Our department is recognised internationally for the quality and breadth of our research and our graduates. We are the PBRF-top-ranked department in the Division of Sciences at the University of Otago (2018 Performance-Based Research Fund quality evaluation results).
Our research and teaching is linked strongly to the dynamic geology of New Zealand, the Southern Ocean, and Antarctica. In particular, we emphasise process-related research that uses our understanding of the Earth’s geologic past to contribute to solutions to many of the world’s pressing environmental problems.
History of the department
As a direct result of the Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s, geology has been a part of the University of Otago since its beginnings. One of the first four professors appointed to the University was J G Black, who taught Chemistry and Mineralogy starting in 1872.
The department itself has its origins within the Otago School of Mines formed in 1878. It later gained independence within the School of Mines and eventually found independence as a distinct department.
Around 1927, the department moved to its current location in the building across the Quad from the clocktower/registry building.
Learn more about the history of the department
Geology Museum and Collections
The Geology Museum, which is open to the public (9am-5pm Monday to Friday), is in the south end of the historic geology building. Our Geology Museum contains large and scientifically important collections of rocks, minerals and fossils - the largest such collection in the South Island.
Find out more about the Geology Museum
Our Alumni and Friends
Our department has alumni all over the world – and we love to stay in touch! If you find yourself in Dunedin, do stop by for morning or afternoon tea in the Benson Common Room. If you would like to be on the email distribution list for our regular newsletter, send us an email.
Email geology.newsletter@otago.ac.nz
View a list of recent postgraduate alumni
Support Us
The Department of Geology gratefully receives support from generous donors. Our students and researchers benefit greatly from the following funds that are invested within the University of Otago Foundation Trust. Click below for more information on our trust funds.
- Benson Memorial Fund – In memory of Professor W N Benson, DSc, FRS, 1885-1957. This fund supports student fieldwork activities.
- Fordyce Fund – Established in 2024 in memory of Professor R E Fordyce to support research with the University’s substantial paleontology collections.
- Geology Graduate Student Research Fund – This fund supports postgraduate research projects.
- Nauman Fund – Supports the development of geological field skills. Highlights include annual advanced field skills expeditions at 300- and 400-level.
Visit the Development and Alumni Relations Office website for information on making charitable donations to any of our funds.
Otago Students' Geological Society (OSGS)
The Otago Geological Students Society aims to introduce and educate people in geology in a fun and interactive way. The club hosts many different activities throughout the year including talks and social events at the department and guided field trips to various locations around the South Island, all of which include both geology and non-geology students. If you have any questions or would like to join the club please don't hesitate to contact us.
Otago Students' Geological Society (OSGS)
Scholarships, prizes, and student research support
Most of our PhD students and many of our MSc students are supported by scholarships. Both local and international students may apply for these.
Several prizes are awarded annually to Otago geology students.
Postgraduate Students may be able to obtain further financial support for their research, including conference, analytical and fieldwork costs.
Read more about scholarships, prizes, and student research support
Image gallery
Our image gallery has department group photos, usually taken on the registry lawn and photos from the annual geology photo competition run by the department and Otago Students' Geological Society (OSGS).