Apply your knowledge to real-world issues
You will gain skills in dealing with often-complex Earth systems, evaluate current research and apply your knowledge to real-world issues. You will get to work in some really amazing places around the world.
The Master of Science (Earth Science) at Massey University will develop your skills in a field and laboratory environment that is focused on solutions to Earth science-based issues facing society.
Massey’s expertise in environmental geochemistry includes remediation of contaminated sites, phytomining, mine sites and land reclamation.
You can learn from – and build on – our expertise in the societal impacts of earth events, such as volcanic activity. These include social, economic, infrastructure and the impact on local communities including iwi.
You’ll gain transferable skills that will be useful in many different careers. These include observation skills, advanced ability in data collection, analysis and interpretation, problem-solving and lateral thinking skills, self-motivation and resilience, teamwork as well as developing high-level written and verbal communication skills.
Massey University Earth science staff are actively researching and are members of internationally-relevant related groups. Many also have extensive industry experience, through either employment or consultancy. They bring this expertise to your teaching.
This master’s includes an in-depth research project, where you will be able to explore an aspect of Earth science that interests you.
We have a range of specialised equipment which is available to you for your research and study.
International trends are for employers to reward postgraduate study well, especially in larger enterprises. The skills you learn are increasingly recognised as setting you apart from other potential employees.
The unique combination of topics within the Massey Master of Science (Earth Science) will equip you with nationally and internationally transferable skills applicable to a wide range of challenges relevant to Earth science.
Jobs related to this degree include hydrocarbon and mineral exploration, environmental assessment and remediation, soil and land use assessment, volcanic hazards and applications utilising remote sensing and GIS skills.
Alternatively, the MSc in Earth Science is an excellent preparation for proceeding to either a higher degree (PhD) or specialist degrees in related fields (e.g. geophysics and engineering geology).
A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates, found that in New Zealand:
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
To enter the Master of Science (180 or 240 credits) programme you will:
To enter the 120 credit Master of Science programme you will have been awarded or qualified with a minimum B average for either of the following:
To study this programme you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
For information on prior learning, exemptions and transfer of credit or other questions:
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, we have courses and programmes that may help.
From the Schedule to the Degree including:
A specialisation (subject) is compulsory. Most subjects require 180 credits.
These subjects require 240 credits:
Other subjects may require 240 credits if you choose a 120 credit thesis
Advanced entry: Those who have already completed specified qualifications in advance of the minimum entry requirements may be able to complete this degree by undertaking a 120 credit thesis.
See ‘Courses for this programme’ below for schedules of courses.
| 15 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 119728 | Research Methods in Animal, Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences | 15 |
| 119729 | Research Methods | 15 |
| 233701 | Advanced Pedology | 30 |
| 233705 | Volcanology and Tephrochronology | 30 |
| 233706 | Environmental Geographical Information Systems | 30 |
| 233707 | Environmental Remote Sensing | 30 |
| 233708 | Geochemistry | 30 |
| 233709 | Advanced Sedimentology | 30 |
| 233710 | Geology, Hazard & Society; Environmental Geology A | 15 |
| 233711 | Applied Environmental Geology; Environmental Geology B | 15 |
| 233721 | Global Climate Change | 15 |
| 233722 | Advanced Quaternary Geology | 15 |
| 233799 | Research Report | 30 |
| 247782 | Special Topic | 15 |
| 247783 | Special Topic | 15 |
| 120 credits | ||
|---|---|---|
| 233897 | Thesis 120 Credit Part 1 | 60 |
| 233898 | Thesis 120 Credit Part 2 | 60 |
| 233899 | Thesis | 120 |
| At least 60 credits from | ||
|---|---|---|
| 233870 | Research Report | 60 |
| 233871 | Thesis 90 Credit Part 1 | 45 |
| 233872 | Thesis 90 Credit Part 2 | 45 |
| 233875 | Thesis | 90 |
If you study full-time, you’ll take 120 credits per year or 60 credits per semester.
