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- Specialise in identifying and analysing earth materials, environments and geological processes relevant to industry.
- Play a key role in the search for fuels and minerals, solutions for climate change or marine and freshwater environments.
- Gain hands-on, practical skills and field experience using real-world examples and materials.
- Prepare for a range of careers within the resource or the environmental sector, from field geologist to research scientist, environmental scientist, or hydrologist.
- Work in environmental consulting or research, tackling geotechnical, groundwater contamination, natural hazards or climate change issues.
Highlights
- Specialise in identifying and analysing earth materials, environments and geological processes relevant to industry.
- Play a key role in the search for fuels and minerals, solutions for climate change or marine and freshwater environments.
- Gain hands-on, practical skills and field experience using real-world examples and materials.
- Prepare for a range of careers within the resource or the environmental sector, from field geologist to research scientist, environmental scientist, or hydrologist.
- Work in environmental consulting or research, tackling geotechnical, groundwater contamination, natural hazards or climate change issues.
Why choose this course?
If you enjoy working outdoors and are interested in understanding how the world works, then you will find earth science a rewarding area of study. Blending current research issues and problem solving with theory and industry-related, hands-on practicals, the earth science major provides you with a fundamental background to pursue a career in either the resource or the environmental sector.
Explore this course
What to expect
The Earth is an amazing place and for an earth scientist, it offers a unique natural laboratory that covers space and time. Earth science is a multidisciplinary science that applies chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics tools to understand earth processes, decipher its past and predict its future. Earth scientists work to monitor changes in the Earth’s environment and suggest solutions to problems. They study natural hazards to prevent loss of life and reduce property damage. Earth scientists play key roles in the search for fuels and minerals. Climate change, earthquakes and geothermal energy are just a few of the issues that require knowledge of earth science.
Earth science (also known as geoscience) blends the traditional fields of geology, physical geography and oceanography/ hydrology. Geology describes the rocky parts of the Earth’s crust (or lithosphere) and its development. Physical geography, which studies the Earth’s surface, includes geomorphology, soil science and biogeoscience. The marine and freshwater parts of the Earth define the fields of oceanography and hydrology.
Careers and outcomes
Careers and outcomes
There is currently a shortage of earth scientists in Australia and employment rates are high and salaries great. Earth scientists are in high demand in the energy sector (oil, gas, coal, geothermal) and exploration and mining industries. Many earth scientists find employment in environmental consulting companies tackling geotechnical, groundwater contamination, natural hazards or climate change issues. Earth scientists may work for government agencies such as CSIRO and Geoscience Australia doing applied research, or for state or local governments.
Professional recognition
Graduates are eligible for membership in a number of professional societies, such as the Geological Society of Australia, Australian Institute of Geologists and other overseas professional societies.
Other study options
Possible careers
- Exploration Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Geoscientist
- Government Officer
- Hydrogeologist
- Laboratory Assistant
- Mapping Scientist
- Marine Scientist
- Mine Geologist
- Natural Resource Scientist
- Project Manager
Details and units
During your first year of study you’ll get to sample a range of core science disciplines, allowing you to decide on your major later.
Faculty core units
These five units give you an introduction to the principles of science. The inquiry based experimental science units will give you the opportunity to learn by enquiry and become familiar with the methods of scientific inquiry.
From your very first semester, you will collaborate with your peers and teaching staff in QUT’s exciting new learning environments. You will explore real-world problems from multiple scientific perspectives and learn the tools of the trade. Depending on your choices, you may find yourself out in the field, working in the laboratory or learning about the impact of scientific discovery on people, policy, industry and the planet.
Working with data you have collected, you’ll study how to apply fundamental methods of scientific practice, perform scientific analysis, and learn the tools to present your findings. You’ll have the opportunity to explore and discover the range of career and professional outcomes available to you, so you can gain the most from your unit selection and the flexibility the Bachelor of Science has to offer.
Your major
Your major is your main area of study for what you aspire to become professionally. You will receive in-depth knowledge and expertise within your chosen scientific discipline, preparing you for entry into the workforce or further study. Your primary major comprises 11 units.
