Earth Sciences
An understanding of earth and ocean sciences is vital if we are to sustainably manage Earth’s energy, water, mineral, soil and coastal resources. The earth sciences are also the key to predicting and managing natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, tsunami, landslides and volcanic eruptions.
Earth Sciences at Waikato includes the study of coastal and marine science, climate change, soil science, hydrology, volcanology, sedimentary geology and engineering geology. Graduates in Earth Sciences go on to a diverse range of careers in environmental and resource management as well as research.
Career Opportunities
- Coastal Resource Manager
- Engineering Geologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Geologist
- Hydrologist
- Soil Conservator
- Volcanologist
- Water Resource Manager
RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
School subjects required
There are no specific subjects you need to study at secondary school to study Earth Sciences at Waikato.
PLANNING YOUR DEGREE
To complete a major in Earth Sciences, students must complete 120 points above Level 100, including 60 points above Level 200 from compulsory Earth Sciences papers.
Year 1
100 Level – Papers are worth 15 points.
Students wishing to major in Earth Sciences or a related field should choose the two core papers:
Prerequisites
» ERTH103 – Discovering Planet Earth
» ERTH104 – Earth and Ocean Environments
Year 2
200 Level – Papers are worth either 10 or 20 points.
Choose at least 60 points at 200 Level in Earth Sciences papers.
Year 3
300 Level – Papers are worth either 10 or 20 points.
Choose at least 60 points at 300 Level in Earth Sciences papers.
The other papers needed to complete the requirements of the BSc and BSc(Tech) degrees may come
from further optional papers in Earth Sciences, other science subjects or may even include a few
papers from other faculties/schools of studies.
