Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology and Palaeontology

Start date

February, July

Campus

Adelaide City

Duration

3 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

BSCIE

Study as

Full-time

Indicative fees

$50,800

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115751E

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) of an undergraduate certificate (AQF level 5) or higher qualification from a recognised higher education institution with an overall Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher.

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

IELTS Overall 6.5
IELTS Reading 6.0
IELTS Listening 6.0
IELTS Speaking 6.0
IELTS Writing 6.0

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:

Equivalent English qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Score
Australia – ATAR	70
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.80
China – Gaokao	60%
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	16
India – CBSE and CISCE	70
India – State Board Examinations	80
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.67
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	23
Malaysia – Matrikulasi	2.67
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	7
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels	8
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông	7.80

Why Bachelor of Science?

Do you love outdoor adventure and hands-on science? Geology is the perfect springboard for a career in palaeontology. It’s an essential field for understanding our planet – with the potential for enormous impact. The geological discovery that the Earth was older than 6000 years revolutionised scientific understanding.

Whether mapping rock formations or excavating geological phenomena, you’ll love interacting with the natural environment. The thrill of uncovering fossils that have been buried for millions – even billions – of years is unmatched.

A geology major will give you broad career options in science and industry – or pursue palaeontology and leave a unique legacy in the field.

Overview

Our Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology and Palaeontology is all about digging into Earth's history through rocks and fossils. You'll explore sedimentology, stratigraphy, mineralogy, geochemistry – even extraterrestrial geoscience. Ever wonder what caused mass extinctions or how climates changed over time? How do mountain ranges and ocean basins form? What geological clues point to potential fossil sites? Using field data and lab techniques, you'll tackle these questions and more.

You’ll gain practical skills through extensive fieldwork – mapping rock formations, collecting fossil specimens and conducting geological surveys.

Get familiar with specialised tools and technologies. Go deep into evolutionary biology. Learn to use a compass, interpret geological maps and collect samples. Study geological processes, sedimentary records and geochronology. Critically assess scientific literature and effectively document your own research.

You’ll build broad expertise for dynamic careers in energy resources, environmental consulting, museums and academic research.

Key features

Gain practical experience through field trips and extended camps.
Study alongside active paleontological researchers.
Work in purpose-built laboratories with industry-standard equipment.
Map rock formations, collect fossil specimens and conduct geological surveys.
Explore whole new worlds in extraterrestrial geoscience.
Unpack the ethical implications of geological and paleontological work.

What you'll learn

This degree is hands-on and holistic, covering broad skills and knowledge to prepare you for the field.

Explore Earth's dynamic systems, including the structure of its crust and the forces like heat and gravity that shape it. Discover how geochemical principles influence our water, air and land.

Master techniques to record and analyse rock data. Study the chemistry and classification of minerals. Learn how to identify sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic structures. Explore different fossils, geological processes and sedimentary records, understanding how they offer a comprehensive view of the life and history of our planet. In extraterrestrial geoscience, explore the unique terrains of alien worlds.

In second and third year, you’ll apply your cross disciplinary knowledge in dedicated palaeontology courses. Study advanced techniques in systematics and the fossil record, applying these insights to modern biodiversity. Get familiar with field techniques, including searching, surveying, excavating, and managing fossil specimens. Throughout, you’ll make the most of South Australia's rich fossil sites and diverse ecosystems.

Courses include:

Earth climate and life systems
Biology (of molecules, genes, cells, and organisms)
Planet Earth
Extraterrestrial geoscience
Geochemistry
Sedimentary geology
Structural geology
Igneous and metamorphic geology
Tectonics
Earth systems history
Evolutionary biology
Geochronology, fossils and paleoenvironments
Field palaeontology.

You can also broaden your skills with electives from across wider Adelaide University in areas like technology, anthropology and computer science.

Majors

The Bachelor of Science is also available with majors in the following:

Geology
Geology and Earth Resources
Geophysics
Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology
Evolutionary Biology
Environmental and Geospatial Science
Biotechnology
Physics and Geophysics
Genetics
Space Science and Astrophysics
Environmental Science
Marine and Wildlife Conservation.

