Master of Science (Earth Sciences)

Which part of our planet do you want to explore? Deep beneath the lithosphere, or out into the atmosphere?

Our research ranges from the solid Earth to the fluid Earth and the processes that operate at the interface of these regions.

You'll be able to narrow your focus, choosing between the Geology and Atmospheric Science streams, and drilling down (or up) even further.

The Master of Science (Earth Sciences) is a 200-point course, made up of:

• Discipline core subjects (50 points)
• Discipline elective subjects (0-12.5 points)
• Professional skills subjects (12.5-25 points)
• A research project (125 points).

Two streams are available: Atmospheric Science and Geology.

You'll be able to choose your discipline core and elective subjects from a broad range available.

We know that you'll need professional skills to give you the edge in the workplace, so you'll be able to select from a wide range of high-level professional subjects, including scientific communication, business, modelling, programming, and more.

All students undertake a research project over four semesters, working on a real-world Earth sciences research question. You'll be supported by one of our expert researchers, who'll also provide direction. At the end of the process, you'll be encouraged to submit your report for publication in a journal. Our current areas of research activity include climate variability and change, sedimentary geology, archaeological science, and the physics and chemistry of Earth's deep interior.

Our graduates go on to work as geologists, geoscientists, energy specialists, environmental scientists and advisors, research scientists, geological surveyors, climatologists and weather forecasters.

Employers in this field include:

• Mining and mineral exploration companies such as Shell, Rio Tinto, ExxonMobil and Woodside Energy
• Engineering and professional services firms such as GHD, AECOM and Jacobs
• Government departments of environment and economic development, including the Bureau of Meteorology
• Universities and public research institutions such as the CSIRO.

Start-year Intake
Timely applications: 30 November 2021

Mid-year Intake
Timely applications: 31 May 2021

Note: Commonwealth Support Places (CSPs) will be allocated in timely application rounds, you will need to have submitted your full application prior to the timely application deadline to ensure you have the best chance to obtain a CSP.