Course overview
This course provides graduates skills in the fundamental geoscience disciplines. Focusing on practical and field-based learning, the course also provides essential theoretical knowledge. A specialised Applied Geosciences core unit in each year of the course designed to foster the development of work-ready skills, research methodology and scientific communication skills, and hands-on field, laboratory and/or workplace experiences. We capitalise on our location in the heart of the New England region, which provides an excellent natural laboratory with spectacular geology. Upon completion, graduates will be ready for industry or government based employment, as well as higher degree studies. Providing a solid foundation in the fundamentals of geology, coupled with both modern GIS and traditional mapping techniques, topics included in the course are resource geology, environmental geology (including aspects associated with resource extraction), environmental and exploration geochemistry, petrology, sedimentology, field mapping, structural and metamorphic geology, GIS, applied geophysics and palaeontology. We offer majors in geology and palaeontology, and a range of interdisciplinary minors allow students to broaden their scope and develop additional expertise. Topics in undergraduate research are available and work integrated learning is embedded in most units of study. Undergraduate fieldwork to diverse locations within Australia and overseas is incorporated into the course structure. For students without the recommended background knowledge, the Faculty offers foundation units in chemistry, mathematics and physics. For external study, contact the UNE Future Students Team. For more course information, visit UNE's Course Handbook.
Course record
Career Opportunities
Geoscientist, geologist, palaeontologist, mineral and fossil fuels industry, energy resources and exploration, scientific organisations, government agencies, geological or environmental consultancies, academia, museums, primary and secondary school teaching.
Majors
Geoscience; palaeontology.
Minors: archaeology, chemistry, data science and modelling, earth surface processes, ecology, environmental management and rehabilitation, museum studies, palaeontology, science communication, spatial science.
Entry requirements
Switch between domestic ATAR data and international qualification equivalents.
IB Diploma
24.2-26.4Admission is assessed against the qualification, prerequisite and English requirements for the course.
English requirement
IELTS 6, no band below 5.5TOEFL iBT 60, no band below 15PTE Academic 50, no band below 42Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency 169, no band below 162
If the student's current English result is below the direct-entry requirement, consider the university's recognised English language pathway or ELICOS package. When the student successfully completes the approved pathway at the required level, the university may accept that pathway for English entry without requiring a new IELTS, TOEFL or PTE result. Always confirm exclusions for professional registration courses and the offer conditions.
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Student profile
Total students36
#2025Campuses & intake dates
Upcoming intakes
- ArmidaleNSWFebruary 2026
- ArmidaleNSWJune 2026
- ArmidaleNSW

