Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Geology and Palaeontology

University of Adelaide

Australia, Adelaide

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Duration4 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 38,094 / year(s)

Next IntakeJuly 5, 2026

Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Geology and Palaeontology

About

Our Bachelor of Science (Honours) is practical and future-focused. You’ll build strong scientific reasoning, data handling and problem-solving skills.

In the Geology and Palaeontology major, you’ll study Earth’s history – and what’s going on below the surface. How do mountain ranges, ocean basins and fossils form? Why have climates changed over time? What triggers mass extinctions?

You'll gather data to tackle these questions and more in the laboratory. Field trips will take you to important fossil sites like the Ikara-Flinders Ranges and the Naracoorte Caves – home to Australia’s giant extinct mammals.

You’ll learn how to identify minerals, fossils and formations. Study mapping, stratigraphy and sampling. Network with geology and palaeontology experts. Apply your learning in real settings, through research projects, fieldwork, extended camps and professional placements.

In your final year, you’ll complete an independent honours project. This will enhance your research skills and help you stand out when you graduate.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program in an undergraduate diploma (AQF level 5) or higher. This degree requires a Grade Point Average (GPA) equivalent to an Adelaide University 5.0 on a 7-point scale for entry.

English Program Requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 | IELTS Reading 6 | IELTS Listening 6 | IELTS Speaking 6 | IELTS Writing 6

Career

Career outcomes

Geologists and palaeontologists do so much more than work in museums. You could monitor how building projects affect nearby wetlands, testing soil and water on-site. You might help protect fossil beds in desert ranges, recording ancient remains. Perhaps you’ll share science knowledge in schools or outreach programs, hyping up younger generations with cool dinosaur facts.

You could also be a:

Geoscientist
Micro-palaeontologist
Exploration geologist
Geological surveyor
Climate change analyst
Museum collections manager
Vertebrate palaeontologist
Energy geoscientist
Environmental policy analyst.

Or, go on to complete your master’s or a PhD in palaeontology.

Industry trends

Geologists and Earth scientists have skills that are in demand across many industries. They understand how the Earth’s biological, chemical and physical systems work together over time.

In mining and energy, they build models to locate resources. They guide soil and water assessments for agriculture. Governments rely on them for surveys, disaster planning and environmental advice.

Because of this, employment growth remains steady, with an expected increase of 700 roles annually across industries like mining, energy and environmental consulting in Australia (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024).

Completing an honours year will give you advanced research experience and make you more employable in this in-demand field.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

38,094 / year(s)

Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Geology and Palaeontology

University of Adelaide

Australia, Adelaide

Go to Official Website