Newcastle University

Surveying and Mapping Science BSc Honours
UCAS Code: H244 (3 Years)

• Course Overview
• Modules
• Entry Requirements
• Careers
• Finance

This degree focuses on the science, technology and maths behind geographic data collection and analysis. GPS, land surveying, and even offshore surveying, are used to map the earth’s surface providing vital information to scientists, engineers, companies and governments.

This degree is part of a subject called Geomatics. Geomatics spans geography, science, mathematics and ICT. It is a fascinating area of study for anyone who has enjoyed these subjects at A Level or equivalent.

Newcastle offers two degrees in the area of Geomatics:

• Surveying and Mapping Science
• Geographic Information Science

Geomatics is both a fascinating area of study and a pathway to a variety of interesting careers. Study geomatics at Newcastle and you could soon be helping to find new sources of oil and gas, helping to build major new infrastructure, analysing customer data for a big retail business or creating maps for books, websites and the media, for example.

This course is more mathematically-oriented than our Geographic Information Science degree and will appeal to students with an interest in engineering, technology and the environment. 

Professional accreditation

This degree is accredited by: 

• the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES)

Newcastle is unique in the UK in having this dual accreditation for its geomatics degrees.

Teaching and assessment

You usually study six modules per semester, with an average weekly timetable comprising approximately 20 contact hours. Each module involves around two one-hour lectures per week, together with several field/computer practicals of around three hours each during the semester. Further information can be found on our undergraduate web pages about the approach to teaching and learning at Newcastle University.

Each module is usually assessed by a final examination, plus two to four pieces of course work based on the practical classes. You also receive informal non-assessed feedback on your progress. Teaching and assessment methods may vary from module to module, more information can be found in our individual module listings.

Fieldwork

This degree is very hands on, with plenty of opportunities to start using our state-of-the-art equipment from your very first year.

You will take part in regular practicals in and around Newcastle, as well having opportunities to attend residential field courses. These include:

• Stage 1 residential field course in the Lake District where your task will be to map the Borrowdale Valley
• Stage 2, three-day study tour, visiting organisations where GIS is being used, for example, the British Antarctic Survey or British Geological Survey.
• Stage 3, eight-day Advanced Survey fieldcourse, which will draw on study material from Stages 1 and 2 to introduce you to a real-world surveying problem. This will give you the chance to test your skills in precise monitoring, control, data capture and road design

Industry-standard equipment

You will have access to an exceptional pool of advanced industry-standard field and computer laboratory equipment, which you will use from your very first year.

You will also receive a starter pack containing key text books and essential equipment.

Strong industry links

Newcastle has strong industry links with a variety of companies in the land survey, offshore survey and GIS sectors. The strength of these links is reflected in the availability of work placements, sponsorship opportunities and excellent graduate jobs for our students.

Newcastle has a proven track record for graduate employment – 100% of our 2010 UK and EU geomatics graduates progressed to work or further study six months after graduating (DLHE data).

School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences

As a geomatics student at Newcastle, you will join a close-knit community within the School of Civil Engineering and Geoscience. The atmosphere within the School is extremely friendly, beginning with a teambuilding field trip in North Yorkshire in the first week.

There are a lot of practicals throughout the year and at all Stages of the degree where you will work together in groups, giving you the chance to get to know your fellow students and staff really well.

You will also enjoy a high level of contact time, around 20 - 25 per week, with lots of support available to help you make the most of your time with us.

All our students have access to an exceptional range of facilities equipped with a wide range of analytical instrumentation supporting our teaching. Visit the School's website to take a virtual tour of some of the laboratories.