A Geoscience degree is the perfect degree for the minds curious about our planet and the world around us. Geoscience is a more practical way of saving the world, by really understanding the plight of our world and what holds for it in the future.
In order to become a geoscientist you would typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter into the workforce. A geoscience degree is generally preferred by employers even though they do accept degrees in environmental science or engineering as well.
Below, we have provided for you everything you need to know about geoscience degrees and the top universities where you can study geosciences in Australia.
What is Geosciences?
Geosciences, also known as Earth Sciences, is the study of the earth, its atmosphere, oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, ice sheets, soil, its complex surface, rocky interior and metallic core. It also includes studying the many aspects of how living things such as us humans, survive and interact with this planet.
Geosciences is a wide realm of geology that came about with the cross fertilization of chemistry, physics and computation, newly applied to the old problems of geology. Geoscientists of today do things that geologists in the past could never imagine from remediation of polluted sites, causes and effects of climate change, advising the managers of lands, waste and resources, to even comparing the structure of planets around the sun and stars.
Why Study Geosciences?
The answer is pretty simple. With geosciences, you get to explore the world, make a living out of it and make a difference in the world.
Geoscientists help protect our planet through studying it, learning from it and making predictions about what the future holds for us. They perform environmental assessments, and study global environmental systems along with predicting geological disasters. Geoscientists also offer important advice on big development projects. Hence, as a geoscientist, the impact you would leave on the world around you is inspiring.
What Subject Will You Study in a Degree in Geosciences?
Geoscience courses centre primarily on structural geology, hydrogeology, petrology and geochemistry. Coursework usually consists of physics, geographic information systems, ecology, evolutionary biology, chemistry and mathematics.
Some of the specific subjects that you will covering under a geoscience degree include:
- Environmental Studies
- Earth’s History
- Geographic information systems
- Hydrology
- Mineralogy
- Geology
- Ecology
- Petrology
- Geochemistry
- Geophysics
What are the career opportunities for a Geosciences Graduate?
Geoscience graduates are high in demand and have excellent career opportunities. Geoscientists find career opportunities in a range of fields including;
- Climate and global processing model
- Environment remediation and engineering
- Petroleum and mining exploration and extraction
- Natural Hazard Assessment
- Land use planning
- Ocean sciences
- Paleontology
- Education
What are the general entry requirements for a Degree in Geosciences?
GCE A Levels or Equivalent | • Minimum 7 points in 3 subjects, where where A*=5, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 |
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program | • 26 |
ATAR | • 66.5 |
UEC | • 20 |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
What are the English Language requirements for international Students?
IELTS | 6.0, reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6 |
TOEFL IBT | Overall 79, listening 13, reading 13, writing 21 and speaking 18 |
CAE | B Grade |
Pearson (PTE): | Overall Score of 50 with no scores lower than 42 |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
Top Universities to Study Geosciences Degree in Australia
University of New South Wales (UNSW)
UNWS’s major in Earth Science offered under Bachelor of Science is designed to provide students with an understanding of the nature and evolution of the structure of our planet, covering everything from natural crystals to powerful earthquakes and volcanoes. The coursework includes geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology and many more. This course also involves field work in different regions of New South Wales.
Course Details
Program | Bachelor of Science (Earth Science) |
Intake | February | May | September |
Duration | 3 Years (Full time) |
Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
University of Western Australia
University of Western Australia’s Bachelor of Science, has two majors that fall within the field of geoscience, namely, Environmental Science and Geology. You can either choose one major or double major according to your preference. Environmental Science majors will provide students with a strong research basis for solving environmental problems with great emphasis on both biological and earth sciences. Meanwhile, a major in Geology offers students with a deeper understanding of all aspects of our planet, ranging from Earth’s surface to the deeper core.
Course Details
Program | Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science & Geology) |
Intake | February | July |
Duration | 3 Years (Full time) |
Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
The University of Adelaide
University of Adelaide’s Bachelor of Science with a major in Mineral Sciences is designed to equip students for an interesting, well-paid and diverse career in the minerals and energy sector. With this degree you will be able to get hands-on experience with plenty of field work and exposure to industries in high demand. You will gain knowledge about mining, engineering, mineral resources and the natural habitat of our planet.
Course Details
Program | Bachelor of Science (Mineral Geoscience) |
Intake | July |
Duration | 3 Years (Full time) |
Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
James Cook University (JCU)
JCU’s Bachelor of Science with a major in Earth Sciences offer students access to the biodiverse region of North Queensland, where they can get practical skills by studying and assessing the surrounding environment, including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. With various field trips as such, students will be able to get an understanding of the human impact on the natural environment and how to resolve these issues.
Course Details
Program | Bachelor of Science (Earth Science) |
Intake | February | July |
Duration | 3 Years (Full time) |
Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
Curtin University
Curtin University’s Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours), with a major in Earth Sciences, provides students with a flexible and personalized approach to studying Earth Sciences. With this course, students are able to explore the field through opportunities for interactive research experience, internships, and team based projects. What makes this course most attractive, is Curtin University’s Earth Sciences Research Groups and Laboratories that are among the most highly ranked and best equipped in Australia.
Course Details
Program | Bachelor of Advanced Science (Hons) (Earth Sciences) |
Intake | February | July |
Duration | 4 Years (Full time) |
Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
University of Tasmania (UTAS)
UTAS’s Bachelor of Science with a major in Earth Science, offers geological knowledge and skills for employment across a range of related industries, such as energy, mining, engineering, environment, agriculture and water sectors. This course involves practical and hands-on learning through various field trips, land-and-ship based research experiences, and access to world leading researchers, Australia’s best mineral analysis facilities, and CODES, one of the world’s leading mining and mineral research centres, right from day one.
Course Details
Program | Bachelor of Science (Earth Science) |
Intake | February | July |
Duration | 3 Years (Full time) |
Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
Federation University
Federation University’s Bachelor of Geosciences allows its students to explore our planet through both theory and field experience using mapping, technology and historical data to build conceptual models. This course is highly interactive and teaches you the specialised skills you need to work in this field. There are two specializations you can choose from, exploration/mine geoscience or environmental geoscience.
Course Details
Program | Bachelor of Geoscience |
Intake | February | July |
Duration | 3 Years (Full time) |
Indicative Fees | Contact Excel Education |
Recommended Articles to Read
About The Author
I like to keep it simple.