Master of Philosophy (Earth Sciences) (CRICOS course code 095158C) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) over 2 years. This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), making it available to international students who wish to study in Australia. As a research-focused degree, it sits at AQF Level 9 in the field of Natural and Physical Sciences, specifically Earth Sciences. The University of Newcastle is a government-funded university with CRICOS provider code 00109J, and its main campus is in Callaghan, Newcastle, New South Wales. Prospective students should note that all listed fees are indicative and sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026. HeadStart Academy provides this information as a free resource to help you explore CRICOS-registered courses and plan your study journey in Australia.
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Master of Philosophy (Earth Sciences) (CRICOS course code 095158C) is a Masters Degree (Research) delivered by The University of Newcastle (UoN) over 2 years. This course is designed for students who wish to undertake advanced research in Earth Sciences, covering areas such as geology, geophysics, environmental geoscience, and related subfields. As a research master's, it typically involves a thesis or research project under supervision, developing skills in scientific inquiry, data analysis, and academic writing. The field of education is 010700 - Earth Sciences, n.f.d., which encompasses a broad range of Earth-focused disciplines. The University of Newcastle is a CRICOS-registered provider (00109J) and a government university, ensuring quality assurance under the ESOS Act. International students benefit from Australia's strong research environment and the university's location in the Hunter region, known for its geological diversity.
As a research master's in Earth Sciences, students typically engage in independent research under the guidance of an academic supervisor. The exact research topic is chosen in consultation with the supervisor and may involve fieldwork, laboratory analysis, computational modeling, or theoretical studies. Graduates at this level develop advanced research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to contribute original knowledge to the field of Earth Sciences. While the CRICOS register does not specify a detailed syllabus, the course belongs to the broad field of Natural and Physical Sciences. Students are expected to have a strong background in relevant sciences and meet the university's entry requirements. The research component allows students to focus on areas such as mineral resources, climate change, geohazards, or environmental management, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, or government.
According to the CRICOS register, the course duration is 2 years (104 weeks). The language of instruction is English. This is a single qualification (not a dual qualification) and does not include foundation studies. Students are expected to study full-time to maintain their student visa conditions. There is no work component included in this course; however, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The University of Newcastle (UoN) offers research support services, including library access, laboratory facilities, and academic mentoring. Please check the provider's website for specific study mode options (on-campus, research) as research degrees typically require on-campus presence for supervision.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire course is A$106,238, as listed on the CRICOS register as at April 2026. Non-tuition fees are estimated at A$765, bringing the total estimated cost to A$107,003. Please note that these fees are indicative only, set by The University of Newcastle (UoN), and are subject to change. Always confirm current fees with the provider before applying. The fees do not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the student visa application charge. For OSHC, international students are required to maintain health insurance for the duration of their visa – costs vary by provider and coverage. Living costs in Newcastle are estimated at around A$1,500–A$2,200 per month for a single student, including rent, groceries, transport, and utilities. The visa application charge for Subclass 500 is currently A$1,600 (subject to change). For the most up-to-date fee information, visit The University of Newcastle (UoN) website at www.newcastle.edu.au.
English language requirements vary by provider — typically IELTS 5.5–7.0 overall depending on course level. For a Master's by research, the University of Newcastle (UoN) typically requires an IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0 (or equivalent). Academic entry requirements generally include a bachelor's degree in a relevant field with a high GPA, or a bachelor's degree with honours. Some applicants may be admitted with relevant work experience or a graduate diploma. Foundation or pathway options may be available if you do not meet direct entry. Since this is a research degree, a research proposal or agreement with a supervisor is often required. Contact the university for specific requirements. International students must also demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition, living costs, and OSHC. Refer to the provider's website for detailed entry criteria.
This course does not include a mandatory work component. However, during the course, international students on a Student visa (Subclass 500) may undertake part-time work (up to 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks) as per visa conditions. Work is not part of the course curriculum but can provide valuable industry exposure. Students should ensure that work does not compromise their study commitments. The University of Newcastle (UoN) offers career services and job portals to help students find casual or part-time employment. Note that work rights are subject to visa conditions and may change. Always check current regulations with the Department of Home Affairs.
Master of Philosophy (Earth Sciences) is delivered at The University of Newcastle (Callaghan) in CALLAGHAN, New South Wales. Callaghan is a suburb of Newcastle, approximately 12 km west of the city centre. Newcastle is a coastal city with a population of about 500,000 and a significant student population. The university's Callaghan campus is the main campus, featuring modern research facilities, libraries, and accommodation options. Public transport to campus includes buses from Newcastle city and surrounding areas. Newcastle has a lower cost of living compared to Sydney, with indicative weekly rent for a one-bedroom apartment around A$350–A$500. There are over 30 CRICOS-registered providers in Newcastle offering a variety of courses. For students seeking a research environment focused on Earth Sciences, the Hunter region provides diverse geological settings, from coastal environments to coal mines and national parks.
International students studying this course must hold a Student visa (Subclass 500). The visa requires enrolment in a CRICOS-registered course, such as this one. Key conditions include maintaining full-time enrolment, satisfactory course progress, and adequate health insurance (OSHC). Student work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must also meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating genuine intention to study in Australia. Financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (A$29,710 per year from July 2025 for a single student), OSHC, and travel must be shown. OSHC is mandatory for the duration of the visa. Standard visa processing times vary. For detailed information, visit the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent (MARA). HeadStart Academy does not provide immigration advice.
Follow these 3 steps to apply for Master of Philosophy (Earth Sciences) at The University of Newcastle (UoN): 1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use the official CRICOS register or HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level (Masters Degree (Research)), field (Earth Sciences), and location (NSW). Compare providers like The University of Newcastle (UoN) to find the right fit. 2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit The University of Newcastle (UoN) website at www.newcastle.edu.au. Check entry requirements (academic background, English language test scores, research proposal). Prepare your documents and submit your application online. Deadlines vary by intake – typically Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July). Contact the university for specific research supervision availability. 3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once accepted, the university will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Prepare evidence of finances, OSHC, and GTE statement. Wait for visa decision before travelling to Australia.
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Master of Philosophy (Earth Sciences) is a CRICOS-registered programme at The University of Newcastle (UoN). Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.