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Curtin University

  • 28% international / 72% domestic

Bachelor of Applied Geology

  • Bachelor

Gain a comprehensive understanding of theoretical geology with a focus on mineral, energy, and groundwater resources, environmental management, and sustainable resource supply. The course includes foundational studies in geology, chemistry, and computer skills, progressing to applied geoscience and mining geology specialisations.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
3 years full-time
Course Code
B-APGEOL, 108986M
Study Mode
In person
Intake Months
Feb, Jul
Domestic Fees
$8,700 per year
International Fees
$44,192 per year / $132,576 total
ATAR
70

About this course

Overview

In this course, you will gain a thorough grounding in theoretical geology -with emphasis on mineral, energy and groundwater resources and their environmental management - as well as the sustainable supply of resources for the decarbonising industry.

In your first year, you'll gain a foundation in geology, chemistry, maths, scientific communication and computer skills. Your second year focuses on the theoretical, laboratory and field skills required to understand geological processes.

In your final year, you'll choose to study either the Applied Geology stream at Curtin Perth or the Mining Geology stream at Curtin Kalgoorlie.

You can also tailor your degree with units that emphasise specific applied areas of geoscience.

Applied Geology

This stream covers the breadth of Earth history investigation and applied geosciences. Topics include environmental geosciences, groundwater resources, and sustainable management of mineral and energy exploration and extraction.

Mining Geology

This stream combines studies of resource and field geology with mining systems, resource estimation and process mineralogy. The final year of study is undertaken at Curtin Kalgoorlie.

Double degrees

You can extend your expertise and career opportunities by studying Applied Geology as a double degree with Environmental Biology or Finance.

How this course will make you industry ready

After two years of grounding in the fundamentals of geology, your final year will focus on application in the workplace. Depending on the specialisation you choose, you'll study minerals, petroleum, groundwater and environmental industries; and complete practical exercises that reflect the activities of industry professionals.

What jobs can the Applied Geology course lead to?Careers
  • Geologist
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Engineering geologist
  • Environmental geoscientist
  • Geochemist
Industries
  • Environmental geology
  • Carbon and hydrogen storage
  • Groundwater extraction
  • Resources exploration
  • Mining
  • Natural hazards and risk analysis
  • Research and development
Further study
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours)
  • Master of Science (Geology)
  • Master of Philosophy
  • Doctor of Philosophy
What you'll learn
  • apply fundamental geological principles and concepts in theoretical, practical and vocational situations
  • solve mineral and energy exploration, environmental and sustainability problems through creative thinking and the extrapolation, interpolation and analysis of geoscience information
  • collate, synthesise, and visualise geoscientific data sets using digital technologies, and communicate this geological information to industry and community stakeholders concisely and accurately using written, visual, and verbal means appropriate to the situation.
  • recognise the finite nature of Earth resources, and the need to manage and mitigate social and environmental impacts of resource exploration and extraction and geohazards
  • recognise the need for sustainable use of Earth resources, and value environmental, Indigenous and other community perspectives on geological activities
  • collaborate with professionals across the minerals and energy value chain, prioritise safety, and recognise the corporate and ethical need for accurate exploration results

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You're considered a high school leaver if you:
  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 70
  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

Subjects you must have studied in high school to be eligible for entry into a course.

Mathematics Applications ATAR

  • Desirable WACE subjects

Desirable WACE subjects

High school subjects that aren't essential for entry into the course, but provide a good foundation.

There are no desirable WACE subjects for this course.

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp grants additional ATAR points to help eligible students qualify for admission.

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • Portfolio entry

Portfolio entry is available for those who can demonstrate equivalence to Curtin's ATAR entry through the submission of a portfolio that includes evidence of your academic achievements, qualifications and ability.

  • UniReady

If you don't meet our minimum admission criteria, the UniReady Enabling Program can help you qualify for entry into a range of undergraduate courses.

  • Certificate IV + English Competency

The certificate IV is the minimum requirement for university entry. It qualifies you for entry to Curtin courses with a 70 ATAR. You must also meet English language proficiency and check that you meet any extra subject prerequisites (where applicable).

  • Indigenous applicant

If you're an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicant who hasn't met Curtin's minimum admissions criteria, the Centre for Aboriginal Studies offers bridging courses that are tailored to help you gain entry into this course.

