Changes to science masters’ degrees from 2027
From 2027, our science masters' degrees are changing. The Master of Science (MSc) will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis).
The currently-named MSc will have one final semester 2 intake (starting July 2026). Application closes 15 June 2026 for domestic students (the international student application deadline has now passed for the July 2026 intake).
Domestic and international students intending to begin study in 2027 should apply for the Master of Science (Thesis).
Overview
Geophysics is available as a subject of study for the Master of Science (Thesis) (MSc(Thesis)) degree.
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.
Master of Science (MSc)
No new admissions after 2026. The Master of Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis) from 2027.
Master of Science (Thesis) MSc(Thesis)
Available from 2027. 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.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
| Papers and Thesis |
|---|
|
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
GEOL papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOL112 | 2026 | Dynamic Earth: A New Zealand Perspective | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL221 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOL251 | 2026 | Minerals and Rocks | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL252 | 2026 | Field Studies and NZ Geology | 18 points | Semester 1 (17 February 2026 - 17 June 2026) |
| GEOL261 | 2026 | Geophysics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL262 | 2026 | Geochemistry | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL263 | 2026 | Paleoenvironments and Basin Evolution | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOL264 | 2026 | Magmas and Volcanoes of Zealandia | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL265 | 2026 | Natural Hazards of NZ and Beyond | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL272 | 2026 | Evolution of New Zealand Biota | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOL273 | 2026 | Modern and Ancient Sedimentary Systems | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2027 |
| GEOL274 | 2026 | Metamorphism, Mineralisation, Tectonics | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOL275 | 2026 | Rock Deformation | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2027 |
| GEOL302 | 2026 | Independent Project | 18 points | Full Year |
| GEOL304 | 2026 | Accelerated Independent Project | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| GEOL321 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOL341 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOL344 | 2026 | Advanced Field Studies | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (2 February 2026 - 17 June 2026) |
| GEOL353 | 2026 | Earth Evolution and Plate Tectonics | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL361 | 2026 | Geophysics | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL362 | 2026 | Geochemistry | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL363 | 2026 | Paleoenvironments and Basin Evolution | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOL364 | 2026 | Magmas and Volcanoes of Zealandia | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL365 | 2026 | Natural Hazards of NZ and Beyond | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL372 | 2026 | Evolution of New Zealand Biota | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOL373 | 2026 | Modern and Ancient Sedimentary Systems | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2027 |
| GEOL374 | 2026 | Metamorphism, Mineralisation, Tectonics | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOL375 | 2026 | Rock Deformation | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2027 |
| GEOL401 | 2026 | Current Topics and Advanced Methods in Geoscience | 20 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 28 May 2027) |
| 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 | Special Topic 1 | 10 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOL451 | 2026 | Special Topic 2 | 10 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| GEOL461 | 2026 | Advanced Topics in Geophysics 1 | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL462 | 2026 | Advanced Topics in Geochemistry | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL463 | 2026 | Advanced Topics in Paleobiology and Evolution | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL464 | 2026 | Advanced Topics in Igneous Processes | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL465 | 2026 | Advanced Topics in Structural Geology | 10 points | Semester 1 |
| GEOL471 | 2026 | Advanced Topics in Geophysics 2 | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL472 | 2026 | Advanced Topics in Environmental Geochemistry | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL473 | 2026 | Advanced Topics in Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL474 | 2026 | Advanced Topics in Metamorphism and Mineralisation | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL475 | 2026 | Earthquake Science | 10 points | Semester 2 |
| GEOL480 | 2026 | 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) |
| GEOL490 | 2026 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 28 May 2027) |
| GEOL495 | 2026 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 28 May 2027) |
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