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.

Customise the course

The course is designed with flexibility in mind. Choose your own path by selecting from a wide range of core and elective subjects.

Whichever subjects you choose, you’ll have access to the best academic expertise from across the region, thanks to our collaborations with other Australian universities.

Build your research skills

Your major focus in the course will be your research project, which you'll complete under the supervision of one of our academic experts.

When you finish the course, you’ll have a major research project to feature in your CV, and perhaps even a published journal article.

Your research experience might inspire you to continue to a PhD, or you can put your analytical and communication skills to use in the global workforce, alongside many of our alumni.

More than just technical know-how

You probably know that employers today are looking for more than just specialist technical skills. To round out your skill set, select from a range of high-level professional subjects, including scientific communication, modelling, programming, business and more.

If you’d like to gain even more real-world experience, you can choose to complete an internship in a science or technology-related workplace for course credit.

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.

Sample course plan

View some sample course plans to help you select subjects that will meet the requirements for this coursework.

200-Point program

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.

Technical and professional skills

On graduating from the course you’ll have a broad advanced education in atmospheric science or geology.

Additionally, you’ll have strong professional skills in:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Research planning, literature reviews and ethical considerations
• Scientific communication, both written and oral.

Further study

At the end of the course, you’ll be well-placed to undertake a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy).

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a directly related discipline with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65% (or equi

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.