Course overview
Mine and engineering surveying is a specialised area within engineering and science. Also known as geomatics engineering or geomatics, the profession has a vital role in the resources industry and related infrastructure development.
Mine surveyors are responsible for the measurement, representation and management of data associated with a mining operation. Their core responsibilities include marking, measuring and maintaining mine site surfaces and underground workings. They are also responsible for, under the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994, preparing and updating all mine surveying plans for open pit and underground workings.
Engineering surveyors are integral to the construction industry, ensuring that the locations of civil engineering works are positioned and oriented correctly. Engineering surveying typically precedes construction associated with roads, bridges, tunnels, buildings, industrial plants and hydraulic engineering.
In this course, you will gain the skills to become a specialist surveyor with expertise in advanced software and equipment, including GPS and drones, to acquire and process land and satellite data.
Career outcomes
Careers
- Engineering surveyor
- Mine site surveyor
Industries
- Construction
- Regional development
- Resources and energy
- Mining and minerals
This major also prepares you with the appropriate practical experience for operational management at the quarry manager level.
Professional accreditation and recognition
Graduates meet the education requirements of Western Australia’s Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety for certification as an underground or open pit mine surveyor.
Why study at Curtin?
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Advanced technologies
Gain skills in the using including GPS, drones and other industry innovations.
Study in a major WA mining region
Experience Curtin's world-renowned WA School of Mines, in the heart of Western Australia's Goldfields region.
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Course structure
What you’ll learn
In this course, you’ll learn the scientific principles, methods and advanced technologies of surveying, and how to apply these to industry scenarios – including in land development, construction, mining and mapping.
You’ll learn how to access, evaluate and generate surveying, spatial and related information. You’ll also gain the expertise to recognise, analyse and resolve surveying challenges. These include total stations, satellite and space positioning (for example, GPS), laser scanning, photogrammetry (via drone surveying), geographic information systems (GIS), airborne and marine navigation, digital mapping, satellite and airborne remote sensing, and specialised alignment surveying.
You’ll study the first two years of your course at Curtin Perth and your third year at Curtin Kalgoorlie, where you’ll have opportunities to engage with industry practices.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
To study this course, you must meet the entry criteria:
- course ATAR, or equivalent, demonstrated via an accepted entry pathway
- any course-specific requirements
- English language requirement.
Minimum ATAR entry required
This course requires you to achieve a minimum ATAR/selection rank to be considered for entry, but does not guarantee selection.
Entry pathways
There are different ways to meet our academic entry requirements. Choose the option that best suits the highest level of education that you’ve achieved.
Curious how students entered this course? See the entry pathways other students have taken.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Study credit and support
You may be able to receive study credit or support based on your previous experience or personal circumstances.
Get credit towards your degree
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Special consideration
If your studies were affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible for special consideration when applying to Curtin. This process is available to new applicants only and allows your application to be assessed in light of those circumstances.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2025 Domestic indicative fees
2026 Domestic indicative fees
*The indicative first-year fee is based on a standard full-time study load of 200 credit points.
This fee is a guide only. Your total fee may vary depending on the units you choose, your study load or if your course includes additional requirements. For more information on fees, see other fees and charges.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Choose your application pathway
I’m in year 12 or applying for Medicine
If you’re in year 12 or recently finished high school, you’ll need to apply through TISC.
You’ll apply through TISC no matter what you studied in high school, whether that was:
- ATAR
- General subjects
- Certificate IV
- or completing UniReady in Schools program.
TISC has different application dates to Curtin. Visit the TISC website for all important dates, including application deadlines.
I have finished high school
If you’re not a current year 12 student or recent graduate, you’re considered a non school leaver and you’ll apply directly to Curtin.
The only exception is Medicine, which must be applied for through TISC.
You’ll apply directly to Curtin if you are:
- a high school graduate who finished school last year or earlier
- transferring from another university
- returning to study or using your professional experience to qualify
- progressing from a VET or TAFE qualification or bridging program
- a current Curtin student changing courses or campuses.
Application deadlines can vary by course. Make sure to check application deadlines before you apply.
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