Get expertise in the processes and properties of Earth
If you enjoy mathematics and physics, and working outdoors in the field, Geophysics is a great choice for you. Use mathematical techniques to explore our planet’s natural forces—from earthquakes and volcanoes to mountain-building, and the deep structure of our land.
You’ll explore the Earth's mineral and energy resources, research how Aotearoa New Zealand is put together, and look at volcanic and geothermal activity around the world.
You’ll also learn career-ready skills. Geophysicists are in demand for understanding and planning for natural hazards, to major engineering projects.
Choose your study path
To study postgraduate Geophysics, you should have majored in a subject like Earth Science, Mathematics, Data Science, or Physics for your undergraduate degree. Depending on your background, you might need to do extra third-year courses first.
Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
When you study by coursework, you’ll learn in a structured way through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams. When you do a research degree, you’ll do independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.
Focus on coursework
- Postgraduate Certificate in Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Coursework and research
- Bachelor of Science with Honours—Earth Sciences
- Master of Science (coursework)
Focus on research
- Master of Science (thesis)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Change focus to study Geophysics
If you don’t have the required quantitative background for entry to postgraduate study, you can study a Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Science to get the undergraduate courses you need in one of the relevant subject areas.
Contact us to talk about your options.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Geophysics at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Based in Wellington, you’ll be within easy access of the volcanic plateau to the north, glaciated landscapes to the South, and many other distinctive geological and geographic features throughout New Zealand.
Wellington is also the hub of earth science research in New Zealand—home to Public Research Organisations and Earth Sciences New Zealand, and Te Papa Tongarewa, our national museum. You'll have unique access to scientists involved in ongoing research programmes in these highly regarded institutions.
Future careers
A postgraduate qualification in Geophysics will open doors to many careers in New Zealand and overseas. You could work in:
- engineering, helping to understand the ground that roads or buildings will be constructed on
- environmental engineering, looking at issues like carbon sequestration
- energy and mineral resource exploration and development—for example, looking for hot fluids to find geothermal energy resources
- emergency and hazard management
- scientific research.
More career information
Find out more about careers in geophysics.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Geophysics
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This scholarship is offered to women graduates intending to study at Victoria University of Wellington in a course leading to a higher degree, which includes research in some field related to the general purpose of teaching or promoting the knowledge of home or domestic science among the women of New Zealand (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Education or Science).
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This scholarship has been established in honour of Sir Lloyd Geering to support students undertaking postgraduate study in Religious Studies. Sir Lloyd was the founding Professor of Religious Studies at Victoria University of Wellington in 1971. He contributed greatly to the study of religion in New Zealand and to thinking about transformations of religion in modernity. The horizons of his...
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These Scholarships, established in 2003 as The HOPE Foundation Scholarships, are intended to support scientists in the early stages of their careers conducting research into ageing. The name of the scholarships recognises the partnership between The HOPE Foundation for Research on Ageing and The Selwyn Foundation. These Foundations seek to encourage research into ageing phenomena both individual and societal, because...
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Postgraduate Geophysics
-
This scholarship is offered to women graduates intending to study at Victoria University of Wellington in a course leading to a higher degree, which includes research in some field related to the general purpose of teaching or promoting the knowledge of home or domestic science among the women of New Zealand (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Education or Science).
-
This scholarship has been established in honour of Sir Lloyd Geering to support students undertaking postgraduate study in Religious Studies. Sir Lloyd was the founding Professor of Religious Studies at Victoria University of Wellington in 1971. He contributed greatly to the study of religion in New Zealand and to thinking about transformations of religion in modernity. The horizons of his...
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The Jack Pearce Research Scholarship in History (the "scholarship") was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation and offers students the opportunity to gain postgraduate experience in the area of History.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Academic staff research areas
Calum Chamberlain
Senior Lecturer in Geophysics
Martha Savage
Professor
Rupert Sutherland
Professor of Geophysics and Tectonics
John Townend
Professor of Geophysics
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.