Land Surveying

Discipline of

Land Surveying deals with the field of Geomatics that focuses on the acquisition, processing, management, presentation, and dissemination of information about the earth and features with a fixed location on the earth’s surface.

Why Study Land Surveying at UKZN?

Land Surveying at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) focuses on the field of Geomatics, equipping students with the knowledge and practical skills to acquire, analyse, manage, and present spatial information about the Earth’s surface. The four-year professional programme combines engineering fundamentals with modern technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Land Information Systems (LIS), and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), while providing hands-on experience through fieldwork, research projects, and industry-based vacation training. Graduates develop strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills for careers in land surveying, geospatial science, urban planning, infrastructure development, and property management.

Research

We are a research-led institution, producing knowledge for the rapidly-changing and information-rich world.

STUDENT DISSERTATIONS

UKZN Research Space was developed to increase the visibility, availability and impact of tour students’ research output.

Land Surveying

CASSE – Alternative Access Programme

The Centre for the Advancement of Science and Engineering (CASSE) provides alternative access to students, predominantly from disadvantaged educational backgrounds, who do not meet the standard entry requirements for science and engineering qualifications.

How the Programme Works

Students complete their degree over one additional year.
Augmented modules are taken during the first two years.
Thereafter, students join mainstream students and continue with standard modules within the School.

This structured approach provides academic support while ensuring students graduate with the same qualification as their mainstream peers.

Entry Requirements

NSC degree pass with Maths, English, Life Orientation and Physical Science Level 4 (50%)

Application Perfomace Score (APS) range: 26-48

Programmes

They are currently being uploaded.

Academics

Prof Nishani Harinarain

Head of Land Surveying

Harinarain@ukzn.ac.za / 031 260 1206

Campus: Howard College

Dr Mwitwa Chilufya

Programme Coordinator: Land Surveying

Chilufyam@ukzn.ac.za / 031 260 2451

Campus: Howard College

Dr Evaristo Musonda

Lecturer

Campus: hcc

Mr Thando Nqasha

nGap Lecturer

Campus: hcc

Dr Mulemwa Akombelwa

Senior Lecturer

Campus: hcc

Programmes

Bachelor of Science Engineering (Land Surveying)

The Bachelor of Science in Land Surveying is a four-year, honours-equivalent, professional Bachelors degree. It is accredited towards registration as a professional land surveyor. It also covers closely related areas such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Land Information Systems (LIS), and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS).

The 1st year of study involves mainly foundation courses common to engineering students (maths, applied maths and physics). Students also acquire basic Geomatics and computing skills.
During the 2nd and 3rd years, students deepen their skills in geomatics, land rights and town planning so that they are able to tackle a wide variety of engineering, administrative and property law tasks.
The 4th year focuses on management and professional skills and on the preparation and presentation of individually chosen research projects.
During the vacations most of our students work in the geomatics industry, acquiring practical skills and acquainting themselves with opportunities and personalities that will help them after graduation.

Entry requirements:
NSC degree pass with Maths and Physical Science Level 5 (65%), English and Life Orientation Level 4 (50%) and three other subjects from the designated list
Application Performance Score (APS) range:
33 - 48
This is how you calculate your APS

CASSE

CASSE is an Alternative Access and Academic Support Programme that caters for prospective students whose academic potential was not realised due to a disadvantaged educational background.

Entry requirements:
NSC degree pass with Maths, English, Life Orientation and Physical Science Level 4 (50%)
Application Performance Score (APS) range:
26 - 48
This is how you calculate your APS

How to Apply

All first-time South African applicants to UKZN for entry into degree/ diploma study (Grade 12s and undergraduate transfer students from other institutions) must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Master of Science in Engineering

At the postgraduate level, students can specialise in their field by studying for a Master of Science (MSc) degree. Generally, students will use this degree to expand on their undergraduate studies and develop a more in-depth knowledge and understanding of their chosen discipline.

Doctor of Philosophy

A Doctor of Philosophy programme is offered where students engage in novel research supervised by academic members of staff. This is typically three years of fulltime study and normally follows on from a Master of Science Degree.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted to our College office. Visit the College website to see the steps to follow, download the application pack/ forms and access the link to apply online.