The University of Waikato is uniquely placed to offer a thorough grounding in all aspects of the Earth Sciences. We are situated close to both North Island coasts, a short drive from the active Taupo Volcanic Zone, at the heart of the richest New Zealand farming region, and have New Zealand's longest river on our doorstep.
We are a leader in teaching and research related to the Earth’s environment, and offer you a learning experience that goes beyond the laboratory and lecture room - and out into the world.
The Earth Sciences major at Waikato consists of four main sub-disciplines: geology, soil science, hydrology and coastal processes. The first two years concentrate on fundamental knowledge and skills across all subdisciplines. In your final year, you’ll have the option to specialise in a specific area.
Facilities
As an Earth Sciences student at the University of Waikato, you will have access to the University's well-equipped laboratories, and will have the opportunity to examine features in the field and undertake field investigations using a wide range of techniques. You'll be working alongside, and learning from, well-respected researchers, industry professionals and academics.
Build a successful career
As a graduate you will gain the knowledge and skills to pursue a wide range of careers. Earth Sciences graduates are spread across New Zealand and around the world, working in careers ranging from Earth resources' exploration to environmental management and planning, and from scientific research to teaching.
Career opportunities
- Coastal Engineer
- Coastal Resource Manager
- Engineering Geologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Geologist
- Hydrologist
- Soil Conservator
- Volcanologist
- Water Resource Manager
- Hazard Manager
Qualifications
Study Earth Sciences in any of these qualifications
Papers
100 level
| Introduction to Earth System Sciences | EARTH101 | 15.0 Points |
| Discovering Planet Earth | EARTH102 | 15.0 Points |
200 level
| Earth Resources and Materials | EARTH211 | 15.0 Points |
| Soil Science | EARTH221 | 15.0 Points |
| Water Resources, Weather and Climate | EARTH231 | 15.0 Points |
| Oceanography | EARTH241 | 15.0 Points |
| Spatial Analysis in Geosciences | EARTH251 | 15.0 Points |
300 level
| Volcanology | EARTH311 | 15.0 Points |
| Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology | EARTH312 | 15.0 Points |
| Engineering Geology | EARTH313 | 15.0 Points |
| Pedology and Land Evaluation | EARTH321 | 15.0 Points |
| Soil and Water Management | EARTH322 | 15.0 Points |
| Water Resources and Hazards | EARTH331 | 15.0 Points |
| Coastal Oceanography | EARTH341 | 15.0 Points |
| Coastal Geomorphology and Management | EARTH342 | 15.0 Points |
| Volcanology | ERTH321 | 20.0 Points |
| Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology | ERTH322 | 20.0 Points |
| Pedology and Land Evaluation | ERTH333 | 10.0 Points |
| Soil and Land Management | ERTH334 | 10.0 Points |
| Coastal Geomorphology and Management | ERTH343 | 20.0 Points |
| Coastal Oceanography and Engineering | ERTH344 | 20.0 Points |
| Catchment Hydrology | ERTH345 | 10.0 Points |
| Freshwater Resources and Hazards | ERTH346 | 10.0 Points |
| Engineering Geology | ERTH352 | 10.0 Points |
| Advanced Environmental Monitoring | ERTH384 | 10.0 Points |
Prescriptions for the GradCert(EarthSc) and GradDip(EarthSc)
A Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma are available to graduates who have not included Earth Sciences at an advanced level in their first degree.
For further details, contact the School of Science.
Prescriptions for the PGCert(EarthSc), PGDip(EarthSc), BSc(Hons), MSc, MSc (Research) and MSc(Tech)
Students in masters degrees are normally required to take a thesis and a selection of papers. Normally, only 30 points from ENVS coded paper may be taken as part of an Earth Sciences graduate qualification. Enrolment in papers towards the BSc(Hons) is only by invitation of the Graduate Convenor. Candidates for these graduate qualifications should select their papers in consultation with the Graduate Convenor.
To complete a BSc(Hons) in Earth Sciences, students must complete 120 points at 500 level, including at least 60 points from the papers listed for Earth Sciences, of which at least 30 points must be of research (normally ERTH591).
Prescriptions for the MPhil
The Master of Philosophy is a one year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis that critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
| Earth Sciences MPhil Thesis | ERTH800 | 120.0 Points |
Prescriptions for the PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy is a three syear research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis that critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.
| Earth Sciences PhD Thesis | ERTH900 | 120.0 Points |
Scholarships and prizes
Broad Memorial Fund
For students who are enrolled in the thesis year of a MSc, MSc(Research), MPhil or PhD qualification in Earth Sciences. The value of the scholarship will vary.
Closing Date: 2018-03-31 23:59:00DairyNZ Masters Scholarship
For students who are enrolled in the final year or have completed a Bachelors degree in Science, agricultural science, agricultural business or economics and are eligible to enrol in a masters degree at a New Zealand University. Up to three scholarships of $30,000 will be available each year + tuition fees.
Closing Date: 2016-08-08 23:59:00School of Science Postgraduate Study Scholarship
For students who qualify to enrol at the University of Waikato, and are intending to enrol part or full-time in semester B 2016 in the School of Science in either a 180pt masters, the taught components of a masters degree or the research component of a masters degree. The Scholarship will have a value of $5,000 per year for two years.
Closing Date: 2016-07-18 23:59:00Science Admission Fees Scholarship
For school leavers who are intending to enrol full-time (120 pts) in the first year of a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science(Technology) in the Faculty of Science & Engineering and are performing well academically in their final year of secondary school. The Scholarship has a value of up to $4,000.
Closing Date: 2017-08-31 23:59:00Science and Engineering Masters Fees Awards
For students enrolling full-time in the first year MSc (research), MSc, MSc (Tech) ME or MEnvSci programme in the faculty of Engineering. Part-time applicants may be considered but any scholarship awarded will be on a pro-rata basis. The Scholarship will have a value of up to $2,000.
Closing Date: 2017-03-15 23:59:00Terry Healy Memorial Award
For students who are enrolled or are intending to enrol, part- or full-time in a masters or doctoral degree in Earth Sciences, and who are not receiving other awards providing significant funds or substantial financial assistance under a research contract. The value of the award will vary.
Closing Date: 2016-10-31 23:59:00University of Waikato Research Masters Scholarship
For students intending to enrol full-time in a thesis of 90 points or more as part of their first master's degree at the University of Waikato. International students must have completed at least 120 points of study at a New Zealand university in order to be eligible for this Scholarship.
Closing Date: 2018-04-30 23:59:00Documents
Contacts
Faculty of Science & Engineering
Phone: +64 7 838 4625 / 0800 438 254
Email: science@waikato.ac.nz
Website: sci.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoScienceEngineering