Why study Earth Sciences? Discover the Best Master’s in Earth Sciences offered at Nelson Mandela University

    Monday, 26 October 2020



    Are you interested in studying a Master’s degree related to Earth Sciences? There are many programmes in the different areas of earth sciences available in South Africa offered by the Nelson Mandela University. Discover the best programmes and why you should pursue this interesting career.

    What is Earth Science?

     
    Earth science or geoscience includes all fields of natural science related to planet Earth. This is a branch of science dealing with the physical and chemical constitution of Earth and its atmosphere. Earth science can be considered to be a branch of planetary science, but with a much older history.
     
    There are both reductionist and holistic approaches to Earth sciences. It is also the study of Earth and its neighbors in space. Some Earth scientists use their knowledge of the planet to locate and develop energy and mineral resources. Others study the impact of human activity on Earth's environment, and design methods to protect the planet. Some use their knowledge about Earth processes such as volcanoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes to plan communities that will not expose people to these dangerous events.
     

    What do Earth Scientists do?

     
    Earth Science is a profession that brings opportunities to move from a country to another, advancing great employment prospects.
     
    The employment forecast is excellent for Earth Science graduates. Decreasing energy, mineral and water resources and increasing environmental concerns present challenges to our society.
     
    This has created enhanced career opportunities for earth scientists to satisfy society's demands for natural resources while maintaining Earth's natural environments.
     

    Earth Scientists make many beneficial contributions to society, by:

    • understanding climate change and its dramatic consequences.
    • monitoring geohazards and predicting volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
    • discovering and managing the world’s resources: hydrocarbons and precious minerals.
    • managing groundwater and ensuring pollution-free water supplies.
    • planning for environmental sustainability e.g. carbon capture and storage.
    • investigating the strength of bedrock, to support roads, dams, power stations and tunnels.
     
    Earth Science is taking matters to the global stage seriously. The study programmes offered by the Nelson Mandela University are interested in exploring land surface and natural resources (water, ground, metals, stones, soil) as well as their cultivation. It is focusing on a wide array of questions related to this, made particularly urgent given the dramatically increasing number of people inhabiting Planet Earth. Earth scientists strive to enable humanity to make a more efficient use of the sources of energy available, to ensure better protection of the environment and to find ways in which to deal best with natural disasters.

    Where should I study Earth Sciences? 

    If you are interested in pursuing a career in Earth Sciences, you should be acquainted with the best programmes available to you. The Nelson Mandela University offers you the following Master’s Degrees related to the Earth Sciences:

    Master of Science in Geology
    Master of Science in Geography
    Master of Science in Forestry
    Master of Science in Nature Conservation