Master of Earth Sciences (Advanced)

at Australian National University

Program Structure:

The Master of Earth Sciences (Advanced) requires the completion of 96 units, of which:

• A minimum of 48 units must come from completion of the coursework component
• A minimum of 36 units and a maximum of 48 units must come from completion of the research component
• A minimum of 24 units must come from completion of 8000- level courses
   

The 96 units must consist of:
 

24 units from the completion of the following compulsory courses:

• EMSC8017 Research Methods for Earth Sciences (6 units)
• EMSC8032 Earth Science Research Proposal & Presentation (6 units)
• EMSC8033 Computational Geosciences -- Problem Solving, Logical Thinking and Computer Programming (6 units)
• EMSC8034 Research Orientation: Big Questions in the Earth Sciences (6 units)
   

A minimum of 6 units from completion of Core Skill courses from the following list:

• EMSC8022 Analytical Techniques (6 units)
• EMSC8023 Data Science (6 units)
   

A minimum of 12 units from completion of further 6000- and 8000-level courses from the subject area EMSC Earth and Marine Sciences.
 

A minimum of 36 units and a maximum of 48 units from completion of the following research component:

• EMSC8030 Earth Science Research Project, which must be completed in two consecutive semesters.
   

Students must achieve a minimum 70% Weighted Average Mark in the first 48 units of coursework and have the approval of an identified supervisor for the research project to remain enrolled in the Master of Earth Sciences (Advanced) and continue to the research component. A condition of supervisor approval is that the research project is feasible and it should be noted that the majority of research projects will require on campus attendance.
 

If the total number of units attempted exceeds 48 in the same teaching period in which the 48th unit is attempted, exactly 48 units will be used in the calculation of the weighted average mark with units from the course with the highest mark applied first followed by further units from course in descending order of marks.
 

Students who do not achieve a minimum 70% Weighted Average Mark or do not have approval of an identified supervisor will be transferred to the Master of Science in Earth Sciences or a Graduate Diploma of Science.
 

Master Research
This plan includes a compulsory sub-thesis of a minimum 36 units.
 

Master Research Training

Prior to commencing the research project, students must complete 30 units of coursework of research training courses:

• EMSC8017 Research Methods for Earth Sciences
• EMSC8032 Research Proposal and Presentation
• EMSC8033 Computational Geosciences -- Problem Solving, Logical Thinking and Computer Programming
• EMSC8034 Research Orientation: Big Questions in the Earth Sciences
• Either EMSC8022 Analytical Techniques or EMSC8023 Data Science

Admission Requirements
 

At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.
 

Applicants must present a Bachelor degree or international equivalent

• with a minimum GPA of at least 5.5.0/7.0
• with at least 8 courses in a cognate discipline, which must also have a minimum GPA of 5.5/7.0.
   

The GPA requirement for this program must be met by both the program as a whole, as well as by the 8 courses in a cognate discipline. Where more than 8 cognate courses have been completed by the applicant, ANU will take the best 8 courses when assessing the cognate GPA.

The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.
 

Annual indicative fee for international students

$48,802.00

Employment Opportunities

A Master of Earth Sciences (Advanced) gives you the opportunity to gain a wide range of knowledge and skills that are relevant for employment in academia, industry, government agencies and education. It is an excellent qualification for pursuing a career at geosciences agencies or within mineral & hydrocarbon exploration, natural resource management, environmental monitoring, data sciences and the energy sector. The program is also an ideal pathway to a PhD in Australia or at leading institutes around the world.