Master of Science (MSc) in Geology
Dunedin, New Zealand
DURATION
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Introduction
Master of Science (MSc) in Geology
The Master of Science (MSc) is a two-year degree which encompasses both coursework and research. The first year involves mainly coursework and preliminary research preparation. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to existing fields of research, or to begin to develop new areas.
Why study Geology?
Geology provides the foundations to understand the future of society: from our food and water, buildings and clothing, through to the very land on which we stand. If you are motivated by global challenges such as climate change, sustainability, natural hazards, energy and infrastructure, studying Geology will give you the skill-set required to make a difference in the world.
The solutions to today's great challenges can be solved by studying the world around us. Geologists explore the great outdoors to learn how Earth formed and is continuously changing.
Be part of a dynamic and friendly department that commits to excellence in teaching and research and welcomes you as part of the community.
Duration of the Program
A candidate achieving the degree by papers and a thesis shall normally follow a Program for the equivalent of not less than two years of full-time study and not more than three years of full-time study, and a candidate achieving the degree by thesis alone shall normally follow a Program of study for the equivalent of not less than one year of full-time study and not more than two years of full-time study. Exceptions shall be permitted only with the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Curriculum
- The degree may be awarded in any of thesubjects listed above. With the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences) the degree may be awarded in a subject not listed above.
- The Program of study shall be as prescribed for the subject concerned.
- A candidate whose qualification for entry to the Program is the degree ofBachelor of Science with Honoursor thePostgraduate Diploma in Scienceor equivalent may achieve the degree after a minimum of one year of further study, normally by completing a thesis or equivalent as prescribed in the MSc Schedule.
- A candidate may be exempted from some of the prescribed papers on the basis of previous study.
- A candidate shall, before commencing the investigation to be described in a thesis, secure the approval of the Head of the Department concerned for the topic, the supervisor(s), and the proposed course of the investigation.
- A candidate may not present a thesis which has previously been accepted for another degree.
- A candidate taking the degree by papers and thesis must pass both the papers and the thesis components.
- For the thesis, the research should be of a kind that a diligent and competent student should complete within one year of full-time study.
Subject areas
View thelist of subjectsoffered for the Master of Science (MSc) and the Master of Applied Science (MAppSc).
- Anatomy
- Biochemistry
- Bioengineering
- Botany
- Chemistry
- Cognitive Science
- Computational Modelling (no new enrolmentsare currently being accepted)
- Computer Science
- Consumer Food Science
- Ecology
- Economics
- Electronics (no new enrolments)
- Energy Science and Technology
- Environmental Management
- Environmental Science
- Food Science
- Genetics
- Geographic Information Systems
- Geography
- Geology
- Geophysics
- Human Nutrition
- Immunology
- Information Science
- Marine Science
- Mathematics
- Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Physics
- Physiology
- Plant Biotechnology
- Psychology
- Sport, Exercise and Health
- Statistics
- Surveying
- Toxicology
- Wildlife Management
- Zoology
Program Outcome
Level of Award of the Degree
The degree may be awarded with distinction or with credit.
What will I learn?
A Geology degree will open your eyes to the dynamic processes that occur on Earth and other planets.
You will learn how to read and interpret the history of Earth and its lifeforms by studying rocks, minerals, magma, fossils, ice and water.
You will learn how Earth's interior interacts with the oceans and atmosphere to regulate global change, and you will become a master of critical observation and interpretation at molecular to plate tectonic scales.
We offer postgraduate opportunities that are tailored to your interests at honours, master's and PhD level.
Our graduates leave with a wide range of technical and generic skills that make them competitive for employment and advanced study at institutions around the world.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
A degree in Geology unlocks a wealth of possibilities. The data-handling, problem- solving, and teamwork skills that you learn in Geology provide an opportunity to contribute to:
- Earth processes and history
- Earth resources
- planetary and Space Sciences
- palaeontology and the history of life
- oceanography and Antarctic research
- natural hazard assessment
- geospatial analysis
- environmental protection and sustainability
- renewable energy
- teaching and mentoring
- science policy and advocacy
Program delivery
Application details
Applicants must apply online. They should also attach all the necessary supporting documents which includes scanned copies of their previous official academic transcripts (awards gained, marks, grades) with their application, and provide proof of their identity: this is usually achieved by providing a certified copy of the personal details page of their passport or a birth certificate (in English). Applicants must also submit detailed research proposal that shows they are familiar with current literature surrounding their topic; an up-to date curriculum vitae; and name of the academic staff member with whom they have been in contact; and with an approximate start date. They may also be required to submit an Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE). As soon as applicants have completed their online application, their proof of identity document must be posted to International Office, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand. International student applications for semester 1/summer school study close: Oct-31.