Earth Science – Bachelor of Science

Massey University

New Zealand, Palmerston North

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Massey University

New Zealand , Palmerston North

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Manawatū campus (Palmerston North)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesMay-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 3 year(s)

Tuition Fee

NZD 38,680 / year

Next Intake May-2026

Earth Science – Bachelor of Science

About

Specialise in Earth Science for your Bachelor of Science at Massey

Massey’s Bachelor of Science (Earth Science) will take you on a journey of understanding the processes that moulded our planet. From our landscapes to our geological resources and soils, it’s a huge area to cover, leading to fascinating and varied careers.

Understand how the world works

You’ll develop an appreciation of the immensity of geological time. You’ll graduate with cutting-edge skills and the ability to predict future changes in the Earth’s surface such as natural disasters, climate change and water contamination.

Earth scientists are discovering hydrocarbon and mineral resources. They are establishing policy in resource management, environmental protection, public health, safety, and welfare.

World-leading in Earth, soil science and volcanology

We’ll take you beyond traditional geology. Massey University is one of the few places in the world with a research group that examines the combination of Earth and soil science. We are at the forefront in environmental geochemistry and the evolving discipline of hydrology.

Massey has a focus on finding innovative solutions to environmental issues. You’ll get an insight into the connections between geology, soil science and the environment. You’ll explore metals and plants, sustainable mining and remediation.

Massey is the number one place to study Earth Science if you’re interested in volcanoes. We have a large number of internationally renowned volcanology experts. You’ll get to explore this exciting and life-saving area through field trips to volcanoes in the Central North Island. We also have unique equipment that mimics volcanic ash flow.

Topics

Advanced Earth science topics include:

understanding geological structures
understanding New Zealand geology
stratigraphy, sedimentology and paleoenvironments
volcanology and mineralogy
plate tectonics
pedology and quaternary geology
geographic information systems
remote sensing
field work.

Further study

If you successfully complete this qualification you could progress to study a Master of Science.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission to Massey

All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.

Massey University entry requirements

Specific requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this qualification, outside of university admission regulations. However, there is some expected background knowledge.

Expected high school preparation

Knowledge gained in the following NCEA subjects (or the equivalent in Cambridge International Examinations, International Baccalaureate, or similar) will give you the expected background knowledge to take this major.

At least 16 credits in NCEA Level 2 Mathematics from the following list of standards: 91256, 91257, 91258, 91259, 91260, 91261, 91262, 91269.

If it’s some time since you studied mathematics at school you can find out if you have the required background by taking this maths quiz.

English language requirements

To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.

Massey University English language requirements

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?

Haven’t studied the right subjects at high school?

The following pathways will get you prepared to study this major. If you have not studied NCEA Level 2 Mathematics (or equivalent) take one of the following courses first:

124103 Biophysical Principles or
160104 Introductory Mathematics for Science.

These courses (or equivalents) are available in the summer semester and will count towards credits in your degree.

English Program Requirements

English Evidence Academic IELTS^: 6.0 overall and minimum 5.5 in each band

English Evidence TOEFL iBT: Overall score 80, minimum 19 in Writing

English Evidence Pearson Test of English (PTE): 50 overall and minimum 42 in each communicative skills

Career

Massey University Earth Science graduates are employed in many varied positions around the world, including in:

various Crown Research Institutes
regional councils (land and water resources),
teaching
universities
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 BSc will allow you to choose from a wide range of specialist postgraduate qualifications throughout New Zealand and overseas.

Research scientists have specialised in geochemistry, paleomagnetism (the Earth's past magnetic fluctuations), palynology (fossil pollen), volcanology, phytoremediation (using plants to remove pollutants from soils), pedology, soil pollution, and groundwater.

Earn more

A 2017 Ministry of Education publication, The post-study earnings and destinations of young domestic graduates showed that those who complete a qualification in a science, agriculture, technology, computer science, engineering or mathematics field of study have high relative earnings after they complete their study compared to the national median. Earnings can be substantially more than other graduates.