Become an innovative problem-solver and build your career in geoscience with a Bachelor of Geology from JCU. Develop expertise in conservation, exploration and mining for base and critical minerals. Benefit from world class resources, including access to practical fieldwork in iconic locations, analytical facilities and on-site learning at JCU's Economic Geology Research Centre.
What to expect
Be part of the drive to discover and secure the critical minerals needed for transitioning to green energy. Build an in-depth understanding of geoscience with a focus on exploration and mining for base and critical minerals. Learn about global economic geology and participate in current geological research projects through JCU's on-campus Economic Geology Research Centre. You'll learn to contribute to research on the origin and evolution of life, cosmochemistry, hydrothermal processes, Earth formation and tectonic processes.
Consolidate theoretical learning with frequent field trips and on-site practice as you learn the fundamentals of how to study geology, developing a knowledge base and collection of practical skills. JCU's unique location and close links with exploration/mining, allied engineering industries and conservation organisations allow unique access to fascinating locations. The variety of learning settings combined with opportunities to network with industry contacts will prepare you to pursue a diverse career with the skills to take you there.
Become a leading geoscientist. Strong industry connections and a degree program developed in consultation with industry partners ensure you are job-ready upon graduation. JCU Geology graduates are innovative, world-renowned problem-solvers working all over the world.
Honours
The Bachelor of Geology (Honours) degree is available for high-achieving students. It consists of extra study and the development of a personal research project and thesis. An Honours degree is usually essential for entry to research higher degrees. Refer to the Bachelor of Geology (Honours) Handbook for eligibility information.
Career Opportunities
Equip yourself with internationally recognised training learning from lecturers who integrate their well-above-world standards* research into the classroom.
JCU Geology graduates are uniquely skilled with strong connections to industry and extensive experience undertaking fieldwork.
Graduates pursue careers in various areas including hard-rock mining, renewable energy and critical minerals, mineral processing, environmental assessment or mine site remediation. Join the demand in contributing to green energy production and sourcing essential sustainable materials.
You could find employment as a geoscientist, environmental geologist, management consultant, palaeontologist, teacher, or academic. Alternatively, go on to study the Bachelor of Geology (Honours).
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
July 2025
Townsville campus
1 James Cook Dr,
DOUGLAS,
Queensland,
4814, TOWNSVILLE, Australia
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
February 2025
Cairns Campus
14-88 McGregor Road,
Cairns,
Queensland,
4878, CAIRNS, Australia
Students are required to complete academic qualification of Australia grade 12 or equivalent. Entry requirements may vary from country to country.
Course pre-requisites: Assumed Knowledge: English (Units 3/4,C); or equivalent. Recommended: At least one of Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Environmental Science, Geography, Marine Science, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Maths or Physics (Units 3/4,C); or equivalent.
IELTS - 6.0 (no component lower than 6.0); TOEFL (internet based) - 74 (no component less than 18); Pearson (PTE Academic) - 52 (no component less than 52); C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency: 169 (no component less than 169).
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
James Cook University (JCU) is ranked among the top 2 per cent of universities in the world (THE World University Rankings 2023).