University of KwaZulu-Natal UKZN Geology

Geology is the science comprising the study of solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which they change. Geology can also refer generally to the study of the solid features of any celestial body (such as the geology of the Moon or Mars).

Geology gives insight into the history of the Earth, as it provides the primary evidence for plate tectonics, the evolutionary history of life, and past climates. In modern times, geology is commercially important for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation and for evaluating water resources. It is publicly important for the prediction and understanding of natural hazards, the remediation of environmental problems, and for providing insights into past climate change. Geology plays a role in geotechnical engineering and is a major academic discipline.

Undergraduate Applications

Minimum entrance requirements:

NSC degree pass with Maths, English, Life Orientation and Agricultural Science/Physical Science/Life Sciences at level 4 or above;

Admission points required: 28-48 (highest scoring students taken first)

Closing date for applications is 30 September

National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate

Applicants to undergraduate degree programmes must be in possession of a National Senior Certificate for Degree Studies (NSC-Deg) or a Senior Certificate with endorsement.

Applicants to undergraduate diploma programmes must be in possession of a National Senior Certificate for Diploma studies (NSC-Dip) or Senior Certificate.

Medium of Instruction

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The medium of instruction at UKZN is English, and UKZN requires a pass in English (Home Language or First Additional Language (FAL)) at Level 4 (50% or above) but note that the College of Law requires a pass in English Home language at Level 5 or English as FAL on Level 6. For admission to Diplomas or Alternative Access programmes a lower performance in English may be acceptable. In the Senior Certificate a pass for English at First or Second Language HG E is required.

Life Orientation

UKZN degree programmes require a pass in Life orientation at Level 4. Access Programmes may consider a pass at Level 3.

Minimum Composite Academic Performance Score

(NSC-Deg and Senior Certificate) Each programme has determined a minimum composite Academic Performance Score required for admission to the programme. This is however the minimum score required for consideration and learners just meeting this minimum cannot be assured of admission. Applicants to programmes are ranked according to APS and selection is done from the top down until the number of places available in the specific programme is filled. Competition for places is high and it is unlikely that applicants not meeting the APS for a specific programme will be considered.

Subject requirements and Levels of Performance

In addition subject requirements and minimum Levels of performance in specific subjects are set for admission to UKZN programmes. Applicants who did not include the correct subjects in their NSC-Deg or who did not obtain the required level of performance in specific subjects required for admission to a programme, will not be considered.

Postgraduate Information

The School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences offers a number of world class post graduate qualifications. Entry into these programmes is a competitive process and is subject to applicants meeting prescribed minimum criteria.

Below is a list of the programmes offered by the School

Postgraduate Programmes Offered

Postgraduate Diplomas in Community Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Security are offered within the School

Masters Programmes Offered

Master of Science,
Master of Science in Agriculture,
Master of Science programmes are offered, whereby students engage in full-time research under the supervision of an academic staff member. Applicants must have a credit-weighted average of at least 60% at Honours level or equivalent must be achieved to be considered for this programme. This degree takes a minimum of one year. The application date is open.

PhD Programmes Offered

Doctor of Philosophy,
Doctor of Science in Agriculture,
A Doctoral programme is offered where students engage in novel research supervised by academic members of staff. This is typically involves three years of study. The application date is open.

Postdoctoral study

Remunerated, postdoctoral research positions are available on application.

Click on the brochure below to download the UKZN application guide.

To download application forms please click here

Postgraduate Administrative Officer

Ms Marsha Manjoo

Postgraduate/Higher Degrees Office

Rabie Saunders Building, Room 5

Private Bag X01

Scottsville

3209

Tel: +27 33 260 5493

Fax: +27 33 260 6094

E-mail: [email protected]

University of KwaZulu-Natal UKZN Geology