Career opportunities
This is a foundation degree for a career in aspects of surveying that relate to land development. This can lead to work in local government and private practice with surveyors, planners, land developers and urban designers.
Note:
Students wishing to become recognised as fully qualified professional planners have the option to undertake the two year Master of Planning (MPlan) at Otago, leading to membership of the NZ Planning Institute.
What will I study?
100-level
If you wish to complete the BSc in Land Planning and Development, you must take the following papers:
- MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics I
- SURV 120 Surveying and Spatial Science
- SURV 130 People, Place and the Built Environment
- ENGL 228 Writing for the Professions
200-level
200-level papers include civil engineering, urban design, geographic information systems, land administration, land tenure and planning.
300-level
Papers at 300-level and above include Resource Management Act processes and offers experience in designing residential subdivisions in concept and detailed layout phases.
Students can add papers from other degree programmes (such as Geography, Economics or Surveying) to complement their programme of study.
How will I study?
Land Planning and Development is a practical course as well as an academic one. You will have lectures, tutorials and workshops using computer software and Computer Aided Draughting packages, and Geographic Information Systems data gathering and analysis (including communicating spatial information).
You will also undertake engineering labs, infrastructure inspections, site visits to view landscape and construction examples and a one week hands on field course at the end of the academic year.
Combining Landing Planning and Development with other areas of study
The Land Planning and Development major lends itself to combining with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geography, Business / Management, Environment and Society or Environmental Management. These compatible subjects are available as minors within the Science degree structure, allowing you to pursue a coherent line of study through to an advanced level, within the three- year degree.
You could also combine Land Planning and Development with a second major e.g., Geography or Geographic Information Systems, if you have a passion for a second area of endeavour.
Recommended background
A background in both human and physical geography is desirable, high standards of literacy and numeracy skills, an enquiring and critical mind and a strong interest in land and the legal, ecological, economic and social environment.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Land Planning and Development
Study Land Planning and Development at Otago for academic excellence and an outstanding student experience. Learn about ...
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | SURV 120 Surveying and Spatial Science | 18 |
| SURV 130 People, Place and the Built Environment | 18 | |
| MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1 | 18 | |
| 200-level | ENGL 228 Writing for the Professions | 18 |
| SURV 203 Land Development Engineering 1 | 18 | |
| SURV 204 Land Development Engineering 2 | 18 | |
| SURV 205 Statutory Planning 1 | 18 | |
| SURV 206 Land Tenure 1 | 18 | |
| SURV 220 Geographic Information Science Note: ENGL 228 should be taken in the second semester of the first year of study. | 18 | |
| 300-level | SURV 303 Urban Design 1 | 18 |
| SURV 304 Land Development Engineering 3 | 18 | |
| SURV 455 Statutory Planning 3 | 18 | |
| At least two of SURV 306, SURV 309, SURV 319, SURV 329, SURV 450, SURV 453, SURV 465 , PMAN 401 | 36 | |
| Plus |
126 further points. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science Notes:
| 126 |
| Total | 360 |
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | SURV 130 People, Place and the Built Environment MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1 | 18 18 |
| 200-level | Any two of: | 36 |
| 300-level | Any one of | 18 |
| Total | 90 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
SURV papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SURV120 | 2025 | Surveying and Spatial Science | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| SURV130 | 2025 | People, Place and the Built Environment | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV201 | 2025 | Surveying Methods 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV202 | 2025 | Surveying Mathematics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV203 | 2025 | Land Development Engineering 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV204 | 2025 | Land Development Engineering 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV205 | 2025 | Statutory Land Planning 1 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV206 | 2025 | Land Tenure 1 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV220 | 2025 | Geographic Information Science | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV298 | 2025 | Introductory Field Camp | 0 points | 1st Non standard period (3 February 2025 - 21 February 2025) |
| SURV301 | 2025 | Surveying Methods 2 | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 28 November 2025) |
| SURV302 | 2025 | Geodetic Reference Systems and Network Analysis | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV303 | 2025 | Urban Design 1 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV304 | 2025 | Land Development Engineering 3 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV306 | 2025 | Land Tenure 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV307 | 2025 | Cadastral Surveying 1 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV309 | 2025 | Remote Sensing for Earth Observation | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| SURV314 | 2025 | 3D Reality Capture | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV319 | 2025 | Spatial Algorithms and Programming | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV320 | 2025 | Spatial Analysis and Visualisation | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV322 | 2025 | Hydrographic Surveying | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV329 | 2025 | Selected Topics in Surveying 1 | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| SURV399 | 2025 | Third Year Field Course | 0 points | 1st Non standard period (27 October 2025 - 19 November 2025) |
| SURV413 | 2025 | Resource Mapping and Image Processing | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| SURV418 | 2025 | Advanced Geographic Information Science | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV450 | 2025 | Professional Practice | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV451 | 2025 | Surveying Methods 3 | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| SURV452 | 2025 | Hydrographic Surveying 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV453 | 2025 | Urban Design 2 | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV455 | 2025 | Statutory Planning B | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV456 | 2025 | Land Tenure 3 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV457 | 2025 | Cadastral Surveying 3 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV458 | 2025 | Marine Law and the Environment | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV459 | 2025 | Engineering Surveying | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV462 | 2025 | Hydrographic Field Design and Voyage | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV463 | 2025 | Advanced Practical Techniques in Hydrography | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV465 | 2025 | Land Development Management | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV469 | 2025 | Selected Topics in Surveying 2 | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| SURV470 | 2025 | Professional Project | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| SURV473 | 2025 | Special Topic | 36 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV474 | 2025 | Special Topic | 36 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV480 | 2025 | Research Project | 36 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 19 June 2026) |
| SURV499 | 2025 | Vacation Employment | 0 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year |
| SURV509 | 2025 | Advanced Remote Sensing for Earth Observation | 20 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| SURV513 | 2025 | Resource Mapping and Image Processing | 20 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| SURV514 | 2025 | Advanced 3D Reality Capture | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV518 | 2025 | GIScience for Postgraduates | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV519 | 2025 | Spatial Algorithms and Programming | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV520 | 2025 | Advanced Spatial Analysis and Visualisation | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV551 | 2025 | Advanced Surveying Methods | 20 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| SURV552 | 2025 | Advanced Hydrographic Surveying | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV553 | 2025 | Advanced Urban Design | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV555 | 2025 | Advanced Statutory Planning | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV556 | 2025 | Advanced Land Tenure | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV557 | 2025 | Advanced Cadastral Surveying | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV558 | 2025 | Advanced Marine Law and the Environment | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV559 | 2025 | Advanced Engineering Surveying | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| SURV562 | 2025 | Hydrographic Field Design and Voyage | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV563 | 2025 | Advanced Practical Techniques in Hydrography | 20 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV565 | 2025 | Advanced Land Development Management | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| SURV569 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Surveying | 20 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| SURV573 | 2025 | Special Topic | 40 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV574 | 2025 | Special Topic | 40 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV575 | 2025 | Special Topic | 40 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| SURV580 | 2025 | Research project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 19 June 2026) |
| SURV590 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 19 June 2026) |
More information
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