Study with us
Geology offers a professional scientific career for anyone who is interested in discovering and developing the Earth's resources. It is a wealth-generating occupation essential to the economies of modern nations.
Our Degree Programs
Geology is a multi- faceted science, offering a wide variety of employment opportunities, working environments and the chance to visit the most unusual and exciting places. The Department of Geological Sciences offers a comprehensive undergraduate curriculum in the Geological Sciences. At postgraduate level the Department offers a BSc in Honours, Master of Science in Geology (full dissertation) and PhD program.
BSc
Our BSc degree includes three years of coursework in geology as well as companion fields. It is common for our majors to double-major in Oceanography, Chemistry or Geography (EGS). The major includes a field course which runs during vacations and weekends during the 2nd and 3rd year. Admittance to the BSc program requires adequate preparation in matric for maths and physical science. See the UCT Handbook for the most up-to-date requirements.
BSc Hons
We typically accept 16-19 students to the Honours year, a combination of our own BSc graduates and students with qualifying backgrounds from other universities.
The Honours degree can be taken on one of two tracks: General Geology or Geochemistry. The Honours year incorporates rigorous modules and a research thesis which accounts for 25% of the year.
MSc and PhD
The department normally has between 10 and 20 full time postgraduate students in Masters and PhD projects. These degrees are entirely by thesis.
Our postgraduates are supported by NRF bursaries, industry partners, and by demonstrating for undergraduate courses and working as research assistants.
If you are interested in postgraduate studies in the department, visit our academic staff pages and contact potential supervisors in your area of interest.