Subject to CUAP approval
This qualification is subject to approval by the Committee on University Academic Programmes (CUAP).
Where you can study
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
Specialise in Geoscience for your Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science at Massey
We are all aware of the challenges facing humanity today. We must safeguard life on Earth and facilitate the crucial transition towards achieving a balance between economic prosperity and environmental stewardship.
The Geoscience major of the Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science relates to fundamental aspects of geoscience and geospatial science, with a strong focus on natural hazards and the impacts of Earth’s changing climate.
A Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science in Geoscience is a good fit if you:
- Want to find innovative solutions for the critical hazards facing Aotearoa New Zealand and the world today.
- Care deeply about how we can create a more sustainable future
- Are a problem solver with a deep appreciation of our Earth’s systems and structures.
Planning information
If you study full time, in the first year you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school if you wish. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
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 qualification 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 qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Course planning key
- Prerequisites
- Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
- Corequisites
- Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
- Restrictions
- Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.
Core courses for the Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science core courses
Geoscience courses
Course code: 121200 Environmental Monitoring and Field Skills 15 credits
A practical course focusing on ‘hands-on’ skills to develop proficiency with important tools, techniques and technologies used to monitor the environment and capture data to explore the dynamics of Earth systems. Analysis, interpretation, and application of field data to real world environmental management scenarios forms an important part of the course.
View full course detailsCourse code: 121310 Environmental Solutions 15 credits
A consideration of technology and innovation that can be used to measure, manage and mitigate environmental risks to soil and water. Theory and practical exercises based on New Zealand case studies equip students with numerical skills necessary to monitor and evaluate environmental quality. A student-led project allows in-depth study of a New Zealand environmental issue of particular relevance to community.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233209 Earth’s Critical Resources 15 credits
This course offers essential insights into how Earth’s resources shape our environment, emphasising the critical importance of natural resources and environmental management. It delves into the composition of planet Earth, exploring the processes that govern its formation and the distribution of important minerals. This course explores the fundamental principles of the dynamic processes that drive the evolution of the surface of our planet, and the pivotal role of minerals in sustaining life on our planet.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233215 Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 15 credits
Erosion and sediment transport pose significant challenges for Aotearoa New Zealand's landscapes. This course delves into the processes driving changes in mountains, hillslopes, rivers, coastal, and marine environments as sediment is eroded, transported, and deposited. Moreover, we will explore the potential impacts of climate change on these processes and landforms. The course equips students with methods to analyse and forecast landform changes and sediment transport, laying the groundwork for effectively managing geomorphic issues that impact society and the environment.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233309 Earth's Changing Climate 15 credits
This course will focus on analysing recent climate reconstructions to gain insights into our current environment and to predict future changes. Understanding these trends is crucial for effective climate adaptation in environmental management. The course will delve into the investigation and reconstruction of past environments across diverse geological time frames and settings.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233313 Earth Systems 15 credits
Quantification, forecasting, visualisation and communication of geoscience system dynamics to solve a range of environmental problems. Problems explored range from environmental pollution and instability of geoengineering structures to problems posed by gravity currents, landslides, tsunamis, floods and coastline changes. Students will learn to solve these geoscience problems quantitatively using modern computational, experimental, and analytical techniques.
View full course detailsCourse code: 233314 Remote Sensing and Earth Observation 15 credits
Principles and applications of Earth observation, remote sensing and spectroscopy in earth and environmental sciences. Spatial mapping and image classification of imagery from a variety of Earth observation and airborne sensors and other observations that contribute to monitoring terrestrial environments. Students will learn how to access, interpret and utilise such satellite and airborne imagery.
View full course detailsCourse code: 247220 Pūtaiao: Mātauranga and the Environment 15 credits
This course will explore common Te Ao Māori values associated with Māori environmental management and provide practical experiences with assessing and monitoring our unique environments from a Māori and Iwi perspective. Students will be provided with opportunities to understand the holistic nature of Māori cultural concepts and engage with cutting edge Pūtaiao experiences.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for the Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science (Geoscience), outside of university admission regulations.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Can't meet the entry requirements?
If it’s some time since you have studied mathematics at school you can find out if you have the required background by taking this maths quiz.
Haven’t studied the right subjects at high school?
The following pathways will get you prepared to study this qualification. If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Biology (or equivalent) take the following course first:
- 162103 Introductory Biology
If you have not studied NCEA Level 3 Chemistry (or equivalent) take the following course first:
- 123103 Chemistry for Modern Sciences.
These courses are available in summer school and can be taken as a Certificate in Science and Technology or Certificate of Proficiency. One 100-level course can be counted as an elective towards the Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science.
Fees and scholarships
Fees, student loans and free fees scheme
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.
- Get an estimate of the tuition fees for your qualification
- View a list of non-tuition fees that may be payable
Already know which courses you're going to choose?
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
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 can find their National Student Number in the student portal.
- Student loans (StudyLink)
- Fees Free
- Student portal
Scholarship and award opportunities
Search our scholarships and awardsFees disclaimer
This information is for estimation purposes only. Actual fees payable will be finalised on confirmation of enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, all fees shown are quoted in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax, if any. Before relying on any information on these pages you should also read the University's Disclaimer Notice.
Careers and job opportunities
Geoscience graduates are needed in many varied positions around the world, including:
- regional councils (land and water resources)
- teaching, at all levels
- consultancy
- science in the petroleum and petrochemical industries
- sustainable mining
- resource management
- hazards research
- land rehabilitation
- engineering geology.
If you are interested in a research career, Massey’s Bachelor of Earth and Environmental Science will allow you to choose from a wide range of specialist postgraduate qualifications throughout New Zealand and overseas.
Related study options
Useful planning information
Key information for students
Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions. Learn more on careers.govt.nz