Unravel the mysteries of our planet’s past, present, and future
Learn how environmental and physical forces shape our landscapes. Explore the processes and systems that influence natural hazards, resources, the environment, and climate—from the effects of shifting tectonic plates, to the power of volcanic eruptions, to the significance of ancient climates.
Learn how to use field observations and analysis to understand the natural hazards and powerful forces that shape our country and the planet.
Explore the Earth’s history, including past climates, dinosaurs, and the origin and evolution of life. Look at how the constant evolution of landscapes affect us—and how people change and impact the land.
What you’ll learn
In your first year, your Earth Science courses give you a flavour of the different subjects that make up the broad field of Earth Science. You’ll get an introduction to:
- physical geography
- geology
- geophysics
- climate science
- environmental science.
After your first year, you can choose courses to focus on one of these areas. Or, you can continue to take courses in several areas that interest you.
Tailor your programme to suit how you like to learn—whether you're someone who likes being outside in the field, or you prefer classroom and lab-based work. You’ll also have the chance to get into specialised software like Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Choose your study path
At undergraduate level, you can study Earth Science as a major or minor in either the Bachelor of Science or the Bachelor of Environment and Society. Think about what other subjects you are interested in to decide which is right for you.
Double majors with Earth Science
Earth Science makes an excellent double major with another Science subject. In Earth Science, you’ll look at the Earth through the lens of other scientific disciplines. A double major gives you the chance to reinforce your learning in both subjects.
Earth Science combines well with:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Ecology and Biodiversity
- Environmental Science
- Geography
- Physics.
Degree 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.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Earth Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
The analysis and thinking skills that you’ll learn in Earth Science will be useful in many occupations, including:
- environment or land management
- geospatial data analyst
- hazard and risk analysis
- technical roles.
You could find work in:
- local and regional councils
- the government sector
- mining or mineral exploration
- private consultancy
- a Public Research Organisation in a role identifying and mitigating natural hazards, for example.
More career information
Find out more about careers in Earth Science.
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 first-year and school-leaver 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 Earth Science
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Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
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 offer 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 Earth Science
-
Applicants must be of Pacific descent, be enrolled, or intending to enrol, in undergraduate or postgraduate studies, majoring in one or more of the following areas: Climate Change Science and Policy, Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Ecology and Biodiversity, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Marine Biology, or Marine Conservation, and have a minimum GPA of GPA of 6.5. Applicants may be studying...
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Join the Geology Society
As a Geology student, you’ll be able to join the Geology Society—a very active community of current and past students, as well as staff.
Join field trips, attend social events, and connect with a large group of earth science-minded people.
Postgraduate study
If you get good grades in your undergraduate degree you could continue to further study. Earth Science can give you a pathway to further study in:
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.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.