Geospatial Surveying and Mapping BEng Honours
- UCAS code: H245
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2023
The science, technology and maths behind map-making and coordinate systems.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £26400
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Work with state-of-the-art technology to measure, monitor, model and map the Earth.
This accredited course will give you hands-on experience with advanced geospatial techniques and technologies. We will assess climate hazards, tackle global challenges, and apply your skills to real-world engineering scenarios.
This course has a large focus on practical work. It’ll include residential field courses and cutting-edge computer labs led by world-leading experts.
Find out more about Geospatial Surveying, Mapping & GIS at Newcastle University.
You'll learn a wide range of techniques, such as:
- engineering surveying
- 3D laser scanning
- mobile map-making
- programming
You'll also gain an in-depth understanding of:
- geodesy
- photogrammetry
- cartography
- Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- hydrographic survey
- computing
Our graduates are in high demand as skilled professionals in:
- location engineering
- location-based data acquisition
- data handling
- data processing
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Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Quality and ranking
Professional accreditation and recognition
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
You’ll learn the fundamentals of:
- surveying and mapping
- Geographic Information Science (GIS)
- remote sensing satellites
- global navigation satellite systems, like GPS
You’ll also use data science and code (Python) to process and analyse geospatial data.
You’ll be involved in several practical sessions, in the field and in our computer labs. A residential field course mapping a Lake District valley will put all your experience and theory into practice.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Mapping Fieldcourse | 20 |
Geographic Information Systems | 10 |
Surveying | 20 |
An Introduction to GNSS and its Applications | 10 |
Principles of Remote Sensing | 10 |
Tutorial Study Skills for Geospatial Engineering | 10 |
Data Science 1 | 10 |
Geospatial Mathematics and Statistics | 30 |
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|
During stage 2, we’ll focus on the fundamental principles of modelling the Earth, including:
- map projections
- coordinate systems
- data quality assessments
You’ll also develop your skills in digital data collection and modelling, and use state-of-the-art equipment, such as:
- total stations
- laser scanners
- drones
- high-grade GPS
Modules
Your final year will start with a field course, where you’ll be presented with a real-world engineering scenario.
Throughout your final year, you’ll develop an independent research project. This will be your chance to apply the geospatial techniques you’ve learnt throughout the course.
You’ll also apply the skills you’ve learnt to understand geohazards. You will:
- monitor earthquakes and volcanoes
- learn how to make sub-sea measurements for offshore engineering
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Professional Practice | 10 |
Applied Remote Sensing and Image Processing | 10 |
Survey Fieldcourse | 20 |
Geohazards and Deformation of the Earth | 10 |
Offshore Surveying | 10 |
Geospatial Informatics | 10 |
Applied Geospatial Data Handling | 10 |
Individual Research Project | 30 |
Law and Land Use | 10 |
We base these figures and graphs on the most up-to-date information available to us. They are based on the modules chosen by our students in 2020-21.
Teaching time is made up of:
- scheduled learning and teaching activities. These are timetabled activities with a member of staff present
- structured guided learning. These are activities developed by staff to support engagement with module learning. Students or groups of students undertake these activities without direct staff participation or supervision
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You’ll study six modules per semester. Your average weekly timetable will be approximately 20 contact hours. Each module involves two one-hour lectures per week.
Other teaching methods include:
- Lectures: Including guest lectures from visiting geospatial professionals
- Practical work:Supervised computer-based and outdoor practical work with guidance from expert staff
- Project work: To help you develop real-world business skills such as teamworking and project management
- Industry visits: Explore geospatial applications in action
- Field courses: Intensive residential programmes to consolidate your knowledge
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Assignments – written or fieldwork
-
Case studies
-
Coursework
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Practical sessions
-
Presentations
-
Projects
-
Reports
Skills and experience
Practical skills
This degree is very hands-on and you'll take part in regular practical projects in and around Newcastle. You'll also have the opportunity to take part in residential field courses across the UK.
In your first year, you'll head to the Lake District to map the Borrowdale Valley.
In your second year, you’ll visit geospatial industry partners to see surveying, mapping and GIS in action.
Your final year will include an eight-day field course where you'll put all the skills and knowledge you've learned to the test.
Research skills
In your final year, you'll conduct an individual research project where you can explore a topic of your choosing in greater detail, this will develop your investigative, research and presentation skills.
Opportunities
Work placement
This geographic information science degree is also available with a year's work placement, as a four-year programme.
You'll apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between Year 2 and Year 3.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
Placements are subject to availability.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
As a geospatial and GIS student at Newcastle, you will join a close-knit community within the School of Engineering.
You’ll have access to advanced industry-standard field and computer lab equipment including:
- 3D laser scanners and other reality capture sensors
- high precision multi-constellation GNSS (GPS)
- drone, aerial and satellite image capture
- the latest topographic surveying instrumentation
- state-of-the-art computer software and hardware
- on campus dynamic navigation facility
- dedicated workspace for undergraduates
- access to live environmental data for cities and buildings
Support
To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive:
- a tablet so you can download the online learning resources you'll need for your course (helping us to make our campus more sustainable)
- a start-up pack containing essential personal protective equipment and textbooks
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have, when starting university.
You'll also benefit from:
- a team-building field trip in North Yorkshire in your first week, to help you quickly settle in
- our high level of practical and group work, which helps you get to know staff and fellow students
Your future
Graduates from our Geospatial Surveying and Mapping degrees have gone on to take up a range of roles, including:
- engineering surveyor
- geospatial data analyst
- surveyor
- geospatial technician
- hydrographic surveyor
- marine surveyor
Our graduates work in a range of organisations, including:
- specialist land, air and offshore mapping companies
- central and local government agencies
- cartographic publishers
- suppliers of computer-based mapping technology and GIS
- utility companies
- civil engineering contractors
- oil exploration multinationals
- geophysical consultants
Make a difference
Careers support
Our annual careers fair: GENIE - Geospatial Engineering Newcastle Industry Engagement, is held at the start of each academic year and allows students to engage directly with industry partners. With around 20 companies from the geospatial sector present, it allows you to get a flavour of what different organisations do in the industry.
You'll be able to find out more about:
- career and placement opportunities and advice
- industry trends/emerging areas
- latest software/equipment demonstrations
- postgraduate study options
- professional qualifications and pathways
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Entry requirements and offers
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements and offers below apply to 2023 entry.
A-Level | |
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International Baccalaureate | |
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Other UK and the Republic of Ireland qualifications
Contextual Offers
Through one of our contextual routes, you could receive an offer of up to three grades lower than the typical requirements.
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2023 entry (per year)
Qualification: BEng Honours | |
---|---|
Home students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
9250 |
International students full time 3 years |
Tuition fees (per year)
26400 |
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
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You'll be able to:
• explore our beautiful campus
• find out about our vibrant city
• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
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