A Geology major will provide the springboard for students entering careers or research any area in which an understanding of how the planet functions is required. This includes fundamental research into geological processes, including palaeoclimate change, geodynamics, ore deposit formation, and the environment. Careers outside research can be wide-ranging and include the minerals exploration industry, petroleum industry, environmental consulting and management. Graduates will be prepared for these pathways by developing skills in acquiring and interpreting geological information, which are crucial to being prepared to make contributions in laboratories, in consulting roles in industry, or in policy/decision making in management.

This major will integrate knowledge from a range of disciplines from field-based studies to more theoretical aspects of rocks, minerals and their behaviour during Earth processes. Students will complete a sequence of specialist subjects as well as integrated subjects in which they develop an understanding of how these may be applied to solve outstanding questions about how the Earth works, including the competing problems of resource consumption (air, water, minerals, energy) and the environment. Students will gain experience preparing them for the workplace by participating in hands-on project work that requires careful time management and the clear communication of results.

There is always strong demand for our Geology major graduates in the petroleum, mineral and environmental industries, in jobs including consulting, operations, research and mineral exploration.

Employers include BHP, CSIRO, Shell and DELWP Victoria.