Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Geology

Aotearoa New Zealand, on the active margin of the Pacific with its volcanoes, earthquakes, dramatic geomorphology, and 500 million years of geological history, is one of the best places on Earth to study geological processes. Our position in mid-southern latitudes and relative proximity to Antarctica means that Aotearoa New Zealand is a key location for climate change research.

Geologists are directly involved in the monitoring, prediction, and assessment of hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis. The geologist has an important role in land planning processes and in assessing environmental impact.

Geologists have developed one of the most exciting scientific theories of the 20th century – plate tectonics – which explains the origin and locations of all the major geological features and Earth building processes of the planet. Geologists also search for the natural resources that sustain our technological society, not least of all, water. The construction of buildings, bridges, roads, dams, and reservoirs requires geological expertise.
career in Geology offers a very wide spectrum of work environments and employment opportunities. Geology graduates find positions as research scientists, policy analysts, exploration geophysicists, mining and exploration geologists, practitioner engineering geologist with consultancies, natural hazard analysts and consultants, coal and petroleum geologists, teachers, GIS specialists, environmental impact officers and consultants, hydro-geologists, seismic interpreters, resource advisors, research technicians, soil technicians and research assistants, museum curators, and more.

They are employed in the mining and petroleum industries, national and local government, planning and conservation organisations, university teaching and research, secondary teaching, museums and science centres, energy companies, consulting and engineering firms, research institutes, and exploration firms.

You will need a Bachelor of Science, or any bachelor's degree with approved undergraduate science courses. The precise prerequisites vary for each major subject, but are normally at least a B- Grade Point Average in 300-level courses.

Applicants must also satisfy our English language entry requirements:

IELTS (Academic): An average score of 6.5, with a minimum of 6.0 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
TOEFL (IBT): Total minimum score of 90, minimum score of 19 in reading, writing, and listening.
PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic): PTE with an overall score of 58 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.

Applications after the deadline date (8 December) will be considered if places are available.