Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Geology

Undergraduate | 2026

Degree hero banner
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your study is primarily delivered on campus
On Campus
Start date icon
Start date
Start date
The month you will commence your studies. Exact start date is outlined in the course timetable.
February, July
Duration icon
Duration
Duration
Duration is approximate and based on a full-time study load. Part-time study is not available for international students.
4 year(s) full-time
Program code icon
Program code
HSCIE
Study as icon
Study as
Full-time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
Indicative annual fees
Published fees are for international students starting in 2026. Fees are based on the total number of units studied in this program on a full-time annual basis. Adelaide University also accepts applications for programs commencing after the advertised year. Tuition fees for these later years are likely to be higher.
$53,300
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is a required course or/subject that you must have successfully completed before you can enrol into this program.
None
Assumed knowledge icon
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge, while not essential, is where you have a minimum level of understanding in the relevant course area.
None
English Language Requirements icon
English language requirements
IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6 IELTS Listening 6 IELTS Speaking 6 IELTS Writing 6 Equivalent English qualifications
CRICOS code icon
CRICOS code
115753C
  1. Brochure download icon
  2. Enquire enquire icon
  3. Apply arrow-right-white icon

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil 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) in a higher education award program in an undergraduate diploma (AQF level 5) 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
  • IELTS Listening 6
  • IELTS Speaking 6
  • IELTS Writing 6

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

Why Bachelor of Science (Honours)?

Discover what’s next for humanity by identifying the risks, resources and processes that shape planet Earth.

Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Geology explores Earth’s composition, structure and history. Understand natural processes – like earthquakes and volcanoes – and prepare to responsibly manage mineral, energy and environmental resources.

In your honours year, complete an advanced research project so you’ll be ready to enter a competitive workforce or tackle further study such as a master's or PhD.

program overview

Overview

This degree covers how Earth has evolved and how its different systems interact, while building your overall scientific knowledge base. Our science degrees are highly flexible – allowing you the choice to choose a second major or tailor your studies with elective courses to help widen your career options. 

You’ll study the composition and structure of the Earth, learning how elements form minerals and rocks and how to analyse data to reveal Earth's history. You'll explore topics like natural hazard mitigation, resource extraction and sustainability, deep time, and the geological factors influencing climate change. Sharpen your skills with a combination of fieldwork, laboratory work and theoretical study.

With an added honours year, tackle a research project with the aim to strengthen your desirability in the job market while setting you up for postgraduate study. Graduate ready to work in areas like critical mineral exploration, mining, water management, engineering, renewable energy and more.

What you'll learn

Your studies will involve a range of earth science and geology-focused courses with a strong practical and fieldwork focus, providing you with a well-rounded scientific knowledge base and skillset.

You’ll cover fundamental science courses, exploring climate science, environmental issues, ethics and our future as a society on Earth. Tackle data handling and visualisation, including quantitative methods, scientific statistics and decision-making using big data. 

As part of your geology major, explore how oceans and mountains form through plate tectonics, geodynamics, and the vast scale of deep time. Apply principles in chemistry and physics to investigate Earth's interior, understand how elements concentrate into mineral deposits and analyse rocks and minerals to uncover Earth’s evolution.

Throughout your degree, build transferrable skills you can take into various careers including your critical thinking, analysis, writing and research skills. You can also choose a second major or pick elective courses to expand your knowledge in other areas of interest. 

In your third year, embark on a fieldtrip to the Ikara-Flinders Ranges, where you’ll create four-dimensional models of a geological terrain. You might even take opportunities to complete field studies across Australia and internationally. Then, with an additional Honours year, extend your learning further by tackling an advanced geology-focused project. Your honours project will help expand your career opportunities while preparing you for postgraduate study.

Majors

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

  • Ecology
  • Environmental Science
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology
  • Geology and Earth Resources
  • Geology and Palaeontology
  • Geophysics.

What courses you'll study

Complete 192 units comprising:

  • 42 to 54 units for Core courses, and
  • 78 to 144 units for Majors, and
  • At least 6 units from Work integrated learning, and
  • 0 to 48 units for Electives

Complete 42 to 54 units comprising:

  • 6 to 12 units for all Program core, and
  • 12 to 18 units from Common Core, and
  • 6 to 30 units from Core Selective

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
Course code
SCIE1001
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
Course code
STAT1000
Units
6

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
UG Common Core 1
Course code
AUXX1000
Units
6
course icon
Course name
UG Common Core 2
Course code
AUXX2000
Units
6
course icon
Course name
UG Common Core 3
Course code
AUXX3000
Units
6

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
Course code
BIOL1003
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
Course code
BIOL1004
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Foundations in Chemistry
Course code
CHEM1000
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Chemistry 1A
Course code
CHEM1002
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Chemistry 1B
Course code
CHEM1003
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Planet Earth
Course code
EART1000
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Earth, Climate and Life Systems
Course code
EART1012
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
Course code
MATH1000
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Calculus 1
Course code
MATH1004
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Calculus 2
Course code
MATH1005
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Foundations in Physics
Course code
PHYS1000
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Physics 1A
Course code
PHYS1001
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Physics 1B
Course code
PHYS1002
Units
6

Notes

  • Program core - Students in the following Majors will not enrol in STAT1000 Data Skills for Scientists:

    Computational Physics, Experimental Physics, Nuclear and Radiation Physics, Space Science and Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics

Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Planet Earth
Course code
EART1000
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Extra-terrestrial Geoscience
Course code
EART1002
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Sedimentary Geology
Course code
EART2008
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Structural Geology
Course code
EART2009
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Igneous and Metamorphic Geology 2
Course code
EART2010
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Earth Systems History
Course code
EART3000
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Igneous and Metamorphic Geology 3
Course code
EART3018
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Tectonics
Course code
EART3019
Units
6

Complete at least 6 units from the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Advanced Applications in Animal Behaviour
Course code
ANIM3900
Units
12
course icon
Course name
Professional Skills in Animal Science (UoA)
Course code
ANIM3901
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
Course code
BIOL2900
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3
Course code
BIOL3007
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Microbiology and Immunology Practical 3
Course code
BIOL3012
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Genetics Practical 3A
Course code
BIOL3900
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Field Palaeontology 3
Course code
EART3002
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Field Geoscience Program 3
Course code
EART3003
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Optics and Photonics 3
Course code
PHYS3004
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Computational Physics
Course code
PHYSX300
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Experimental Physics
Course code
PHYSX301
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Science Professional Placement
Course code
SCIE3900
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Science Professional Project
Course code
SCIE3901
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Genetics Practical 3B
Course code
BIOL2016
Units
6

Notes

  • If studying ANACHSCIE - Analytical Chemistry then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement

    If studying ANIBHSCIE - Animal Behaviour then complete ANIM3900 - Advanced Applications in Animal Behaviour

    If studying BIOCHSCIE - Biochemistry then complete BIOL3007 - Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3

    If studying CHEYHSCIE - Chemistry then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement

    If studying ECOLHSCIE - Ecology then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement

    If studying ENVGHSCIE - Environmental and Geospatial Science then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement

    If studyingENVSHSCIE - Environmental Science then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement

    If studying EVOLHSCIE - Evolutionary Biology then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement

    If studying EVOPHSCIE - Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology the complete EART3002 - Field Palaeontology 3

    If studying EXPEHSCIE - Experimental Physics then completePHYSX301 - Experimental Physics

    If studying FOODHSCIE - Food Science and Technology then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement

    If studying GENEHSCIE - Genetics then complete BIOL2900 - Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2 and BIOL3900 - Genetics Practical 3A and BIOL3901 - Genetics Practical 3B and BIOL3007 - Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3

    If studyingGEOLHSCIE - Geology then complete EART3003 - Field Geoscience Program 3

    If studyingGEOEHSCIE - Geology and Earth Resources then complete EART3003 - Field Geoscience Program 3

    If studyingGEOPHSCIE - Geology and Palaeontology then complete EART3002 - Field Palaeontology 3

    If studyingGEOYHSCIE - Geophysics then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement

    If studyingMARWHSCIE - Marine and Wildlife Conservation then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement

    If studyingMEDBHSCIE - Medicinal and Biological Chemistry then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement

    If studyingMICRHSCIE - Microbiology and Immunology then complete BIOL2900 - Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2 and BIOL3007 - Molecular and Biomedical Sciences Practical 3 and BIOL3012 - Microbiology and Immunology Practical 3

    If studyingNUCCHSCIE - Nuclear Chemistry then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement

    If studyingNUCRHSCIE - Nuclear and Radiation Physics then complete PHYSX300 - Computational Physics or PHYSX301 - Experimental Physics

    If studyingPHYGHSCIE - Physics and Geophysics then complete PHYS3004 - Optics and Photonics 3 or PHYSX300 - Computational Physics

    If studyingPLABHSCIE - Plant Biology then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement

    If studyingPACHHSCIE - Pure and Applied Chemistry then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement

    If studyingSOILHSCIE - Soil Science then complete SCIE3900 - Science Professional Placement

    If studyingSPACHSCIE - Space Science and Astrophysics then complete PHYSX301 - Experimental Physics

    If studyingTHEOHSCIE - Theoretical Physics then complete PHYSX300 - Computational Physics or PHYSX301 - Experimental Physics

Complete 0 to 48 units comprising:

Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
course icon
Course name
Advanced Field Geoscience
Course code
EART5012
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Geoscience Communication
Course code
EART6003
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Geoscience Data Analysis and Interpretation
Course code
EART6002
Units
6
course icon
Course name
Honours Earth Sciences Project
Course code
EART4003
Units
30

Ready to apply?

icon

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.

icon

Gather your relevant documents

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

icon

Complete and send your application

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

Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.

How to Apply

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. 

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.


Applications for Australian students to study at Adelaide University will open in August 2025. Applications will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

Applications to study a 100% online degree will open in July 2025 via a direct application process.

In the meantime, you could start your studies at UniSA or the University of Adelaide in 2025 and continue on to Adelaide University in 2026.

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, spanning 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 to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
  • Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, 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 the Academic calendar. 

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: 

  • Case studies  
  • Essays and assignments  
  • Examinations  
  • Group projects  
  • Internships and placements  
  • Practicals  
  • Presentations  
  • Reports and project documentations 
  • Research projects 
  • Workplace and classroom contributions. 
Graduates

Explore Adelaide University

Accommodation options

Considering calling Adelaide home? Explore accommodation options to find a place that's right for you.

Rundle Mall shopping

Life in Adelaide

Discover why Adelaide is one of the most liveable cities in the world.

Ebenezer Place shopping and cafes, bikes, bicycles

Scholarships

Our scholarships can provide the helping hand you need to transition into university life.

Taken during Orientation Week