What courses you'll study

Complete 144 units comprising:

42 units from Core courses, and
6 units from Work integrated learning, and
6 to 54 units from Electives, and
Either:
48 units from Discipline courses, or
42 to 90 units for one Major from Major

Complete exactly 42 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Science of People, Society and the Future Planet	Course code SCIE1001	Units 6
Course name Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation	Course code INFO2011	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 1	Course code AUXX1000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 2	Course code AUXX2000	Units 6
Course name UG Common Core 3	Course code AUXX3000	Units 6
Course name Physics 1A	Course code PHYS1001	Units 6
Course name Physics 1B	Course code PHYS1002	Units 6
Course name Chemistry IA	Course code CHEM1001	Units 6
Course name Chemistry 1B	Course code CHEM1003	Units 6
Course name Calculus 1	Course code MATH1004	Units 6
Course name Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells	Course code BIOL1003	Units 6
Course name Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms	Course code BIOL1004	Units 6
Course name Earth, Climate and Life Systems	Course code ECOL1001	Units 6

Complete exactly 72 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Planet Earth	Course code EART1000	Units 6
Course name Extra-terrestrial Geoscience	Course code EART1002	Units 6
Course name Sedimentary Geology II	Course code GEOL2002	Units 6
Course name Structural Geology II	Course code GEOL2003	Units 6
Course name Igneous and Metamorphic Geology II	Course code GEOL2004	Units 6
Course name Igneous and Metamorphic Geology III	Course code GEOL3001	Units 6
Course name Tectonics III	Course code GEOL3002	Units 6
Course name Earth Systems History III	Course code EART3000	Units 6
Course name Geochemistry II	Course code GEOL2001	Units 6
Course name Evolutionary Biology II	Course code BIOL2022	Units 6
Course name Evolutionary Biology III (Theory)	Course code ECOL3008	Units 6
Course name Geochronology, Fossils and Palaeoenvironments III	Course code EART3001	Units 6

Complete exactly 6 units from the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Science Professional Project	Course code SCIE3901	Units 6
	Course name Science Professional Placement	Course code SCIE3900	Units 6

Complete 6 to 54 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Foundations in Physics	Course code PHYS1000	Units 6
Course name Foundations in Chemistry	Course code CHEM1000	Units 6
Course name Foundations in Mathematics	Course code MATH1000	Units 6
Course name Calculus 1	Course code MATH1004	Units 6
Course name Elective 1	Course code AUXX1011	Units 6
Course name Elective 2	Course code AUXX1012	Units 6
Course name Elective 3	Course code AUXX1013	Units 6
Course name Elective 4	Course code AUXX1014	Units 6
Course name Elective 5	Course code AUXX1015	Units 6
Course name Elective 6	Course code AUXX1016	Units 6
Course name Elective 7	Course code AUXX1017	Units 6
Course name Elective 8	Course code AUXX1018	Units 6

Career outcomes

Careers in palaeontology require dedication – and advanced study – but the skills you gain along the way will be valuable in all sorts of important industries, including environmental management, agriculture and mining. You might travel to remote locations to excavate dinosaur bones. You could be a vertebrate palaeontologist, classifying different animals and newly discovered species. Perhaps you’ll work in a space agency, exploring the geology of other planets and moons.

You could also be a:  

Collection manager
Resource information officer
Mining geologist
Petroleum geologist
Field technician
Laboratory technician
Geological surveyor
Climate change analyst
Volcanologist
Museum curator
Research scientist.

Industry Trends

Geologists and Earth scientists have valuable skills, desirable in many traditional and emerging industries. They understand the Earth's complex systems, including its biological, chemical, and physical components. They know how these interact at different levels and through deep time.

In the mining and energy sectors, Earth scientists create models and frameworks for exploring minerals and energy sources. Governments hire them to consult on geological surveys and environmental issues. They help manage and predict natural disasters. In agriculture, they advise on soil geology and environmental risks. They assess how mining affects groundwater and surface water. For the financial sector, they evaluate the economic viability of mining projects.

New developments in these sectors will only increase the demand for Earth scientists. This includes shifts to renewable energy sources like geothermal, wind and solar, and efforts to predict and combat climate change. Advances in technology will open new frontiers in geological exploration and environmental monitoring. Sustainable resource management and environmental protection will continue to be top priorities.

How to apply

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.

Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.

Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.

You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.

You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:

Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.

Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.

Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure. 

Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:  

February for Semester 1  
July for Semester 2.

Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail. 

For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar. 

View all FAQs

Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.

You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.

Student services

We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:

Career advice and mentoring services
Personal counselling
LGBTQIA+ support
Academic support
Fees and finance help
Security services
Accommodation services
Common rooms
Prayer rooms.

You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.

Your campus

You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include: