Career opportunities
A degree in Geology unlocks a wealth of possibilities. The data-handling, problem- solving, and teamwork skills that you learn in Geology provide an opportunity to contribute to:
- Earth processes and history
- Earth resources
- planetary and Space Sciences
- palaeontology and the history of life
- oceanography and Antarctic research
- natural hazard assessment
- geospatial analysis
- environmental protection and sustainability
- renewable energy
- teaching and mentoring
- science policy and advocacy
Exploring Earth’s past and future
Master’s student Tilly shares her passion for geology at Otago, while Dr Riesselman explains how fieldwork, expert teaching, and research prepare students to tackle real-world environmental challenges.
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Tayla Hill:
Kia ora everyone. My name is Tilly, and I’m a first-year master’s student studying geology here at Otago.
Growing up in Taranaki, I had an appreciation for the natural environment, so geology only felt right for me. Here at Otago, we have an active and evolving landscape. Our courses are constantly being updated with new and recent information, and we get to experience new technology firsthand. Our lecturers are world-class leaders in their field, and every day I feel so lucky and inspired to be around the people in the geology department.
Dr Christina Riesselman:
As a geology student at Otago, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge to take on some of New Zealand’s biggest challenges. You’ll take papers with international experts in earthquake science and volcanoes, learning about how the dynamic tectonic setting of New Zealand shapes our world and beyond.
Our earth scientists are leading the way in understanding how climate has changed in the past, providing crucial information about the way the climate system works that will help us plan for the future. Our graduates leave with knowledge of how natural resources are distributed in the earth, including the rare materials that will be essential in our development of green technologies—necessary to move us toward New Zealand’s ambitious goal to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Importantly, earth science at Otago gets you out into our majestic natural laboratory. The field is a really important part of our programme here, and earth science is an observational science, so we make sure you get access to it from day one. It’s a key part of your entire degree at Otago, and we want to make sure that you develop the skills you need to apply your observational knowledge to your future professions.
The faculty in the geology department at Otago are international experts working all over the world, from Tibet to Antarctica, to the Southern Alps, to the Otago Harbour—right here in our backyard. We take you from the origin of Earth through to what’s happening on the planet today, and we’d love to bring you along for the journey.
What will I learn?
A Geology degree will open your eyes to the dynamic processes that occur on Earth and other planets.
You will learn how to read and interpret the history of Earth and its lifeforms by studying rocks, minerals, magma, fossils, ice and water.
You will learn how Earth's interior interacts with the oceans and atmosphere to regulate global change, and you will become a master of critical observation and interpretation at molecular to plate tectonic scales.
How will I learn?
Geology is a hands-on science. Our world-renowned fieldwork and laboratory programmes give you frequent opportunities to work closely with staff, and to put theory into practice. We support varied teaching and learning styles. Since all our staff are active researchers, you will learn about cutting-edge science. Practical work involves both individual projects and small-group studies.
Can I combine my Geology degree with other subjects?
Yes! Geology is a very broad discipline and you can easily combine it with other interests – Anthropology, Botany, Chemistry, Business, Computing, Ecology, Geography, Law, Marine Science, Mathematics, Physics, Surveying and Zoology. Contact our friendly course advisers for help or information.
What about further study?
We offer postgraduate opportunities that are tailored to your interests at honours, master's and PhD level.
Our graduates leave with a wide range of technical and generic skills that make them competitive for employment and advanced study at institutions around the world.
You may also be interested in
Recommended background
Most of all you need enthusiasm, motivation and curiosity. First-year papers provide a broad foundation and assume no previous study of Geology. Fundamental sciences are an integral part of Geology, and it will be beneficial if you have some background in sciences subjects from secondary school.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate Study in Geology
Explore postgraduate study in Geology at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities in a support...
Related subject areas
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Environment, climate change and sustainability
Find creative solutions to the challenges posed by climate change and other environmental issues
Physical sciences
Answer fundamental questions about nature and the universe and provide solutions by studying the world around us
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | EAOS 111 Earth and Ocean Science | 18 |
| GEOL 112 Dynamic Earth: A New Zealand Perspective | 18 | |
|
One of MATH 120 Mathematics for Scientists MATH 130 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 1 MATH 140 Fundamentals of Modern Mathematics 2 COMO 101 Modelling and Computation STAT 110 Statistical Methods STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics | 18 | |
| 200-level | GEOL 251 Minerals and Rocks | 18 |
| GEOL 252 Field Studies and New Zealand Geology | 18 | |
| One of GEOL 221, GEOL 261, GEOL 262, GEOL 263, GEOL 264 , GEOL 265, GEOL 272 , GEOL 273, GEOL 274, GEOL 275 , GEOL 276 | 18 | |
| One of GEOL 221, GEOL 261, GEOL 262, GEOL 263, GEOL 264 , GEOL 265, GEOL 272 , GEOL 273, GEOL 274, GEOL 275 , GEOL 276, EMAN 204, GEOG 282, GEOG 283 , GEOG 284 , GEOG 288, GEOG 289, GEOG 298, MARI 201, PHSI 243 , SURV 220 | 18 | |
| 300-level | GEOL 302 Independent Project or GEOL 304 Accelerated Independent Project | 18 |
| GEOL 344 Advanced Field Studies | 18 | |
| GEOL 353 Earth Evolution and Plate Tectonics | 18 | |
| One of GEOL 321, GEOL 341, GEOL 361, GEOL 362, GEOL 363 , GEOL 364, GEOL 365 , GEOL 372, GEOL 373, GEOL 374 , GEOL 375, GEOL 376, GEOG 388, GEOG 389 , GEOG 390 , GEOG 394, GEOG 395, GEOG 398 | 18 | |
| Plus |
162 further points must include 18 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science | 162 |
| Total | 360 |
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | EAOS 111 Earth and Ocean Science or GEOL 112 Dynamic Earth: A New Zealand Perspective | 18 |
| 200-level | See below | |
| 300-level | Four other EAOS or GEOL papers, of which three must be 200-level or above and one must be at 300-level. Note: Students should check the prerequisites for 200- and 300-level papers. | 72 |
| Total | 90 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
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) |
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