In your first year, you will develop a strong, general foundation in engineering before moving into your surveying major, where you will study topics such as:

• Spatial data acquisition and analysis
• Surveying processes
• Environmental remote sensing
• Web cartography
• Geodetic surveying
• Cadastral surveying
• Surveying specialisations
• Contemporary surveying practices

You will also get hands-on experience across various surveying activities and learn how to operate industry-standard surveying equipment. 

This includes:

• Reality capture using terrestrial laser scanners, drones and unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Surveying using Trimble Robotic Total Stations and survey-grade global navigation satellite systems (GNSS)
• Levelling with optical levels and precise digital levels
• Field camps to apply your skills in a real-world environment

The UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program allows you to apply the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired throughout your degree in real-world settings.

At least half of your honours year involves a major project, generally supported by industry clients or based in a research centre. 

Projects are designed to foster the consolidation and application of the surveying skills and techniques learned throughout your degree to ensure you graduate prepared for the challenges of professional practice.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Surveying) is the only degree in South Australia that meets the Surveyors Board of South Australia’s requirements to work toward becoming a Licensed Surveyor. 

You will develop the knowledge, ethics and practical skills needed for a rewarding and highly varied career exploring new projects, environments, locations and challenges.

Informed and supported by industry and taught by highly experienced professionals, the program takes an industry-focused, project-based teaching and learning approach to develop surveyors ready to work in diverse, interdisciplinary teams.

Industry experience is integrated into your learning, with the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program seeing you engage in at least 450 hours of professional skill and competency building through various activities, such as placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits, networking and events.

You will also enjoy hands-on, practical experiences in purpose-built facilities, such as the Surveying Experiential Studio equipped with Trimble Robotic Total Stations (to perform surveying campaigns), Global Navigation Satellite Systems (such as GPS for accurate positioning) and precise digital levels, as well as access to terrestrial laser scanners, drones and unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs) to enable 3D modelling of the world around us.

Fieldwork is also crucial to your skill development, focusing on building your capabilities in cadastral surveying, GNSS surveying, geodetic sciences, and precision positioning, ensuring you graduate ready to hit the ground running.

Real-world connections

UniSA collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide to ensure our degrees remain relevant and connected to the industry. 

As part of all engineering degrees, UniSA students participate in our UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program. 

The UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program allows you during your studies to gain hands-on experience and create industry connections. In-industry work placements and internships enhance the employability skills of our graduates.

Surveying has been taught at UniSA since the early 1970s, and the Surveyors Board of South Australia plays an integral role in the development and financial support of this degree.

• A certified copy of the personal details page and signature page of your passport.
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and graduation certificates, including information on your institution’s grading system, as required.
• English language test results (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL) where applicable.
• Detailed syllabi/course outlines of previous studies if you are applying for credit or advanced standing.
• Additional academic and employer references, if required

Prerequisites

SACE Stage 2 Math Methods

Assumed Knowledge

SACE Stage 2 Physics

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 program or an equivalent program in your home country or a recognised Pathway or Foundation Studies Program.

If you are an international student studying Year 12 in Australia, you need to apply via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). 

India (best 4): 65%

Canada High School (OSSD): 65%

Iran: Pre-University Certificate, National High School Diploma

Successful completion of the Pre-University Certificate OR High School Diploma

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent.
AND

• Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and achieve a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
• Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
• Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)

OR
Work and life experience

Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past