Bachelor of Geographical and Spatial Science

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Geographical and Spatial Science at UWA equips students with knowledge, skills, and techniques to address global environmental issues. It focuses on spatial data acquisition, problem-solving, and utilizes GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis techniques. Graduates have strong demand in the job market, commanding high salaries in various roles such as GIS Officer, Spatial Scientist, and Environmental Consultant. The program offers WIL opportunities and fieldwork experiences, enhancing students' practical skills and employability.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Bachelor of Geographical and Spatial Science at the University of Western Australia (UWA) equips students with fundamental spatial science skills, knowledge, and techniques to address global environmental issues.
It focuses on understanding environmental processes, including climate and hydrology, and their interaction with landscapes, people, and economies.
• Objectives: The program aims to develop students' abilities to:
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of core geographical concepts to analyze human and physical environments.
• Apply critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and communication skills in diverse contexts.
• Critically review, analyze, synthesize, and present knowledge and ideas effectively.
• Implement critical thinking and judgment to identify and resolve problems.
• Demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary for employment in the field of Environmental Science and further study.
• Description: This hands-on degree involves significant fieldwork, laboratory activities, advanced spatial data acquisition, and problem-solving skills to understand and recommend solutions to environmental issues.
It emphasizes the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial analysis techniques.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• GIS Officer
• Spatial Scientist
• GIS and Spatial Analyst
• Remote Sensing Specialist
• Environmental Consultant
• Opportunities: Graduates are in high demand and command a salary premium in the job market.
The program offers specialization in spatial sciences, leading to rewarding careers in the geographical sciences field.
• Outcomes: Upon completion, students will develop strong GIS, advanced remote sensing, and spatial analysis skills, highly sought after by employers.

Other:

• Work Integrated Learning (WIL): The program offers opportunities for students to gain practical industry experience through science work placements and consultancy projects.
• Fieldwork: The program includes fieldwork opportunities that take students around Western Australia and beyond.
• UWA Ranking: UWA is ranked 2nd in Australia and 38th in the world for Environmental Sciences and Engineering (ARWU 2023).
• Recommended Minors: Students are encouraged to combine the Bachelor of Geographical and Spatial Science with a minor in a related field, such as:
• Data Science (Advanced Data Science area)
• Ecology (Conservation Biology and Ecological Restoration area)
• Global Health (Population Health and Disease area)