The Master of Science (Earth Science) is a parts-based qualification. That means you must complete the first part, before moving to the second.
The first part gives you good knowledge and skills that will help you with the research part of your qualification. You must pass Part One before you can progress to Part Two.
For progression to Part Two of the Master of Science, a B grade average is needed for the Part One courses.
There are maximum time limits to complete postgraduate qualifications. If you do not complete within the maximum time, you may be required to re-apply for the programme if you wish to continue your studies.
Where your qualification is completed within the stated time limit and to a high standard, you may be able to graduate with a class of Honours, Distinction or Merit.
Your tuition fees may be different depending on the courses you choose. Your exact fees will show once you have chosen your courses.
There will also be some compulsory non-tuition fees and for some courses, there may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
If you already know which courses you are going to take, you can use our fees calculator to get an estimate of your fees.
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme and your eligibility on the Fees Free website. To use the site's eligibility checking tool, you will need your National Student Number.
Current and returning Massey students will find their National Student Number on their student homepage.
Associate Professor Gert Lube leads the nationally and internationally well-recognised Physical Volcanology and Geological Fluid Mechanics research group. This includes Massey’s globally unique volcanic eruption simulator facility PELE. Gert’ addresses cutting-edge fundamental and applied research problems that cross the boundaries between geosciences, volcanology and physics. This includes better understanding the processes of volcanic eruptions to help predict future events and the propagation of avalanches (debris, mud, ice or snow). He is an Associate Editor for the peer-reviewed science journal Bulletin of Volcanology. At Massey Gert teaches into topics such as plate tectonics, seismology, volcanology and sediment transport in classroom and field-based courses.
Associate Professor Gert Lube
Associate Professor in Physical Volcanology
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.
Review this important information before you apply for this programme. This gives you full details of the rules and regulations about what you need to study and what you must achieve in order to graduate with this qualification. That includes structure, courses and requirements. These regulations should be read in conjunction with all other Statutes and Regulations of the University including the below.
General Regulations for Postgraduate Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Postgraduate Certificates.
If you are ready to apply, have a look at our application checklist. It will help you get prepared with what you need. Please also check the entry requirements carefully before you apply.
You will apply for the programme using the Apply now button on this page. You’ll also choose your specialisation (major, subject or endorsement) if applicable.
Some programmes have additional requirements such as the submission of a portfolio or CV. Click on Apply now and you will be able to submit those documents as part of the application process.
You will receive an Admission Offer of Place when you have been accepted into the programme. You need to accept this before you can enrol in your courses. International students also need to pay their fees at this point.
You’ll then get access to your own student homepage (also known as the student portal). This is where you can enrol in courses. Any updates on your application or enrolments will also be on your student homepage. Make sure you check this regularly.
When you choose courses, ensure you check for any requirements that apply including:
Each of our courses has its own webpage where you can find this information. You can use our course search to find course pages.
More information on courses is in the ‘Courses for this programme’ section on this page.
You can find information on application due dates and semester dates on the key dates page.
We look forward to welcoming you to Massey!
If you have any questions, contact us through the Enquire button on this page.
Each Massey programme is made up of courses (in some tertiary institutions they are called ‘papers’).
You will have some compulsory courses and some you can choose from.
Each course is worth a certain amount of credits (often 15 credits, but this does vary). You must gain a set number of credits to be able to graduate from this programme.
There may also be some rules about which courses you need to pass to progress to the next year, or stage, of your study (known as progression). There are also courses you must pass to graduate with a specialisation.
The first three digits of our course numbers show you which subject the course is about.
The second three digits show you the level and course ID number. For instance:
| 1 | 6 | 2 | . | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Subject area | Level | Course ID number | |||||
Use this tool to help determine how much time you will need each week to complete your studies.
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the programme or specialisation you enrolled in may no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these programmes go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Enquire button on this page if you have any questions.
There are a number of scholarships available for new and current students. They could relate to your situation, achievement or interest.