Program Overview

Master of Geoscience

About the course

Geoscience is the study of our dynamic planet and aims to understand the origin and evolution of Earth, its ancient environments and climates, natural hazards and the formation of resources including petroleum, mineral deposits and groundwater. Knowledge of past and present earth processes is fundamental to predicting future environmental change.

Course Details

• Status: Available
• Locations: Perth (Crawley campus)
• Attendance: Full-time, Part-time
• Delivery: On-campus
• Starting dates: Semester 1, Semester 2
• Weekly contact time: Please refer to the UWA Handbook
• Level of study: Postgraduate
• Course Code: 72550
• CRICOS code: D

Course Structure

• Conversion: Students who have not completed tertiary units that are deemed equivalent to the conversion units for the chosen specialisation must complete relevant conversion units up to the value of 24 points from this group, as advised by the School(s):
  • GEOS4403 Introduction to Basin Analysis (6)
  • GEOS4417 Structural Geology for Exploration (6)
  • SCIE4401 Data Use in Science (6)
  • SCIE4403 Ethical Conduct and Communication in Science (6)
• Core: Take all units (24 points):
  • GEOS4410 Tectonics of Australia in the Indo-Pacific (6)
  • GEOS4411 Mineralising Systems (6)
  • GEOS4412 Petroleum Systems and Subsurface Characterisation (6)
  • GEOS5505 Multiscale Tectonic Systems (6)
• Coursework and Dissertation (focus area): Students completing the Master of Geoscience by Coursework and Dissertation take all 24 points (4 units) from this group.
  • GEOS5011 Masters Research Project in Geoscience Part 1 (6)
  • GEOS5012 Masters Research Project in Geoscience Part 2 (6)
  • GEOS5013 Masters Research Project in Geoscience Part 3 (6)
  • GEOS5014 Masters Research Project in Geoscience Part 4 (6)
• Coursework Only (focus area): Students completing the Master of Geoscience by Coursework take units to the value of points so that points taken across this group and the Fieldwork and Advanced Topic Groups equals 48 points (8 units), with at least 30 points (5 units) of level 5 units.

Admission Requirements

• To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have:
  • (a) a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
  • (b) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 50 per cent;
  • (c) successfully completed prior tertiary study in geology or in a related cognate discipline as recognised by UWA.

English Competency

• English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.
• Minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with no band less than 6.0.

Fees and Scholarships

• Domestic Student Fees: For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation.
• International Student Fees: Annual course fee (2025) $50,700.00. Onshore international students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled.
• Scholarships: Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Careers and Further Study

• Career Pathways: Career opportunities for graduates can be found in the following industries:
  • Academic Institutions
  • Environmental Companies
  • Geothermal Research
  • Government Agencies
  • Groundwater Research
  • Mineral Resources
  • Planetary geology
  • Volcano and Earthquake Hazard
• Further Study: Students completing this degree may have the option to pursue further studies in research.

Why Study Geoscience?

• Gain advanced knowledge of key geological concepts and geological processes operating at global to local scales.
• Become equipped with sophisticated practical skills to solve geological problems, and obtain a sound working ability to conduct geoscience fieldwork.
• Gain technical skills in analysis and interpretation of geoscience data at a range of scales (micro to global) incorporating conceptual knowledge of processes and materials.
• You’ll be equipped with high-level skills in interpretation and integration of geoscience data applied to understand the location, origin and evolution of important resources and other geoscience problems.
• Gain advanced skills in communication of geoscience data and interpretations via 2D summaries, 3D models, written work and oral presentation.