Why Study Geological Sciences?
Geology offers a professional scientific career for anyone who is interested in exploring and discovering some solutions to society's most challenging problems.
The Department of Geological Sciences at UCT offers a geology programme that covers a wide range of cutting-edge Earth science topics.
Research at UCT addresses major geological questions such as global tectonics and Gondwana evolution, mantle geochemistry, kimberlites and diamond formation, metamorphic processes and ore genesis, sedimentary systems, environmental geochemistry, and marine geology.
The department is exceptionally well equipped with modern analytical facilities, including XRF, electron microprobe, ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS, and stable isotope laboratories, giving students hands-on experience with advanced analytical techniques.
Together, this broad research scope and world-class infrastructure make UCT an excellent place to study geology and develop strong scientific, analytical and research skills.
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME
We offer a comprehensive undergraduate programme that trains and equips our students for a wide variety of employment opportunities. Students are exposed to strong research expertise in geochemistry, structural geology and tectonics, igneous and metamorphic petrology, sedimentology, marine geology, economic geology and geophysics. Our programme has a strong emphasis on field and practical laboratory experience.
POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES ON OFFER
At postgraduate level we offer a BSc in Honours, Master of Science in Geology (full dissertation) and PhD (full dissertation).
BSc Honours
This Honours programme comprises seven compulsory modules covering core areas of modern geoscience, including geochemistry, geophysics, economic and petroleum geology, petrology, palaeontology, tectonics, sedimentary basins, Quaternary geology, data interpretation, and scientific communication.
Students also complete a supervised research project, approved by the Honours Course Coordinator and Head of Department, providing hands-on research experience. The programme is complemented by a two-week field trip, giving practical exposure to real-world geological settings.
MSc
This course centres on an independent, supervised research project on an approved topic, culminating in the submission of a formal dissertation. Students develop advanced research skills, demonstrate a strong understanding of underlying scientific principles, and engage critically with relevant literature.
PhD
The PhD is an advanced research degree undertaken under the supervision of appointed experts within the Faculty. Candidates pursue original, in-depth research on an approved topic, developing independent scholarship at the highest academic level.
RESEARCH
Our aim in recruiting of academic staff has been to maintain expertise across the various fields of geology (including geophysics, and geochemistry) and in our research we try to maximise the benefit of living in a country with the finest geology on the planet.
One thing that has not changed in over 30 years is our commitment to producing high-quality analytical data using a variety of in-house facilities. In this we rely on our team of dedicated and highly-skilled scientific and technical staff.
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