Geospatial Surveying and Mapping with Year in Industry
BEng Honours
- UCAS code: H246
- Full time
- 4 years
- Next start date: September 2021
This four-year version of our Surveying and Mapping Science degree includes a placement to enhance your practical skills and employability.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £23400
Entry requirements
- A Level: ABB-BBB
- IB: 32 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
This four-year version of our Surveying and Mapping Science degree includes a work placement to enhance your practical skills and employability.
The degree is similar to our Geospatial Surveying and Mapping Science BEng Honours, but includes a year in industry.
Surveying and mapping uses state-of-the-art technology and mathematical-based analysis to study the built and natural environments. This allows us to go beyond simply observing the world around us, to collecting and analysing data about it.
This professionally accredited degree focuses on the science, technology and maths behind map-making and coordinate systems.
It spans geography, science, mathematics and ICT and will appeal to students with an interest in engineering, technology and the environment.
There is a large market for expertise in this area and graduates of this degree are in demand, with excellent employment prospects.
COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.
See our terms and conditions for more information
View our Frequently Asked Questions
Quality and ranking
We have a long tradition of excellence in teaching, recognised in many external surveys and assessments, but also by our own students.
Our commitment to teaching quality and an excellent student experience is reflected through our results in national and international student satisfaction surveys.
Teaching excellence
TEF GoldA ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Professional accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) This means that you graduate you are already on the pathway to becoming a chartered surveyor.
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 learn about the key concepts in surveying, mapping and geographic information, often through outdoor and computer-based practical work. In the second semester, you undertake practical land surveying work and start to explore GPS technology.
A residential field course mapping a Lake District valley puts 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 Geomatics | 10 |
Data Science 1 | 10 |
Geospatial Mathematics and Statistics | 30 |
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|
Stage 2 explores different aspects of surveying and mapping in more detail. You continue studies in surveying and GPS technology, and explore new topics such as: photogrammetry; laser scanning; digital surveying; and map projections and datums.
Modules
You will spend the year on a work placement in the UK or abroad. You’ll gain valuable practical experience in the sector.
Stage 4 starts with a residential field course where you apply your knowledge to surveying and mapping exercises such as structural monitoring, control surveys, and highways design. Your focus then turns to your independent research project, which forms a quarter of the final-year assessment.
Written up as a dissertation, this develops your investigative, research and report presentation skills. You study advanced specialist modules such as offshore surveying, geodesy and geohazards.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Advanced Survey Fieldcourse | 20 |
Professional Practice | 10 |
Photogrammetry and Laser Scanning II | 10 |
Geohazards and Deformation of the Earth | 10 |
Offshore Surveying | 10 |
Geospatial Informatics | 10 |
Applied Geospatial Data Handling | 10 |
Individual Research Project | 30 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You usually study six modules per semester, with an average weekly timetable comprising approximately 20 contact hours. Each module involves generally two one-hour lectures per week.
You also complete several field/computer practicals of around three hours each during the semester.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Coursework
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Practical sessions
Skills and experience
Practical skills
This degree is very hands-on and you'll take part in regular practicals in and around Newcastle.
You'll also have opportunities 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 and your second year will include visits to organisations 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 so far in your degree to the test.
Business 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
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. 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 in Stage 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 geomatics student at Newcastle, you will join a close-knit community within the School of Engineering.
You will have access to an exceptional pool of advanced industry-standard field and computer laboratory equipment including:
- 3D laser scanners
- GPS and electronic survey equipment
- satellite imagery
- state-of-the-art computer software
Support
As a new student, you'll receive a tablet so you can download online learning resources, helping to make our campus more sustainable. You'll also receive a start-up pack containing essential personal protective equipment.
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
- geomatics 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: Life During and Beyond Geomatics, 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.
Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme
This degree is approved by DTUS, a Ministry of Defence sponsorship programme for students who wish to join the Royal Navy, British Army, RAF, or Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG) as technical officers after graduation.
Find out more about the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.
A Level
ABB-BBB
International Baccalaureate
32 points
Other UK qualifications (and PARTNERS)
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
PARTNERS
Through our PARTNERS programme, you could receive an offer up to three grades lower than the typical requirements, and get support throughout the application process. To apply through PARTNERS, you must be based in the UK and meet our eligibility criteria.
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, including Newcastle University London. 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.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2021 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£23400
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).
The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.
For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.
If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.
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
The situation with Covid-19 means that we're unable to hold Open Days on campus. However, you don’t have to visit in person to experience Newcastle.
From the comfort of your sofa 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.
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.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
International students often apply to us through an agent. Have a look at our recommended agents and get in touch with them.
Get in touch
By Phone
Due to current circumstances, we are currently unable to take phone calls.
Online
Keep updated
We regularly send email updates and extra information about the University.
Receive regular updates by email