Without understanding Earth’s past and present, you can’t begin to plan for Earth’s future.
Many of the world’s critical future challenges lie in the realm of geology: climate change, water quality, sustainability and resources, natural hazards, renewable energy, and infrastructure.
Geology – the study of the Earth and planets – is more relevant today than ever before. If you are passionate about making a difference in an ever- changing society and environment, and want to have adventures that will last a lifetime, geology is for you.
Why study Geology?
Geology provides the foundations to understand the future of society: from our food and water, buildings and clothing, through to the very land on which we stand. If you are motivated by global challenges such as climate change, sustainability, natural hazards, energy and infrastructure, studying Geology will give you the skill-set required to make a difference in the world.
The solutions to today's great challenges can be solved by studying the world around us. Geologists explore the great outdoors to learn how Earth formed and is continuously changing.
Be part of a dynamic and friendly department that commits to excellence in teaching and research and welcomes you as part of the community.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Geology as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSci)
A coursework programme, typically consisting of three papers, that can be completed with full-time (one-semester) or part-time (full-year) study
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (Coursework) (MSc(Coursework))
The Master of Science (Coursework) is a taught master's, designed to provide an intensive, structured learning experience.
Master of Science (Thesis) (MSc(Thesis))
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options. The MSc(Thesis) may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only.
Graduate qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Papers |
|---|
|
| Papers (Requirements prior to 2027) |
|---|
|
| Papers (Requirements from 2027) |
|
| 120 Point Pathway Requirements |
|---|
|
| 180 Point Pathway Requirements |
|---|
|
| Papers and Thesis |
|---|
|
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
GEOL papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOL112 | 2026, 2027 | Dynamic Earth: A New Zealand Perspective | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL221 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL251 | 2026, 2027 | Minerals and Rocks | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL252 | 2026, 2027 | Field Studies and NZ Geology | 18 points | Semester 1 (17 February 2026 - 17 June 2026), Semester 1 |
| GEOL261 | 2026, 2027 | Geophysics | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027, expected to be offered in 2028 |
| GEOL262 | 2026, 2027 | Geochemistry | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027, expected to be offered in 2028 |
| GEOL263 | 2026, 2027 | Paleoenvironments and Basin Evolution | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL264 | 2026, 2027 | Magmas and Volcanoes of Zealandia | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027, expected to be offered in 2028 |
| GEOL265 | 2026, 2027 | Natural Hazards of NZ and Beyond | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027, expected to be offered in 2028 |
| GEOL272 | 2026, 2027 | Evolution of New Zealand Biota | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL273 | 2026, 2027 | Modern and Ancient Sedimentary Systems | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| GEOL274 | 2026, 2027 | Metamorphism, Mineralisation, Tectonics | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL275 | 2026, 2027 | Rock Deformation | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| GEOL276 | 2027 | Geological Resources and Sustainability | 18 points | Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL302 | 2026, 2027 | Independent Project | 18 points | Full Year |
| GEOL304 | 2026, 2027 | Accelerated Independent Project | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| GEOL321 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL341 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL344 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Field Studies | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (2 February 2026 - 17 June 2026), 1st Non standard period (1 February 2027 - 23 June 2027) |
| GEOL353 | 2026, 2027 | Earth Evolution and Plate Tectonics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL361 | 2026, 2027 | Geophysics | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL362 | 2026, 2027 | Geochemistry | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027, expected to be offered in 2028 |
| GEOL363 | 2026, 2027 | Paleoenvironments and Basin Evolution | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL364 | 2026, 2027 | Magmas and Volcanoes of Zealandia | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027, expected to be offered in 2028 |
| GEOL365 | 2026, 2027 | Natural Hazards of NZ and Beyond | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027, expected to be offered in 2028 |
| GEOL372 | 2026, 2027 | Evolution of New Zealand Biota | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL373 | 2026, 2027 | Modern and Ancient Sedimentary Systems | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| GEOL374 | 2026, 2027 | Metamorphism, Mineralisation, Tectonics | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL375 | 2026, 2027 | Rock Deformation | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| GEOL376 | 2027 | Geological Resources and Sustainability | 18 points | Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL401 | 2026, 2027 | Current Topics and Advanced Methods in Geoscience | 20 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 28 May 2027), 1st Non standard period (12 July 2027 - 23 June 2028) |
| GEOL402 | 2026 | Advanced Research Methods in Geoscience 1 | 10 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOL403 | 2026 | Advanced Research Methods in Geoscience 2 | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL450 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic 1 | 10 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL451 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic 2 | 10 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL461 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Topics in Geophysics 1 | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL462 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Topics in Geochemistry | 10 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| GEOL463 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Topics in Paleobiology and Evolution | 10 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| GEOL464 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Topics in Igneous Processes | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL465 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Topics in Structural Geology | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL471 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Topics in Geophysics 2 | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL472 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Topics in Environmental Geochemistry | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL473 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Topics in Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL474 | 2026, 2027 | Advanced Topics in Metamorphism and Mineralisation | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL475 | 2026, 2027 | Earthquake Science | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL480 | 2026, 2027 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (10 November 2025 - 7 November 2026), 2nd Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 28 May 2027), 2nd Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 28 May |
| GEOL490 | 2026, 2027 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 28 May 2027), 1st Non standard period (9 November 2026 - 5 November 2027), 2nd Non standard period (12 July 2027 - 9 June 2028) |
| GEOL495 | 2026, 2027 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 28 May 2027), 1st Non standard period (9 November 2026 - 5 November 2027), 2nd Non standard period (12 July 2027 - 9 June 2028) |
Contacts
Department of Geology
Email geology@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/geology
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
World-class research
The University of Otago has a global reputation for research excellence. Our expertise is vast across health, society, culture, sustainability and the environment.
Explore our research