Graduate Diploma Geology Full Time

Graduate Diploma in Geoscience

at Curtin University · Perth, Western Australia

CRICOS course code

108525G

CRICOS provider code

00301J

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

A$50,136 total

Per year

A$50,136/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Graduate Diploma in Geoscience at Curtin University is ideal for those who want to build specialist knowledge in earth sciences, whether coming from a related science background or transitioning from another field. Over one year full-time, students typically undertake a series of units covering mineralogy, petrology, geophysics, geochemistry, and mapping techniques. The structure aligns with the Australian Qualifications Framework for graduate diplomas, usually stacking 120 credit points across two semesters.

Practical skills are a feature, with laboratory-based work, field trips, and data analysis embedded into the curriculum. This is valuable for those seeking to link classroom theory with hands-on application, including the geology of Western Australia—a major hub for resources and mining. While not every graduate diploma includes professional placement, students benefit from Curtin’s Perth base, offering industry input and optional field-based projects connected to local companies.

Graduates finish with strong technical abilities in rock and mineral identification, geological mapping, and data interpretation, along with written and verbal communication for scientific audiences. The course suits those aiming to start or upgrade careers in mining, energy, environmental geoscience, or government surveying, as well as those preparing for further postgraduate study.

International students must show English proficiency, commonly via an IELTS of 6.0–6.5 overall, and may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. On completion, eligibility for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) may be possible—confirm via the official Curtin University and Department of Home Affairs pages for specific details.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Geologist roles in mining, minerals exploration, and energy companies
Hydrogeologist or environmental geoscientist in consulting and government agencies
GIS technician or mapping specialist in resource industries and state departments
Graduate entry roles in geological surveying and geospatial analysis
Support positions in research institutes and laboratories across Australia

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Diploma in Geoscience at Curtin University?

It typically takes 1 year, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$50,136 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Geologist roles in mining, minerals exploration, and energy companiesHydrogeologist or environmental geoscientist in consulting and government agenciesGIS technician or mapping specialist in resource industries and state departmentsGraduate entry roles in geological surveying and...

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