Qualifications & Leading Universities
Geology is a true natural science and incorporates a bit of everything from the classical science subjects: chemistry, biology and physics. Basic maths is also handy. A lot of companies offer work experience programs that allow you to gain experience, and to find out if this sort of work is really for you.
During times of economic growth, geologists are in demand and you can get away with the minimum qualification of Bachelor of Science. However in periods of economic downturn, it can be hard to get jobs, and so those who have demonstrated their ability to think critically and work independently by completing an Honours year will be favoured.
Further qualifications may also be gained through completion of a Masters or PhD, and if you complete these extra qualifications early in your career you can be expected to advance rapidly through the ranks.
A Bachelor of Science majoring in geology is essential to becoming a geologist. Due to the dependence of the Australian economy on the minerals industry, our universities are global leaders in the Earth Sciences. Student numbers remain small, due to the lack of awareness of geological career paths in the community and only the major Australian universities offer a major in Geology.
The Australian National University in Canberra has a School of Earth and Marine Sciences, as well as the Research School of Earth Sciences. It is a world leader in the study of geosciences. The University of Sydney and Macquarie University both offer geology, as do the University of Melbourne and Monash University both of which are strong departments. In Queensland, James Cook University in Townsville has the strongest and best developed geosciences program, with strong support from the mining industry.
The Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits (CODES) at the University of Tasmania is also a very industry-focussed department. Elsewhere, the University of Adelaide has a strong geological department, and in WA, both the University of Western Australia and Curtin University have a good geological presence. The industry influence in WA is strong due to the domination of Australia’s mining industry in that state.
The entry criteria for tertiary institiutions differs from year to year. The above comments are a guide only. To gain specific entry criteria either contact the relevant university or use Hobson's The Good University Guide.
Relevant Universities Colleges & TAFE
Careernav have trolled through all the universities, specialist colleges and TAFE’s across the nation to identify those courses we consider relevant to this career. We have only focussed on the core single degree and its full time period. We acknowledge many combination degrees are available and different students combine different degrees. Course names also differ by university and we have grouped like courses together. We may have missed the odd course being offered, so we recommend for a more detailed guide check with the universities direct or one of the university course guide books such as Hobson’s. Please note Careernav are totally impartial and do not recommend one tertiary institution over another. To view the A to Z of tertiary institutions that offer relevant courses for this career.
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About the Author
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Helen Degeling
Helen is an Exploration Geologist, with 10 years experience, including several years as a Mine Geologist and as an academic in Canada and Australia. She obtained her PhD in geochemistry from the Australian National University, is a member of the AusIMM, and an Honorary Research Fellow at Monash University in Melbourne. With a diverse background including research on rare earth elements, phosphate minerals and zircon, as well as several years working in gold and copper, she has a number of peer-reviewed publications, and has been an invited speaker at international conferences.
Did you know the only continent with no active volcanoes is Australia ?