The Department of Geology at the University of the Free State offers the following postgraduate programmes (details can be found in the Rule Book of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences).

Honours degrees in Geology (BC460035), Environmental Geology (BC460028), and Geochemistry (BC460032)

For admission to this degree, a student must achieve a combined average pass mark of 60% in four Geology modules (64 credits) at third-year level (two modules in the first semester and two in the second, including GLGY3714 and GLGY3724). Students that did not complete their undergraduate studies at the University of the Free State need a combined average pass mark of 65% for their final-year geology modules for admission to the Department's honours programme. Following a process of selection, a maximum of 25 students will be admitted to the Geology honours programme.

Master's degrees in Geology (BC480035), Environmental Geology (BC480028), Mineral Resource Management (BC480078) and Geochemistry (BC480032)

The Magister Scientiae in Geology / Environmental Geology / Geochemistry entails research on an approved topic that leads to the submission of a dissertation for examination. A candidate is expected to do research on an approved topic for at least two semesters, in consultation with the Head of Department, in preparation for a dissertation that shall be submitted as the only requirement for the degree. For information on the taught master's degree in Mineral Resource management, please click here.

Doctoral degrees in Geology (BC490035), Environmental Geology (BC490028) and Geochemistry (BC490032)

The degree of Philosophiae Doctor in Geology / Environmental Geology / Geochemistry entails research at an advanced level on an approved topic that leads to the submission of a thesis for examination.

A candidate does research for at least four semesters on an approved topic selected in consultation with the Head of Department in preparation of a thesis which serves as the only requirement for the degree. It is expected that the contribution made by the candidate must be original and that it significantly advances our knowledge within the discipline.