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.
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.
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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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, Master’s, 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.
Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (PGCertAppSc)
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 Applied Science (PGDipAppSc)
A two-semester programme, building on an Applied Science degree, that can be completed in two blocks (certificate, then diploma) or in one continuous run
Master of Applied Science (MAppSc)
A coursework postgraduate degree with a research component, the MAppSc can be completed in 12 months or in stages over a longer period
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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Papers
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GEOL papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOL112 | 2025 | Dynamic Earth: A New Zealand Perspective | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL221 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| GEOL251 | 2025 | Minerals and Rocks | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL252 | 2025 | Field Studies and NZ Geology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL261 | 2025 | Geophysics | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| GEOL262 | 2025 | Geochemistry | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| GEOL263 | 2025 | Paleoenvironments and Basin Evolution | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| GEOL264 | 2025 | Magmas and Volcanoes of Zealandia | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| GEOL265 | 2025 | Natural Hazards of NZ and Beyond | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| GEOL272 | 2025 | Evolution of New Zealand Biota | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| GEOL273 | 2025 | Modern and Ancient Sedimentary Systems | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL274 | 2025 | Metamorphism, Mineralisation, Tectonics | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| GEOL275 | 2025 | Rock Deformation | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL302 | 2025 | Independent Project | 18 points | Full Year |
| GEOL304 | 2025 | Accelerated Independent Project | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| GEOL321 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| GEOL341 | 2025 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| GEOL344 | 2025 | Advanced Field Studies | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (1 February 2025 - 18 June 2025) |
| GEOL353 | 2025 | Earth Evolution and Plate Tectonics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL361 | 2025 | Geophysics | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| GEOL362 | 2025 | Geochemistry | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| GEOL363 | 2025 | Paleoenvironments and Basin Evolution | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| GEOL364 | 2025 | Magmas and Volcanoes of Zealandia | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| GEOL365 | 2025 | Natural Hazards of NZ and Beyond | 18 points | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 |
| GEOL372 | 2025 | Evolution of New Zealand Biota | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| GEOL373 | 2025 | Modern and Ancient Sedimentary Systems | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL374 | 2025 | Metamorphism, Mineralisation, Tectonics | 18 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| GEOL375 | 2025 | Rock Deformation | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL401 | 2025 | Current Topics and Advanced Methods in Geoscience | 20 points | Full Year |
| GEOL402 | 2025 | Advanced Research Methods in Geoscience 1 | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL403 | 2025 | Advanced Research Methods in Geoscience 2 | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL450 | 2025 | Special Topic 1 | 10 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| GEOL451 | 2025 | Special Topic 2 | 10 points | Not offered in 2025 |
| GEOL461 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Geophysics 1 | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL462 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Geochemistry | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL463 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Paleobiology and Evolution | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL464 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Igneous Processes | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL465 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Structural Geology | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL471 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Geophysics 2 | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL472 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Environmental Geochemistry | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL473 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL474 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Metamorphism and Mineralisation | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL475 | 2025 | Advanced Topics in Rock Deformation | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL480 | 2025 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (11 November 2024 - 8 November 2025), 2nd Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 29 May 2026) |
| GEOL490 | 2025 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (11 November 2024 - 8 November 2025), 2nd Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 29 May 2026) |
| GEOL495 | 2025 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (11 November 2024 - 8 November 2025), 2nd Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 29 May 2026) |
Contacts
Professor Andrew Gorman
Department of Geology
Tel +64 3 479 7519
Email andrew.gorman@otago.ac.nz
Web 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 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
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