Master of Earth Sciences(Advanced)
Study Earth Sciences at ANU
Why do droughts happen? What can we learn from life found in deep-sea volcanoes? The Master of Earth Sciences (Advanced) is your opportunity to explore the forces shaping the mountains, oceans, atmosphere and lands of earth for work in research, policy and management roles.
Study an Earth Sciences masters degree at Australia's national university and work with award winning scientists in the Research School of Earth Sciences as you study the delicate balance of life on our planet. Build your skills in conducting research to better understand mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and other fundamental areas of knowledge in the study of earth sciences.
Your education will be flexible, practical and highly interactive. You will learn from teams working on a variety of earth science projects including the acquisition and interpretation of seismological data, the use of machine learning to better understand geological history, and the study of deep earth in deep time.
Key facts
What you'll learn
The Master of Earth Sciences (Advanced) is a two year program that provides you with the opportunity to consider the breadth and diversity of research topics within earth sciences to find a study area you are passionate about. You can explore biogeochemistry, ocean and climate change, seismology and mathematical geophysics, and experimental petrology.
This two year degree program balances coursework studies alongside a significant research project supervised by an academic, and is a gateway to further research, such as a PhD.
What it's like to study Earth Sciences
Welcome to a geologist's paradise
Jack shares highlights from his three-week intensive geological field mapping course on the Greek islands.
Earth Science internship is a win-win
The Research School of Earth Sciences has launched a pilot internship program in the mining industry. Gain practical experience on mine sites and analyse minerals in the lab.
Virtual tour
Explore ANU science places, classrooms, laboratories and more through our interactive virtual tour.
Meet some of your teachers
Associate Professor Dr Rhodri Davies, Program convener
Over the past 10 years, Rhodri has developed sophisticated tools for simulating mantle convection, whilst also demonstrating the power of these to improve our understanding of mantle dynamics.
Professor Penny King
Penny examines the interaction of planetary materials with gases and the role of these processes in understanding the evolution of planetary environments and surfaces. Her areas of expertise are Geology, Geochemistry, Surface Processes and Mineralogy and Crystallography.
Professor Andy Hogg
Andy's research interests centre on physical processes governing the ocean and climate. His research focuses on Ocean Modelling, the Southern Ocean, Ocean Eddies and, Energy and mixing in the Ocean.
Professor Nerilie Abram
Nerilie's research focuses on how the Earth’s climate has behaved over the last millennium, and what that tells us about the climate changes we are seeing now. The past climate records that she develops come from corals, caves and ice cores, and she combine these with climate model data to study climate changes.
Earth Sciences careers
As a graduate, you will be highly employable for work in research, policy and management roles in Australia and across the world, including:
- Project management
- Research and analysis
- Education and community awareness,
- Policy.
A Master of Earth Sciences (Advanced) is an excellent qualification for pursuing a career in tectonics, geochronology, mineral exploration and hydrocarbon exploration.
Students graduate with the ability to carry out research on earth sciences in university, industry or government research institutions. Many staff in the school have strong links with industry, government and other relevant agencies to help support student research and career pathways.
The degree also prepares you for opportunities in scientific, biological, geological, geotechnical, meteorological, resource management and similar companies, or in government and public service positions.
The Australian National University has been ranked as the top university for graduate employability in Australia in the Global University Employability Ranking 2020. As a student at ANU, you gain access to the ANU CareerHub – an online career development and employability tool that includes a jobs board and careers resources. You also have access to drop-in chats with a career consultant and to attend our career fairs to meet potential employers.
Fees & scholarships
Tuition fees: Tuition fees
Scholarships: Scholarships
ANU offers many scholarships both to overcome disadvantage and to recognise academic merit.
Watch the webinar
How to apply
Understand the entry requirements
- Check domestic admission dates on the ANU Study website.
- Check admission requirements and deadlines for this degree on the Handbook website. Read the requirements carefully to make sure you understand them.
- You must also meet the University's English language admission requirements.
Gather supporting documents
If you graduated from an Australian university, UAC will be able to access your results in most cases. However, you may be asked to provide transcripts or other documentation, so it is a good idea to prepare your records just in case.
You can still apply before you complete your bachelor degree if you are in your final year, and you must advise UAC in your application. You may need to provide a copy of your academic transcript directly to UAC as soon as you complete your degree. UAC will provide instructions during the application process.
Submit an application
Start your application on the Universities Admissions Centre website.
Receive an offer
All offers are made through UAC and are released on a rolling basis. You can access your offers and correspondence by logging into your UAC account.
Accept your offer
Once you receive an offer it is very important that you accept it to ensure your place at ANU is reserved.
Understand the entry requirements
- Check international admission dates on the ANU Study website.
- Check admission requirements and deadlines for this degree on the Handbook website. Read the requirements carefully to make sure you understand them.
- You must also meet the University's English language admission requirements.
Prepare entry requirements & support documents
When you apply to ANU, you must be prepared to provide specific documents that we need to assess your application.
Submit your application
Start your application on the ANU Admissions website.
Receive an offer
There are three assessment rounds in each semester. Applying in the first round will give you three opportunities to be assessed and accepted, giving you the best chance of being offered a place at ANU.
Accept your offer
Accept the offer and enrol at ANU!
Need more information?
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