Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences

Environmentally friendly.

An understanding of the Earth and ocean sciences is vital if we are to sustainably manage Earth’s energy, water, mineral, soil, coastal and biological resources. The Earth and ocean sciences are also the key to predicting and managing natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, tsunami, landslides and volcanic eruptions.

The Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences is uniquely placed to offer a thorough grounding in all aspects of the earth and ocean sciences. We are situated close to both North Island coasts, a short drive from the active Taupo Volcanic Zone, at the heart of the richest New Zealand farming region, and have New Zealand's longest river on our doorstep.

The teaching programme in the department provides an opportunity for students in their first year to develop a broad understanding of Earth's systems, and then in following years to increase the depth of their studies in areas such as coastal and marine science, engineering geology, environmental engineering science, environmental monitoring and management, geo-resource exploration, global environmental change, hydrology and water resource management, meteorology, natural hazards, oceanography, sedimentary geology and tectonics, soil and land resource management and volcanology. Find out more about the related major subjects, Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences.    

We offer a learning experience that goes beyond the laboratory and lecture room - and out into the world.

Science & Engineering - Creating the Future!