Online distance learning
In short ... flexible and convenient
Online distance study gives you the flexibility to study anywhere at any time.
Meet some of our past online distance students.
The online distance learning programs in geographic information science in the Department of Spatial Sciences provide students with an open and flexible means of studying this exciting and dynamic field involving geographic information systems (GIS), spatial data management and analysis.
The Department offers three internationally recognised postgraduate programs that can be fully completed by online distance study via the Internet. They are:
- Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Science
- Graduate Diploma in Geographic Information Science
- Master of Science (Geospatial Science) - Geographic Information Science Stream
In addition, each unit within the three programs above can also be studied individually by online distance learning as part of the Department's 'Extension Studies Program'. Contact the Department for further details about the Extension Studies. See also our list of online units.
As an online distance student you will get access to:
- Online unit-based resources - including study plan, study guide and content, work guide and assessments, study resources, online grades, etc. You will also obtain access to required software and/or datasets (online or via CD).
- Curtin services and facilities - details in the Distance Education Handbook , library remote access, photocopying services, textbook purchases, enrolment enquiries, academic support, etc.
- Professional and friendly learning support staff to provide learning support and respond to specific queries and problems that you may encounter.
You will require:
- Commitment and motivation - a sense of commitment and motivation to command responsibility and time management for oneself
- Access to a computer - for you to access the required materials, install required software, run the assigned work, and present your assessable work.
- Computer specifications - minimum specifications required include an operating system of either Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 or Windows XP Professional, processor speed of 800 MHz, 256 MB memory and plenty of disk space for installing and using software. Recommended specifications are 1 GHz speed and 512 MB memory or higher.
- Internet access - a reliable and reasonably fast Internet link will allow you access to all the online resources and contacts that you require. Much of the material requires online browsing and web navigating.
- Ability to download software from the Internet, follow instructions and download it onto your own computer.
Contact the Department for more information.
