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Study Applied Geology at Otago

Our societies and environments are experiencing unprecedented change.

Decisions that are made by geologists, working together with communities and industries, will inform and guide future solutions that address global challenges.

Applied Geology focuses on taking theory and research in to the real world, and working together with engineers, planners, environmental managers and research scientists to better connect communities and enrich people’s lives.

Use your passion for science and people to build a rewarding career that makes a difference.

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Why study Applied Geology?

Applied Geology provides unique opportunities to combine theory and practice with real-world experience to make a tangible contribution to local and global challenges.

Career opportunities

A qualification in Applied Geology can lead you into a wide range of careers. Knowledge of real-world issues and experience working with industry partners and datasets make our graduates internationally competitive in:

  • environmental management and sustainability
  • transition to low-carbon economy
  • waste disposal solutions and best practices
  • geo-hazards and infrastructure
  • geothermal sector
  • mineral and energy resources
  • water and soil management
  • spatial data analysis and management
  • councils and communities
  • science policy and advocacy
  • teaching and mentoring

Applied Geology at Otago

New Zealand is one of the best places worldwide to study dynamic processes and global change. Postgraduate opportunities at Otago are tailored to your interests at master’s and PhD level, and many of our students work closely with industry partners to gain real-world experience.

Our graduates leave with high-level technical and generic skills that are directly transferable to the workplace or to further study at institutions around the world. Students with Otago postgraduate qualifications are highly regarded and find employment and research opportunities all over the world.

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Requirements

GEOL papers

Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
GEOL112 2024 Dynamic Earth: A New Zealand Perspective 18 Semester 2
GEOL221 2024 Special Topic 18 Not offered in 2024
GEOL251 2024 Minerals and Rocks 18 Semester 1
GEOL252 2024 Field Studies and NZ Geology 18 Semester 1
GEOL261 2024 Geophysics 18 Semester 2
GEOL262 2024 Geochemistry 18 Not offered in 2024
GEOL263 2024 Paleoenvironments and Basin Evolution 18 Not offered in 2024
GEOL264 2024 Magmas and Volcanoes of Zealandia 18 Semester 2
GEOL265 2024 Natural Hazards of NZ and Beyond 18 Semester 1
GEOL272 2024 Evolution of New Zealand Biota 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
GEOL273 2024 Modern and Ancient Sedimentary Systems 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
GEOL274 2024 Metamorphism, Mineralisation, Tectonics 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
GEOL275 2024 Rock Deformation 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
GEOL276 2024 Geological Resources and Sustainability 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
GEOL302 2024 Independent Project 18 Full Year
GEOL304 2024 Accelerated Independent Project 18 Semester 1, Semester 2
GEOL321 2024 Special Topic 18 Not offered in 2024
GEOL341 2024 Special Topic 18 Not offered in 2024
GEOL344 2024 Advanced Field Studies 18 Semester 1
GEOL353 2024 Earth Evolution and Plate Tectonics 18 Semester 1
GEOL361 2024 Geophysics 18 Semester 2
GEOL362 2024 Geochemistry 18 Not offered in 2024
GEOL363 2024 Paleoenvironments and Basin Evolution 18 Not offered in 2024
GEOL364 2024 Magmas and Volcanoes of Zealandia 18 Semester 2
GEOL365 2024 Natural Hazards of NZ and Beyond 18 Semester 1
GEOL372 2024 Evolution of New Zealand Biota 18 Not offered in 2024
GEOL373 2024 Modern and Ancient Sedimentary Systems 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
GEOL374 2024 Metamorphism, Mineralisation, Tectonics 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
GEOL375 2024 Rock Deformation 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
GEOL376 2024 Geological Resources and Sustainability 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2025
GEOL401 2024 Current Topics and Advanced Methods in Geoscience 20 Full Year
GEOL402 2024 Advanced Research Methods in Geoscience 1 10 Semester 2
GEOL403 2024 Advanced Research Methods in Geoscience 2 10 Semester 1
GEOL450 2024 Special Topic 1 10 Not offered in 2024
GEOL451 2024 Special Topic 2 10 Not offered in 2024
GEOL461 2024 Advanced Topics in Geophysics 1 10 Semester 1
GEOL462 2024 Advanced Topics in Geochemistry 10 Semester 1
GEOL463 2024 Advanced Topics in Paleobiology and Evolution 10 Semester 1
GEOL464 2024 Advanced Topics in Igneous Processes 10 Semester 1
GEOL465 2024 Advanced Topics in Structural Geology 10 Semester 1
GEOL471 2024 Advanced Topics in Geophysics 2 10 Semester 2
GEOL472 2024 Advanced Topics in Environmental Geochemistry 10 Not offered in 2024
GEOL473 2024 Advanced Topics in Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology 10 Semester 2
GEOL474 2024 Advanced Topics in Metamorphism and Mineralisation 10 Semester 2
GEOL475 2024 Advanced Topics in Rock Deformation 10 Semester 2
GEOL480 2024 Research Project 40 Full Year, 1st Non standard period, 2nd Non standard period
GEOL490 2024 Dissertation 60 Full Year, 1st Non standard period, 2nd Non standard period
GEOL495 2024 Master's Thesis Preparation 40 Full Year, 1st Non standard period, 2nd Non standard period

More information

Contact us

Professor Andrew Gorman
Department of Geology
Tel +64 3 479 7519
Email andrew.gorman@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/geology

Studying at Otago

This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2024 Calendar and supplementary material.

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