Master of Geoscience

The Master of Geoscience provides graduate level coursework and training in specialised streams of geoscience. Graduates from a broad range of scientific backgrounds undertake intensive specialised subjects in geoscience, business and leadership topics taught by leading academics and industry professionals to gain expertise and professional skills in these fields.

Students have the opportunity to study core and elective subjects in a range of geoscientific fields at leading Australian Universities through established shared local and national teaching programs.

This program is intended to expand on an undergraduate degree in Geoscience for entry into a professional workplace, or professionals wishing to up-skill in their chosen field.

Only mid-year applications will be accepted for 2016. The first intake into the Master of Geoscience will begin the course in Semester 2.

On successful completion of this course, students will be equipped with:

• Discipline-specific knowledge and expertise in a range of geoscience fields including theoretical science, recent developments and their applicability to professional practice and research
• The cognitive and technical skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise geoscientific information, concepts and theories and to apply this knowledge in a professional workplace
• Ability to effectively justify and communicate interpretations, methodologies and conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences

Students must complete 200 pts including:

Discipline Core subjects (75-112.5 points)

Core Practical Work (50 points)

Professional Skills subjects (37.5-62.5 points)

Optional Research Project (25 points)

Discipline Core

Students must select between 75 pts and 112.5 pts from the following subjects. Up to 50 pts of which can be level 3 subjects. Normally students would be expected to take 25 pts of level 3 subjects in the first semester of their program, unless they have already taken the relevant subjects or their equivalents:

Core Practical

Students must take all of the following subjects:

Professional Skills

Students must select between 37.5 pts and 62.5 pts of professional skills subjects from the following list:

Research Project

Subject to student performance in Practical Earth Science A and accompanying coursework, and subject to supervisor availability, a student may undertake a 25 point research project. This project would be designed for students who demonstrate high aptitude and potential for research.

The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria:

• an undergraduate degree in Science with a major in Geology/Earth Science
• weighted average mark of at least H3 (65%) in the best 50 points in appropriate discipline studies at third year
• meet the Melbourne Graduate School of Science English language requirements for MSc (http://futurestudents.unimelb.edu.au/admissions/entry-requirements/language-requirements/graduate-toefl-ielts)
• appropriate prerequisite studies for the Masters subjects to be undertaken

The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and may call for referee reports or employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider prior academic performance.

The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

If the optional research project is completed, there is the possibility of admission to the PhD degree.

Graduates will:

• have the ability to demonstrate advanced independent critical enquiry, analysis and reflection;
• have a strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarship;
• have in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s);
• reach a high level of achievement in writing, research or project activities, problem-solving and communication;
• be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning;
• be able to examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines;
• have a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment;
• be able to initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces

• The ability to interact in a cross-cultural environment
• The ability to develop time and project management skills
• The ability to exercise critical judgement and operate in both a team environment and/or with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability