Master of Science in Earth Sciences

at Australian National University

Program Structure

The Master of Science in Earth Sciences requires the completion of 96 units, of which:

A minimum of 24 units must come from completion of 8000- level courses.

The 96 units must consist of:

24 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
 

• EMSC8022 Analytical Techniques (6 units)

• EMSC8023 Data Science (6 units)

• EMSC8033 Computational Geosciences: Problem Solving, Logical Thinking and Computer Programming (6 units)

• EMSC8706 Introduction to Natural Hazards (6 units)

12 units of integrative courses, which must include:
 

• 6 units from completion of EMSC8017 Research Methods for Earth Sciences (6 units)

• 6 units from completion of an integrative course from the following list:

• EMSC8032 Earth Science Research Proposal & Presentation (6 units)

• EMSC8034 Research Orientation: Big Questions in the Earth Sciences (6 units)

• EMSC8014 Special Topics in Earth Science (6 units)

12 units from completion of Science and Society Courses from the following list:
 

• ENVS6013 Society and Environmental Change (6 units)

• SCNC8000 Science Internship (6 units)

• SCOM6007 Science Communication Project Delivery and Design (6 units)

• SCOM6012 Science Communication and the Web (6 units)

• SCOM6015 Speaking of Science (6 units)

• SCOM6016 Science in the Media (6 units)

• SCOM6027 Science Politics (6 units)

• SCOM6029 Cross Cultural Perspectives in Science Communication (6 units)

• SCOM6030 Science Dialogue Theory and Practice (6 units)

• SCOM6031 Science, Risk and Ethics (6 units)

• SCOM6032 Making Modern Science (6 units)

• SCOM6501 Strategies in Science Communication (6 units)

• SCOM8014 Communicating Science with the Public  (6 units)

• VCPG6001 Unravelling Complexity (6 units)

• VCPG6003 Leadership and Influence in a Complex World (6 units)

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

A maximum of 24 units from elective courses offered by ANU.

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 5.0/7.0

• with at least 8 courses in a cognate discipline, which must also have a minimum GPA of 5.0/7.0.

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.

Academic achievement & English language proficiency

The minimum academic requirement for full entry and enrolment is a Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 5.0/7.0. 

However, applicants will first be ranked on a GPA ('GPA1') that is calculated using all but the last semester (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes. 

If required, ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of: 
 

• a GPA ('GPA2') calculated on the penultimate and antepenultimate semesters (or equivalent) of the Bachelor degree used for admission purposes; and/or

• demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency. 

Prior to enrolment in this ANU program, all students who gain entry will have their Bachelor degree reassessed, to confirm minimum requirements were met.

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

Employment Opportunities

A Master of Science in Earth Sciences gives you the opportunity to gain a wide range of knowledge and skills that are relevant for employment in industry, government agencies and education. It is an excellent qualification for pursuing a career in tectonics, geochronology, mineral exploration and hydrocarbon exploration.