Programme: BScHons Geoinformatics

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
02240414 Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Department: Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 135 NQF level:  08

Programme information

Renewal of registration

  1. Subject to exceptions approved by the Dean, on the recommendation of the relevant head of department, a student may not sit for an examination for the honours degree more than twice in the same module.
  2. A student for an honours degree must complete his or her study, in the case of full-time students, within two years and, in the case of after-hours students, within three years of first registering for the degree. Under special circumstances, the Dean, on the recommendation of the relevant head of department, may give approval for a limited extension of this period.

In calculating marks, General Regulation G.12.2 applies.

Apart from the prescribed coursework, a research project is an integral part of the study.

Admission requirements

  1. BSc (Geoinformatics) degree or relevant BSc degree
  2. A weighted average of at least 60% in relevant final-year modules
  3. An admission examination may be required

Note: Additional modules may be required in order to reach the desired level of competency

Additional requirements

Prospective students may be required to do additional modules to enable them to reach the desired level of study. Selection takes place before admission.

Pass with distinction

The BScHons degree is awarded with distinction to a candidate who obtains a weighted average of at least 75% in all the prescribed modules and a minimum of 65% in any one module.

Minimum credits: 135

Fundamental credits:  10

Core credits:              110

Elective credits:         15

Additional information:

Appropriate honours modules may be taken from the Faculty or from the School of Information Technology, as approved by the honours coordinator or Head of department.

Fundamental modules

Core modules

  • Module content:

    An approved individual Geoinformatics research project with a system design and/or spatial analysis component. The project is carried out under the guidance of a lecturer. The student is expected to obtain the respective skills necessary for the research topic. Compilation of a research proposal. Literature survey. Selecting an appropriate research method. Carrying out of the research. Preparation of a research report.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Principles of least squares in statistics, Spatial least squares regression, Surface interpolation using least squares and coordinate transformations. Topics in Geodesy: Space based measurement systems, sea level measurements, Determination of the geoid, earth axis orientation determination and earth dynamics.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Advanced topics in geospatial data management, such as data quality, data acquisition and management, standards, spatial data infrastructure (SDI) and legislation. 

    View more

  • Module content:

    Advanced topics in GIS application, such as principal component analysis, multi-criteria evaluation and other geospatial analysis methods, and their application relating to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Advanced topics in spatial databases, such as computational geometry, spatial data indexing and query processing, and using the web and mobile technologies for accessing, delivering and presenting geospatial data and services.

    View more

  • Module content:

    The aim of the module is to provide knowledge and understanding of image analysis and information extraction methods in remote sensing.  The emphasis is on equipping students with knowledge and skills necessary to process imagery to extract diverse biophysical and geospatial information.  The course gives insight into the possibilities and limitations of the application of modern remote sensing/image acquisition systems for Earth and atmosphere research purposes at different levels of detail.

    View more

Elective modules

  • Module content:

    The aim of this module is to understand the principles and processes behind environmental assessments. The module will give an overview of the history of assessments, compare assessment processes internationally, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches, provide an overview of the South African regulatory context and the environmental authorisation process.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Study themes include past environmental change, causes and consequences of human-induced environmental change and South Africa and climate change.

    View more

  • Module content:

    A special topic in Geoinformatics linked to research specialisation in the department and/or visiting lecturers. For example, research trends and advances in a specific topic or field of specialisation in Geoinformatics.The module is presented in the form of guided advanced readings, seminars and/or discussion sessions.

    View more


The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences