Geology
Scholarships
Ranking
Top 150 in the world for Earth and Marine Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2020)
Download Brochure
Scholarships
Ranking
Top 150 in the world for Earth and Marine Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2020)
Download Brochure
Qualifications
Overview
Aotearoa New Zealand, on the active margin of the Pacific with its volcanoes, earthquakes, dramatic geomorphology, and 500 million years of geological history, is one of the best places on Earth to study geological processes. Our position in mid-southern latitudes and relative proximity to Antarctica means that Aotearoa New Zealand is a key location for climate change research.
Geologists are directly involved in the monitoring, prediction, and assessment of hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis. The geologist has an important role in land planning processes and in assessing environmental impact.
Geologists have developed one of the most exciting scientific theories of the 20th century – plate tectonics – which explains the origin and locations of all the major geological features and Earth building processes of the planet. Geologists also search for the natural resources that sustain our technological society, not least of all, water. The construction of buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and reservoirs requires geological expertise.
- Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth and Environment at UC is one of the top geoscience research departments in the country and, not surprisingly, we are leading the world in our studies of earthquakes. First-year students have their own laboratory for practical classes and teaching staff are readily contactable.
- Field sciences are a distinctive feature of the subjects offered at UC and are supported through a range of field facilities at Cass and Kawatiri Westport. Field studies are carried out in the locations and environments around these field stations.
- UC is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world for Earth and Marine Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2020).
Entry into first-year Geology courses is open to all students who are eligible to enter an Aotearoa New Zealand university.
There are no specific requirements for starting first-year studies in Geology and while some knowledge of basic science is preferable, it is not essential. All you need is enthusiasm and an interest in the world around you.
UC offers a major in Geology within the Bachelor of Science.
You can also study a minor in Geology within the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, and Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.
Geology major
To complete a major in Geology within the Bachelor of Science, you will need to take the following courses throughout the degree:
100-level
- GEOL 111 Planet Earth: An Introduction to Geology
- GEOL 113 Geohazards or GEOL 115 The Dynamic Earth System
200-level
- Three 200-level GEOL courses
GEOL 240 Field Studies A – Mapping and GEOL 241 Field Studies B – Field Techniques are recommended. These are field studies courses in which students learn the techniques of geological observation, data collection, and field mapping. Excursions are run to several different locations, including to Kawatiri Westport on Te Tai Poutini the West Coast of Te Waipounamu the South Island, where there is a modern, well-equipped field station.
300-level
GEOL 351 Advanced Field Techniques or GEOL 352 Advanced Field Mapping are recommended.
Students interested in postgraduate studies in Geology will also need to take four 100-level courses from Astronomy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, or Statistics.
Geology minor
For the Geology minor in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, or Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership, you will need to take these courses throughout your chosen degree:
- 75 points in 100 to 300-level GEOL courses, with at least 45 points at 200-level or above
A career in Geology offers a very wide spectrum of work environments and employment opportunities.
Geology graduates find positions as research scientists, policy analysts, exploration geophysicists, mining and exploration geologists, practitioner engineering geologist with consultancies, natural hazard analysts and consultants, coal and petroleum geologists, teachers, GIS specialists, environmental impact officers and consultants, hydro-geologists, seismic interpreters, resource advisors, research technicians, soil technicians and research assistants, museum curators, and more.
They are employed in the mining and petroleum industries, national and local government, planning and conservation organisations, university teaching and research, secondary teaching, museums and science centres, energy companies, consulting and engineering firms, research institutes, and exploration firms.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Geology.
Contact us
Te Kura Aronukurangi | School of Earth and Environment
Phone +64 3 369 0655
Email earthandenvironment@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
Level 2, Beatrice Tinsley building – see campus maps
Postal address
Te Rāngai Pūtaiao | College of Science
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Browse related subjects to Geology
Choose an area that you are interested in and learn how UC's extensive range of study options can let you study what you want to.
Engineering
Engineering is a challenging and exciting field that uses physical science and mathematics to solve complex problems. Engineers must enjoy design work, thinking ...
Environmental Hazards and Disasters
Environmental Hazards and Disasters examines the earth science systems that lead to natural disaster events, and the issues caused by sudden, extreme changes to ...