Introduction

The Department of Geology, which celebrated its centenary in 2018, aims to provide innovative, dynamic, and relevant training in Geoscience, and is establishing itself as a centre of expertise in Geology, especially in the African context. Geoscientists are sought after in the mining industry, where they are involved with the exploration of mineral resources, and the mining and beneficiation of these resources for the benefit of the society. As a geologist, you are likely to get out of the office on a routine basis to perform fieldwork, mapping, core logging or mine visits. Depending on the career path that you choose, you may also spend significant amounts of time in a laboratory setting. In addition to finding employment with mining companies, geologists are also employed by research institutions, government agencies, financial institutions, and consulting firms.

Undergraduate Studies

The department presents the following undergraduate programmes:
  • Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology
  • Bachelor of Science majoring in Environmental Geology
  • Bachelor of Science majoring in Geochemistry
  • Bachelor of Science with Geology and Geography
  • Bachelor of Science with Geology and Chemistry
  • Bachelor of Science with Geology and Physics
For more information, see:

APPLY ONLINE NOW

Career Opportunities

Environmental Geochemist

  • Role: Conduct environmental risk assessments for new and existing mines on mineral waste deposits, i.e. tailings, waste rock, and ore stockpile material.
  • Work sectors: Industry (consulting companies and mining companies; government departments, parastatals (e.g. Council for Geoscience), academia (universities and universities of technology).

Exploration Geologist

  • Role: Planning and executing mineral exploration programmes; integrating exploration data, e.g. geochemical, geophysical, and spatial information to identify prospective areas to further analyse for the presence of mineral deposits; using software to develop three-dimensional ore deposit and other models to aid in evaluating mineral deposits.
  • Work sectors: Industry (consulting companies, mining companies, mining and exploration software companies, government departments, parastatals, academia [universities and universities of technology]).

Economic Geologist

  • Role: Evaluating mineral exploration data to determine the potential for the economic extraction of commodities from a deposit; three-dimensional mineral deposit models; due diligence studies for mining companies wishing to purchase mineral deposit rights; advising financial and investment institutions on investment opportunities in the minerals sector.
  • Work sectors: Industry (consulting companies, mining companies, financial and investment institutions), government, parastatals, academia (universities and universities of technology).

Hydrogeologist
  • Role: Exploration for new groundwater resources; aiding companies and government in the sustainable management of existing groundwater resources; conducting environmental risk assessments of mining and other industrial activities on groundwater resources in the area of projects.
  • Work sectors: Industry (consulting companies, mining companies, agricultural holdings), government departments, parastatals, academia (universities and universities of technology).

Postgraduate Studies

The department presents the following postgraduate programmes:
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Geology
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Environmental Geology
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Geochemistry
  • Master of Science majoring in Geology
  • Master of Science majoring in Environmental Geology
  • Master of Science majoring in Geochemistry
  • Master of Science majoring in Mineral Resource Management
  • Doctor of Philosophy majoring in Geology
  • Doctor of Philosophy majoring in Environmental Geology
  • Doctor of Philosophy majoring in Geochemistry
For more information, see: 
APPLY ONLINE NOW
To become part of the legacy, please contact:

Programme Director (Academic Enquiries)
Dr Jarlen Keet
E: beukesj@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 2318

General Enquiries
Charlene van der Vyver
E: vandervyverc@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 2393

Head of Department
Prof Bisrat Yibas
E: yibasbabsob@ufs.ac.za
T: +27 51 401 3942


BLOEMFONTEIN CAMPUS FACULTY CONTACT

Elfrieda van den Berg (Marketing Manager)
T: +27 51 401 2531
E:vdberge@ufs.ac.za

QWAQWA CAMPUS FACULTY CONTACT

Dilahlwane Mohono (Faculty Officer)
T: +27 58 718 5284
E:naturalscienceqq@ufs.ac.za

Home new

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful, to better understand how they are used and to tailor advertising. You can read more and make your cookie choices here. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept