 3 Years full time
- Specialised Bachelor's Degree
- UWA (Crawley Campus)
- 114375K
About the course
Geographical and Spatial Science studies focuses on understanding environmental processes and their interaction with people and economies worldwide. In this course you'll gain skills and knowledge in GIS and spatial data to help develop solutions for issues such as climate change, growing population and land degradation. You will learn how to use, manipulate, analyse and visualise spatial data to solve significant environmental and social issues such as climate change, population growth and land degradation.
Work Integrated Learning
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) helps bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on, practical industry relevant experience and for employers to help shape the graduates of tomorrow.
Why study Geographical and Spatial Sciences at UWA?
- Graduates with GIS and spatial data skills are in high demand and command a salary premium in the job market
- Opportunity to specialised in spatial sciences leading to rewarding careers in the geographical sciences field
- UWA is ranked 3rd in Australia and 44th in the world for Environmental Sciences and Engineering (GRAS 2024)
You'll learn to
- demonstrate broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of core geographical concepts to understand human and physical environments
- apply well-developed cognitive, creative and communication skills in diverse contexts
- review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge. Implement critical thinking and judgement to identify and resolve problems
- present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
- demonstrate skills and knowledge necessary for employment in the discipline of Environmental Science and further study
Recommended minors
It is recommended to combine your Bachelor of Geographical and Spatial Science with a minor from a field you could apply your skills as a spatial scientist, consider one of the following:
- Data Science minor (Advanced Data Science area)
- Ecology minor (Conservation Biology and Ecological Restoration area)
- Global Health minor (Population Health and Disease area)
Fieldwork in Science
