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.
Why Master of Science?
Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution are creating significant environmental challenges. The need for global transformation towards sustainable resources is urgent.
With our Master of Science specialising in Sustainable Georesources, you’ll gain expertise in the safe, efficient and eco-conscious exploration and extraction of Earth’s resources. Learn how to responsibly manage resources for future generations. Take a holistic approach and ensure environment protection and social equity.
Use statistics and advanced data analysis to model and analyse geoscientific data and geological phenomena. Investigate critical mineral resources that support human development and the green energy transition. You’ll also explore sustainable technologies and practices, preparing you for a career in global transformation sectors.
Overview
The Master of Science specialising in Sustainable Georesources is designed to provide a holistic approach to discovering and managing Earth’s natural resources. Discover how resources support human development and explore how to tackle future challenges. You’ll focus on mineral exploration, geological mapping and critical minerals – key for sustainable future progress and the green energy transition.
Foster your development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Learn how to balance resource extraction and use with limited environmental impact. Acquire the skills to adapt and flexibly implement management practices as a sustainability specialist.
You’ll gain the professional capacities to respond to the changing and challenging demands of our world in innovative ways. Graduate with the skills to reflect on current trends and implement further sustainable practices for generations to come.
Key features
Learn responsible management techniques in utilising Earth’s natural resources.- Gain skills in geological mapping and constructing geological maps.
- Address human perspectives of mineral exploration – encouraging connections with local cultural heritage.
- Discover the impacts of georesource mining on the environment, economy and society.
- Navigate current practices and develop new sustainable exploration models.
- Build your skills in research with a geoscience-based research project.
What you'll learn
This degree delivers core courses in applied sustainable geosciences and science research communication. Build your knowledge in global processes and ethical uses of georesource practices. Explore critical minerals and the ongoing need for securing essential supplies for a clean energy world. Uncover the processes that control the formation of ore deposits and mineral resources. You’ll also address cultural heritage management principles to ensure ethical and respectful extraction.
Develop core problem-solving skills and solve geological relationships, synthesising them into 4D models. Examine the formation of different types of sedimentary basins and their relationship to mineral and energy resources. Learn advanced data processing to numerically model and code geoscience.
Across two years of studies, you’ll learn in diverse teaching environments including face-to-face and online delivery modes. You’ll apply theoretical concepts and conduct experiments in practical classroom settings, as well as engaging with other students in online learning environments.
You’ll spend the majority of your second year undertaking an industry-led research project. Supervised by academics and industry professionals, you’ll decide on a relevant topic in a field that interests you – producing an artefact or exegesis. Strengthen your skills in research and get ready to be a leader in developing earth-friendly solutions in a growing technological world.
Specialisations
The Master of Science is also available with specialisations in the following:
- Biotechnology
- Environment and Conservation
- Global Food and Nutrition Science
- Medical Radiation Physics.
What courses you'll study
You're required to complete 96 units to complete your degree, across a mix of core courses, elective and work integrated learning. A list of indicative courses is provided below.
Complete exactly 6 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PG Common Core 1 | AUXX5000 | 6 |
Complete 0 to 6 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Animal Biotechnology | BIOL6003 | 6 |
|
|
Genomics Applications | BIOL6004 | 6 |
|
|
Good Manufacturing Practice, Validation and Regulation | SCIE6000 | 6 |
|
|
Risk Assessment and Management | SCIE6001 | 6 |
|
|
Project Management Fundamentals | PROJ5000 | 6 |
|
|
Elective 1 | AUXX1011 | 6 |
Complete exactly 54 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Critical Minerals | EART5001 | 6 |
|
|
Mineral Systems | EART5002 | 6 |
|
|
Regolith | EART5003 | 6 |
|
|
Human Perspectives of Mineral Exploration | EART5004 | 6 |
|
|
Field Exploration 1 | EART5011 | 6 |
|
|
Basin Structure and Stratigraphy | EART5006 | 6 |
|
|
Geoscience Data Analysis I | EART6001 | 6 |
|
|
Geoscience Data Analysis II | EART6002 | 6 |
|
|
Geoscience Data Acquisition | EART6003 | 6 |
Complete exactly 30 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Industry Project A | FOOD6900 | 6 |
|
|
Industry Project B | FOOD6901 | 6 |
|
|
Industry Project C | FOOD6902 | 6 |
|
|
Industry Project D | EART6004 | 6 |
|
|
Industry Project E | EART6005 | 6 |
Career outcomes
The field of Sustainable Georesources offers a variety of career opportunities focused on the responsible discovery and management of Earth's natural resources.
Perhaps you’ll focus on soil conservation and develop practices to promote sustainable agriculture. Maybe you’ll work in the mining industry, exploring or designing, evaluating or even assisting in minimising the impact of mining on the local environment.
Professionals in this field work across various sectors, including government, industry and research, ensuring resource extraction and use are environmentally friendly, economically viable and socially equitable.
Careers you might consider include:
- Geologist
- Mine geologist
- Environmental geoscientist
- Environmental policy analyst
- Sustainability consultant
- Renewable energy specialist.
Industry trends
As economies shift toward renewable energies, sustainability specialists are becoming one of the fastest growing and in-demand roles in the world. Opportunities are expected to grow by up to 34% in 2027 – translating to approximately 1 million further jobs (World Economic Forum, 2023).
According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, approximately 70% of all ice-free land has been altered by human activity, impacting 3.2 billion people (2024). With Adelaide University’s Master of Science degree, you’ll contribute to making our world more ethically sustainable by limiting the impact on our Earth’s natural resources.
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
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.
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.