Complementary study areas
This is where you make the degree your own, tailoring your studies to further match your individual career goals with a wide range of complementary study options available. You’ll have the opportunity to develop sought-after professional skills, deepen your understanding of your major discipline, pursue an interest from across the university, or broaden your scientific understanding. You can even work with industry or study overseas to gain credit towards your degree.
You can choose: a second major (eight units); or a minor.
Second major (eight units)
Choose a second area of study to complement your major, and develop a significant depth of knowledge and skills in two discipline areas. Experience another field, learn another academic methodology and experience interdisciplinary networking.
Choose a second science discipline (biological sciences, chemistry, environmental science or physics), or explore different perspectives which might include:
- computational and simulation science
- innovation and entrepreneurship
- science communication, or
- policy and governance.
Minor (four units)
You might prefer to expand the breadth and depth of your studies by adding to your chosen science major with two minors.
Requirements
- OP
- 14
- Selection
rank - 70
These thresholds are lower adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2020.
Don't have an OP or selection rank?
Starting uni in 2021?
There are some changes to subjects and the qualifications we’ll consider for entry to QUT from 2021 and beyond. Make sure you’re prepared to apply.
- Course code
- ST01
- QTAC code
- 418011
- CRICOS code
- 077696D
-
- Gardens Point
-
- Gardens Point
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
- 3 years full-time
- February and July
- February and July
- OP Guarantee
- Yes
Assumed knowledge
Before you start this course we assume you have sound knowledge in these areas:
- English
- Maths B
We assume that you have knowledge equivalent to four semesters at high school level (Years 11 and 12) with sound achievement (4, SA). Recommended Study: At least one of Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Earth Science, Geography or Maths C.
Guaranteed entry
If you receive an adjusted OP 1-5 (or equivalent selection rank), you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
Advanced standing
If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.
Deferment
You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.
More about deferring your offer
Adjustments to your selection rank
Any adjustments you receive to your selection rank (or OP equivalent) will be applied to this course.
Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your selection rank
Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2019
The scores listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent school leavers. If you are not a school leaver, take a look at the entry thresholds box at the top of this page to see the lowest adjusted scores required overall to receive an offer.
| Excluding adjustments | Including adjustments | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OP | Selection rank | OP | Selection rank | |
| Highest OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
1
|
Selection rank
99
|
OP
1
|
Selection rank
99
|
| Median OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
12
|
Selection rank
75
|
OP
11
|
Selection rank
77
|
| Lowest OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
18
|
Selection rank
64
|
OP
13
|
Selection rank
72
|
You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.
Other admission options
If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).
I completed my studies outside of Australia
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
Subject prerequisites
- Maths B
You must have achieved this study at a level comparable to Australian Year 12 or in recognised post-secondary studies. Recommended Study: At least one of Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Earth Science, Geography or Maths C.
I completed secondary school in Australia
Guide to entry thresholds
These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2019.
- OP
- 14
- Rank
- 70
Did you get an OP 1-5?
If you completed secondary school in Australia, received an OP 1-5 or equivalent and you meet the course prerequisites, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests.
| English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cambridge English Score
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. You must provide your Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number, these are printed on your Cambridge English Confirmation of Entry. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
|
IELTS Academic
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
|
Pearson PTE (Academic)
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. |
58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
|
TOEFL iBT
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. |
79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Haven't completed an English language test? We can help!
If you have not completed an English language test, you can sit the IELTS test at our IELTS test centre
Fees
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2020 fees
2020 CSP $9,500 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2020 fees
2020: To Be Advised
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
Find out more about undergraduate course fees
HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.
Scholarships
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
Real graduate
Find out what Katrina found the most rewarding about studying geology. Since graduating from her Bachelor of Applied Science degree, she's completed an internship on the PIXL project led by NASA scientist Dr Abigail Allwood, based at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. The PIXL is an instrument that's helping scientists look for signs of past microbial life on Mars.
Real graduate
Find out what Katrina found the most rewarding about studying geology. Since graduating from her Bachelor of Applied Science degree, she's completed an internship on the PIXL project led by NASA scientist Dr Abigail Allwood, based at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California. The PIXL is an instrument that's helping scientists look for signs of past microbial life on Mars.
