Master of Science in Geology

MSc (Geology)

Part 1: ESCI 580 plus 7 other approved courses (not PGEO 511), including at least 60 points from course groups 1 – 4 above. With the approval of the programme director up to 30 points of appropriate 400 level courses from the Science Faculty can be included in the programme of study (e.g., CHEM, BIOL, MATH, PHYG & PHYS).
Part 2: GEOL 591

MSc (Petroleum Geoscience)

Part 1:  PGEO 401, PGEO 511, PGEO 580, ESCI 403, ESCI 406, ESCI 407, ESCI 411
Part 2 : PGEO 591

Since 2006, VUW and the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences (GNS) have been offering a unique programme in the petroleum geosciences.

The programme produces graduate students with an extensive knowledge of the ways that various geological, geochemical and geophysical techniques are integrated and used in hydrocarbon exploration. In addition graduates are exposed to the latest techniques available to petroleum companies in the search for additional petroleum reserves. The programme is a first step on the path to an possible career in petroleum exploration and a solid foundation for future in-house training by companies.

The unique nature of the course lies in the relationship between VUW and GNS Science, a Crown Research Institute. GNS staff provide extensive commercial services to the domestic and international petroleum industry as well as leading world-class applied research programmes in petroleum geology. With strengths in basin evolution, seismic technology and petroleum system analysis using leading-edge software, the GNS team provide a unique industry/research crossover to the course.

The Geology group in VUW’s School of Earth Sciences have an excellent record in teaching and research in a vide variety of geological, geophysical and geochemical areas.

The diversity and complexity of NZ’s petroleum systems provide a unique training ground for the petroleum geoscientist. The programme takes an integrative approach based around basin analysis and tectonics, using both geological, geochemical and geophysical techniques. The joint nature of the courses allows students to be taught by VUW staff and specialists at GNS. During their research project, students become integrated with GNS petroleum research projects, working with multi-disciplinary teams on exploration challenges. Another distinctive facet of the proposed programme is that students are able to get experience with industry-standard software, equipment and facilities at GNS.

A further strength of the course is its development in collaboration with industry. The petroleum industry is involved in steering course content and project selection in order to ensure relevance, and companies will contribute specialists to deliver occasional seminars to students. Additional support through collaborative projects, case studies and placements occurs.

Timetable

This is a two year programme. In the first year students undertake a series of courses including: Basin Analysis, where the process of integrating geological, geochemical and geophysical data to understand a basin’s history and petroleum potential is reviewed; and Technical Petroleum Geoscience, which exposes students to GNS Science’s state of the art facilities. Teaching starts in March every year.

In their second year students undertake a project associated with some aspect of petroleum geoscience. This is jointly supervised by staff from GNS Science and VUW.

Entrance Requirements

VUW Students

Either 90 points from ESCI 301-399 including ESCI 340 (or 341 and 342) or 84 points in approved courses from GEOL 300-399 including 24 points from GEOL 341-344.

Usually a B average is required at third year level.

All Other Students

A good BSc in Geology or Geophysics with strengths in Stratigraphy, Structure and if possible Geophysics.

Students who believe they have a suitable background for the programme, but are not covered above (such as those who already hold a honours degree in geology) will be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact Michael Hannah (e-mail address below) as soon as possible.

Students intending to apply must do so before the end of February in the year of the course.

For additional information contact:

* VUW: Tim Stern (tim.stern@vuw.ac.nz)