Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Geographic Information Science
Structuring your programme
Your BSc programme will consist of a number of courses worth 15 points each, totalling 360 points.
You must complete the following courses plus a capstone course in your final year of study. The capstone course is a student-led project where you integrate and apply your learning to a real-world problem in your chosen major or specialisation. For Geographic Information Science we recommend the capstone course, GISCI 399. For other capstone options, see our Capstone courses page.
In your first year you should take at least three of the following courses (45 points):
- GEOG 103: Mapping Our World (Available in Summer School, Semester 1 and Semester)
- COMPSCI 130: Introduction to Software Fundamentals (SS, S1 and S2)
- STATS 101: Introduction to Statistics (SS, S1 and S2)
- GEOG 101: Earth Surface Processes and Landforms (S1 and S2)
- GEOG 102: Geography of the Human Environment (S1 and S2)
Note: at least one of these must be COMPSCI 130 or STATS 101
In your second year you should take both (30 points):
Plus at least one of (15 points):
- BIOSCI 220 Quantitative Biology (S1 and S2)
- COMPSCI 230 Programming Techniques (S1 and S2)
- ENVSCI 203 Modelling Environmental Systems (S2)
- STATS 201 Data Analysis (SS, S1 and S2)
- STATS 220 Data Technologies (S1)
In your third year you should take at least two of (30 points):
- GISCI 341 Advanced Remote Sensing (S2)
- GISCI 343 GIScience Programming and Development (S2)
- GEOG 342 Technology, Society and Environment (S1)
Plus an additional course (15 points) from the above or:
- Any 300-level COMPSCI course
- Any 300-level STATS course
- SCIGEN 301 Engaging in Knowledge Society
You can use our degree planners to help you plan the courses you need to take for your BSc. To find the most up to date Geographic Information Science degree planner, go to the Science degree planners page.
Doing a double major with Geographic Information Science
If you choose to do a double major in your BSc, we recommend the following subjects to complement GIScience: Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Geography, Geophysics, Information and Technology Management, Marine Science and Statistics.
Preparing for your Geographic Information Science major
Some students will feel more prepared for our GIScience courses if they have already studied certain subjects in high school.
You may feel more prepared for your GIScience major if you have studied Digital Technologies, Geography and Statistics.
Help and advice
Student Hubs
Visit your hubs for help and advice on any aspect of your studies and life at University.
The Student Hubs are your physical gateway to Waipapa Taumata Rau | the University of Auckland.
The Student Hubs services are available seven days a week at the City, Grafton, Epsom and Tai Tonga campuses and six days a week at Tai Tokerau, with friendly staff available to provide you with advice on any aspect of your studies and life at the University.