Surveyors work in a range of land, property and construction related areas. Using modern technology such as GPS and laser instruments surveyors precisely measure land, building, and features in the environment for mapping, development and spatial analysis.
Because of this close association with land and property the roles of the surveyor extends to land development engineering and urban design, resource management and land planning, property boundary surveying, and the determination of land ownership and rights.
The use of computer mapping technology in the form of Geographical Information Systems also leads to work in the capture, display and management of spatial information. Surveyors typically work in a variety of settings – indoor and outdoor - and with a variety of other professions.
Why study Surveying / Surveying Measurement?
The Bachelor of Surveying (BSurv) is a four-year professional degree that allows both inside and outside work, has great employment prospects, and gives you an internationally recognised skill.
You'll become a specialist in precise measurement and an expert in land law and land ownership. You'll learn to subdivide land and assess its development potential, undertake city and environmental planning, design urban infrastructure, and prepare resource consents. It even gives you the skills to map the ocean floor.
To complement your lectures, you will gain hands-on experience in practical classes, computer labs and on field trips.
Over the last 15 years BSurv graduates have had as good a record of employment as surveyors and geospatial professionals. There is typically more demand than we can supply for our graduates.
This degree is internationally recognised for its quality and broad scope. It will really open up your world.
Career opportunities
The BSurv degree is the only academic qualification offered in New Zealand that will lead to licensing by the Cadastral Surveyors Licensing Board – a licence to carry out land title surveys that is also recognised in all Australian states. It can also lead to full Professional membership of Surveying + Spatial NZ (formerly the NZ Institute of Surveyors).
Because Otago graduates have the skills to take on the full range of surveying activities immediately, you will have a wide variety of options, both in New Zealand and overseas. You might begin with a private sector company here in New Zealand involved in defining land boundaries, mapping and designing subdivisions (including roads, stormwater and sewerage systems), and preparing resource consents. Alternatively you might work for a government agency or a local authority, in their policy planning or GIS departments.
Some graduates do scientific research while others travel the world undertaking seismic surveys, mining, hydrographic surveying, or ensuring that the foundations for buildings and major engineering structures are correctly positioned. Others are involved in defining national and international boundaries for the United Nations. Many end up as consultants running their own businesses.
Most surveying jobs are roughly 50/50 inside/outside — at least in the early years. If you choose a planning option, it will be considerably less outside. If you choose project surveying it will be more.
What you can expect to earn depends upon your personal skills, where you are and how quickly you learn. Starting salaries for most New Zealand-based graduates are approximately $55,000. Those working offshore would start on about $80,000 or more.
The challenges are many and the work is exciting. It is this variety and diversity that makes surveying such an enjoyable profession.
What you will learn?
Your first year covers introductory papers in surveying, mathematics, spatial science and communication plus electives of your choice. The remainder of your degree focuses on a number of core subjects:
Surveying methods gives you hands-on experience in using and calibrating surveying equipment. You learn about GPS (global positioning), and how to determine your position anywhere on Earth. You also learn the science of measurement (both on land and on the oceans), and how to analyse and use the data you collect.
Papers in land tenure studies trace the development and application of land law in New Zealand in both Māori and Pakeha contexts. Combine this with cadastral surveying and you will be able to calculate and lay out land boundaries
Papers in subdivision design and land development introduce principles of urban and rural design. You learn how to value land and design housing developments, including services such as roading and sewerage. A specialist paper on project management gives you the skills to convert designs into reality and managing construction contacts.
Land planning papers explore the history of New Zealand's planning legislation, deal with the practical application of the Resource Management Act and examine environmental ethics.
Finally, papers on how to use spatial data enable you to integrate all the above activities into geographic information systems (GIS) software.
The ideal secondary school subjects are English, Geography, Physics, Maths with Calculus and Maths with Statistics. If you've taken other subjects we can work out a suitable study programme for you in your first year at university.
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.
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.
A Bachelor of Surveying degree is also offered. These requirements apply to students who are commencing this programme in 2023. Students who enrolled in this programme in 2022 or earlier will normally complete the programme under the regulations in force when they first enrolled. Pre-2023 programme requirements can be found in the 2022 University of Otago Calendar and the 2022 Guide to Enrolment. If you have any questions regarding the structure of your degree, please contact surveying.advice@otago.ac.nz for further information.
126
Total
360
Year
Papers
Points
1st year
SURV 120 Surveying and Spatial Science (or an approved equivalent)
18
SURV 130 People, Place and the Built Environment (or an approved equivalent)
18
ENGL 228 Writing for the Professions (or approved equivalents)
Further papers in any subject to make a total of 522 points
Notes: Approved equivalent papers may be substituted for any of SURV 120, 130, ENGL 228, MATH 130. Those candidates who have taken and passed 24 units of English at NCEA Level 3, at an appropriate standard, may be exempt the ENGL 228 requirement. These requirements apply to students who are commencing this programme in 2023. Students who enrolled in this programme in 2022 or earlier will normally complete the programme under the regulations in force when they first enrolled. Pre-2023 programme requirements can be found in the 2022 University of Otago Calendar and the 2022 Guide to Enrolment. If you have any questions regarding the structure of your degree, please contact surveying.advice@otago.ac.nz for further information.
18
Total
522
Year
Papers
Points
Prerequisites
The compulsory papers for the First, Second and Third Year courses for the ordinary degree of Bachelor of Surveying (in approved cases, students may be credited with or be granted exemptions from some papers on the basis of previous tertiary passes.)
Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 19 June 2026)
More information
Contact our Schools' Liaison and International teams
Want to connect with a real person and get some advice? Find your Schools' Liaison officer, chat with our International team in New Zealand or your own country, or submit a question through our online form.
