Earth Sciences // Structure

The School of Earth Sciences offers a wide variety of one-week theory/practical or field studies from which to choose; typically there are 30 such short courses available each year, of which candidates must complete 12. These are offered within the formal 12.5 point subjects listed for the MSc (Earth Sciences), all of which are available to Postgraduate Diploma students with authorisation from the coordinator. Please see the MSc (Earth Sciences) handbook entry. This allows the Postgraduate Diploma candidate to specialise in a particular aspect of Earth Science or attain more broadly-based expertise.

In addition to the coursework requirement (75 points), the Postgraduate Diploma also requires the completion of a literature review and minor thesis (25 points).

Candidates who attain an average mark of over 65% may be eligible to upgrade their studies to the Master of Science (MSc) or honours degree.

Two options are available regarding your research topic:

1. You may have your own research topic and dataset in mind, particularly if you are coming from industry.
2. You may wish to undertake a research project offered by one of the many academics within the School of Earth Sciences.

In both cases you can contact the Postgraduate Coursework Coordinator directly at mesc-coord@earthsci.unimelb.edu.au who will direct your enquiry to the appropriate specialist in the School of Earth Sciences, or you can investigate the Earth Sciences staff members on this website and contact them directly http://www.earthsci.unimelb.edu.au/