Continuing Professional Development.

The Institution of Surveyors NSW

"A member shall endeavor to advance the science and practice of surveying and the objects of the Institution and shall continue his/her professional development throughout his/her career and encourage the development of his/her subordinates".

The Institution of Surveyors NSW Inc. recognises that it has a responsibility to promote and facilitate the advancement and updating of members' professional knowledge in order to meet the changing needs and expectations of the community.

The Institution of Surveyors NSW Inc. sets multiple objectives for its active involvement in Continuing Professional Development (CPD). These objectives are: -

• To preserve and advance the high standard of professional performance by its members throughout their career.
• To ensure the currency of surveying knowledge of its members.
• To increase individual surveyor's capabilities as a contribution to national development.
• To ensure that its members undertake adequate Continuing Professional Development.
• To provide a formal program of Continuing Professional Development activities for its members.
• To provide appropriate Continuing Professional Development opportunities for its members.
• To support relevant Continuing Professional Development activities by employers of professional surveyors as part of the employees' normal duties.
• To formally recognise Continuing Professional Development member achievements.

The University of Southern Queensland

The Department of Surveying and Land Information at the University of Southern Queensland, located in Toowoomba, South East Queensland, offers a variety of continuing professional development opportunities. All of the following options, except short courses and workshops, are able to be completed off-campus as distance education studies, or on-campus to be completed in a shorter time. Detailed information can be found at www.usq.edu.au/engsurv/future/postgradprog/default.htm

• SINGLE COURSES (subjects) - all USQ courses can be completed without having to enrol in a full program. www.usq.edu.au/handbook/2007/conted.html
• GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN GEOMATICS - four courses (one year part-time or one semester full-time duration). This articulates into Graduate Diploma In Geomatics Geomatics for those wishing to continue to a higher level.
• GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN GEOMATICS GEOMATICS - eight courses (two year part-time or one year full-time duration). This articulates into Graduate Diploma In Geomatics for those wishing to continue to a higher level.
• MASTERS COURSE WORK DEGREE (commencing in 2008)
• MASTERS RESEARCH DEGREE (research thesis)
• PhD (research thesis)

Whether the study modes are off-campus on-campus the course work program options are student contribution (HECS) amounts with the exception of the single course and short courses and workshops which are fee based. The research degrees are fee based.

While there is no compulsory on-campus attendance, research degrees students are encouraged to spend at least some period on-campus when face-to-face assistance will be helpful. USQ has a special distance education centre to provide contact (email; telephone; facsimile; post; internet web portal; Outreach), regional centres, study material, library and IT support for external student to try and provide services equivalent to the on-campus environment. The majority of the courses have customised study materials developed by the staff. These may include an introductory book (assessments and administration and study information); study book; book of readings; and multimedia enhancement materials (hardcopy, CD/DVD or web based). The first two chapters of each study book are accessible via the web to enable student to commence before the study material arrives through the post. Where there are examinations in a course, a convenient centre is organised in your location.

Further enquires can be made by contacting USQ via the web portal or by email www.usq.edu.au/contact/futurestudentenq/default.htm