Course details

Summary

Apply your knowledge to real-world issues

You will gain skills in dealing with often-complex Earth systems, evaluate current research and apply your knowledge to real-world issues, as well as get to work in some really amazing places around the world!

WHAT IS IT LIKE?

The Master of Science (Earth Science) at Massey University will develop your skills in a field and laboratory environment that is focused on solutions to Earth science-based issues facing society.

Explore the world around you

Field work could find you on a volcano top in Vanuatu, exploring ancient volcanoes on Chatham Island or assessing real-time hazards from an erupting volcano. You might find yourself exploring the back country of the Wanganui Basin or its marine terraces, sampling rivers and aquifers to determine groundwater recharge/discharge, or investigating erosion and land use employing both field and remote sensing techniques.

You will also gain transferable skills that will be useful in many different careers. These include observation skills, advanced ability in data collection, analysis and interpretation, problem-solving and lateral thinking skills, self-motivation and resilience, teamwork as well as developing high-level written and verbal communication skills.

Let our expertise become yours

Massey University Earth science staff are actively researching and are members of internationally-relevant related groups. Many also have extensive industry experience, through either employment or consultancy. They bring this expertise to your teaching.

Examine the environmental impact

Massey’s expertise in environmental geochemistry includes remediation of contaminated sites, phytomining, mine site and land reclamation.

You can learn from – and build on – our expertise in the societal impacts of Earth events, such as volcanic activity. These include social, economic, infrastructure and the impact on local communities including iwi.

Careers

Sought after by employers

International trends are for employers to reward postgraduate study well, especially in larger enterprises. The skills you learn are increasingly recognized as setting you apart from other potential employees.

Internationally-transferable skills

The unique combination of topics within the Massey Master of Science (Earth Science) will equip you with nationally and internationally transferable skills applicable to a wide range of challenges relevant to Earth science.

Jobs related to this degree include hydrocarbon and mineral exploration, environmental assessment and remediation, soil and land use assessment, volcanic hazards and applications utilising remote sensing and GIS skills.

Structure

You will follow a parts-based programme of study, which shall consist of courses totalling at least 180 credits, comprising Part One and Part Two as defined by the Courses Schedule.

Entry criteria

Admission to the Master of Science (180 or 240 credits) requires you to have

• a Bachelor of Science degree, or close equivalent, with a major in Earth Science, with a minimum B average in the majoring 300 level courses; or
• a bachelor degree followed by a Graduate Diploma of Science or close equivalent, in Earth Science, with a minimum B average in the majoring 300 level courses.

Admission to the 120 credit Master of Science requires you to have a minimum B average for either of the following:

• a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with an endorsement in Earth Science; or
• a Postgraduate Diploma in Science with an endorsement in Earth Science

English Language Requirements:

• IELTS score of 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL iBT score of 90 overall (min 20 in Writing)
• PTE Academic score of 58 Overall (min 50 in communicative skills)
• Cambridge English score of 180