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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 2025 Dynamic Earth: A New Zealand Perspective 18 Semester 2
GEOL221 2025 Special Topic 18 Not offered in 2025
GEOL251 2025 Minerals and Rocks 18 Semester 1
GEOL252 2025 Field Studies and NZ Geology 18 Semester 1
GEOL261 2025 Geophysics 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2026
GEOL262 2025 Geochemistry 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2026
GEOL263 2025 Paleoenvironments and Basin Evolution 18 Not offered in 2025
GEOL264 2025 Magmas and Volcanoes of Zealandia 18 Not offered in 2025
GEOL265 2025 Natural Hazards of NZ and Beyond 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2026
GEOL272 2025 Evolution of New Zealand Biota 18 Not offered in 2025
GEOL273 2025 Modern and Ancient Sedimentary Systems 18 Semester 2
GEOL274 2025 Metamorphism, Mineralisation, Tectonics 18 Not offered in 2025
GEOL275 2025 Rock Deformation 18 Semester 2
GEOL276 2025 Geological Resources and Sustainability 18 Semester 1
GEOL302 2025 Independent Project 18 Full Year
GEOL304 2025 Accelerated Independent Project 18 Semester 1, Semester 2
GEOL321 2025 Special Topic 18 Not offered in 2025
GEOL341 2025 Special Topic 18 Not offered in 2025
GEOL344 2025 Advanced Field Studies 18 1st Non standard period
GEOL353 2025 Earth Evolution and Plate Tectonics 18 Semester 1
GEOL361 2025 Geophysics 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2026
GEOL362 2025 Geochemistry 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2026
GEOL363 2025 Paleoenvironments and Basin Evolution 18 Not offered in 2025
GEOL364 2025 Magmas and Volcanoes of Zealandia 18 Semester 2
GEOL365 2025 Natural Hazards of NZ and Beyond 18 Not offered, expected to be offered in 2026
GEOL372 2025 Evolution of New Zealand Biota 18 Not offered in 2025
GEOL373 2025 Modern and Ancient Sedimentary Systems 18 Semester 2
GEOL374 2025 Metamorphism, Mineralisation, Tectonics 18 Not offered in 2025
GEOL375 2025 Rock Deformation 18 Semester 2
GEOL376 2025 Geological Resources and Sustainability 18 Semester 1
GEOL401 2025 Current Topics and Advanced Methods in Geoscience 20 Full Year
GEOL402 2025 Advanced Research Methods in Geoscience 1 10 Semester 2
GEOL403 2025 Advanced Research Methods in Geoscience 2 10 Semester 1
GEOL450 2025 Special Topic 1 10 Not offered in 2025
GEOL451 2025 Special Topic 2 10 Not offered in 2025
GEOL461 2025 Advanced Topics in Geophysics 1 10 Semester 1
GEOL462 2025 Advanced Topics in Geochemistry 10 Semester 1
GEOL463 2025 Advanced Topics in Paleobiology and Evolution 10 Semester 1
GEOL464 2025 Advanced Topics in Igneous Processes 10 Semester 1
GEOL465 2025 Advanced Topics in Structural Geology 10 Semester 1
GEOL471 2025 Advanced Topics in Geophysics 2 10 Semester 2
GEOL472 2025 Advanced Topics in Environmental Geochemistry 10 Semester 2
GEOL473 2025 Advanced Topics in Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology 10 Semester 2
GEOL474 2025 Advanced Topics in Metamorphism and Mineralisation 10 Semester 2
GEOL475 2025 Advanced Topics in Rock Deformation 10 Semester 2
GEOL480 2025 Research Project 40 Full Year, 1st Non standard period, 2nd Non standard period
GEOL490 2025 Dissertation 60 Full Year, 1st Non standard period, 2nd Non standard period
GEOL495 2025 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

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

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