Critical resources are central to the energy transition: the shift from fossil-fuel-intensive energy systems toward low-emissions energy generation, storage, transmission and use. This transition depends on secure and responsible supplies of minerals and Earth materials needed for renewable energy technologies, batteries, electricity networks, electrification, advanced manufacturing and other clean-energy systems. Meeting future demand will require graduates who understand not only where these resources occur, but how they form, how they can be discovered, and how they can be managed responsibly.

The Master of Science in Critical Resources gives you advanced training in the Earth science of critical resources. You will study critical minerals for the energy transition, data science for Earth system scientists, resource exploration, source-to-resource systems, geodynamic controls on resources, science communication, environmental governance and responsible resource development.

You will also complete a 12-unit applied Earth Science capstone project, in which you will apply advanced knowledge, research methods, data analysis and evidence synthesis to a critical resources problem. This project is designed to support professional and applied scientific practice.

Drawing on the Research School of Earth Sciences' strengths in geochemistry, geophysics, geodynamics, economic geology, tectonics, computational Earth science, data science and Earth materials, this program connects fundamental Earth science with applied resource challenges.

Graduates will be prepared for careers in mineral exploration, government geoscience, environmental and regulatory agencies, research organisations, the resources sector, science communication, policy and related areas, as well as further research training.

This program is only available for admission in Semester 2 each year.