  • STAT entry

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

The Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a national test for those who don't meet university admission criteria. STAT can be used to meet entry criteria for some courses, or as a way to satisfy Curtin's English proficiency requirements.

Written English and either Multiple Choice Verbal or Quantitative will be assessed.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)
  • Writing: 6
  • Speaking: 6
  • Reading: 6
  • Listening: 6
  • Overall band score: 6

What you will learn

What you'll learn

  • apply fundamental geological principles and concepts in theoretical, practical and vocational situations
  • solve mineral and energy exploration, environmental and sustainability problems through creative thinking and the extrapolation, interpolation and analysis of geoscience information
  • collate, synthesise, and visualise geoscientific data sets using digital technologies, and communicate this geological information to industry and community stakeholders concisely and accurately using written, visual, and verbal means appropriate to the situation.
  • recognise the finite nature of Earth resources, and the need to manage and mitigate social and environmental impacts of resource exploration and extraction and geohazards
  • recognise the need for sustainable use of Earth resources, and value environmental, Indigenous and other community perspectives on geological activities
  • collaborate with professionals across the minerals and energy value chain, prioritise safety, and recognise the corporate and ethical need for accurate exploration results

Career pathways

Careers
  • Geologist
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Engineering geologist
  • Environmental geoscientist
  • Geochemist
Industries
  • Environmental geology
  • Carbon and hydrogen storage
  • Groundwater extraction
  • Resources exploration
  • Mining
  • Natural hazards and risk analysis
  • Research and development

Course structure

Course outline
  • ATAR
ATAR

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is used to determine eligibility for places in university courses.

Guaranteed ATAR 70

  • Qualification

Bachelor of Applied Geology

  • Duration
Duration

The course is three years' full-time or equivalent part-time study. Two intakes are offered each year in February and July. The Applied Geology Stream is offered at our Curtin Perth campus and the Mining Geology Stream is offered at Curtin's Perth campus or Curtin's Kalgoorlie campus, depending on availability. Curtin Malaysia, Miri Sarawak campus offers this course in the Applied Geology Stream only.

3 years full-time

  • Credit
Credit

A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.

600

  • CRICOS
CRICOS

The Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) Code indicates a registered program offered to international students studying in Australia on student visas.

108986M

  • Location
Location

The Curtin campuses or teaching locations where units of this course are offered.

Curtin Perth, Curtin University Malaysia

Overview

In this course, you will gain a thorough grounding in theoretical geology -with emphasis on mineral, energy and groundwater resources and their environmental management - as well as the sustainable supply of resources for the decarbonising industry.

In your first year, you'll gain a foundation in geology, chemistry, maths, scientific communication and computer skills. Your second year focuses on the theoretical, laboratory and field skills required to understand geological processes.

In your final year, you'll choose to study either the Applied Geology stream at Curtin Perth or the Mining Geology stream at Curtin Kalgoorlie.

You can also tailor your degree with units that emphasise specific applied areas of geoscience.

Applied Geology

This stream covers the breadth of Earth history investigation and applied geosciences. Topics include environmental geosciences, groundwater resources, and sustainable management of mineral and energy exploration and extraction.

Mining Geology

This stream combines studies of resource and field geology with mining systems, resource estimation and process mineralogy. The final year of study is undertaken at Curtin Kalgoorlie.

Double degrees

You can extend your expertise and career opportunities by studying Applied Geology as a double degree with Environmental Biology or Finance.

How this course will make you industry ready

After two years of grounding in the fundamentals of geology, your final year will focus on application in the workplace. Depending on the specialisation you choose, you'll study minerals, petroleum, groundwater and environmental industries; and complete practical exercises that reflect the activities of industry professionals.

What jobs can the Applied Geology course lead to?Careers
  • Geologist
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Engineering geologist
  • Environmental geoscientist
  • Geochemist
Industries
  • Environmental geology
  • Carbon and hydrogen storage
  • Groundwater extraction
  • Resources exploration
  • Mining
  • Natural hazards and risk analysis
  • Research and development
Further study
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours)
  • Master of Science (Geology)
  • Master of Philosophy
  • Doctor of Philosophy

Credit for prior study or work

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience. Submit an enquiryCRL search

How to apply

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

  • Curtin Perth
  • Curtin University Malaysia

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now

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Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Science & Mathematics courses at Curtin University.
87.7%
Overall satisfaction
86.6%
Skill scale
76.4%
Teaching scale
68.8%
Employed full-time
$70k
Average salary