HEAD OF DEPARTMENT'S MESSAGE
Welcome to the Department of Earth Science
University of Ghana, Legon
On behalf of the faculty, staff, and students of the Department of Earth Science, I warmly welcome you. Whether you are a prospective student charting your academic journey, a fellow researcher, an industry professional, or simply a curious visitor, you have arrived at a place where the dynamic story of our planet is studied, debated, and brought to life.
Earth Science sits at the crossroads of some of the most critical issues defining our era, from the responsible extraction of mineral and energy resources to understanding the mechanisms of climate change, safeguarding communities from geological hazards, and securing clean water for future generations. Our department is a hub of innovation, rigorous scholarship, and field-based discovery, training the scientists, engineers, and environmental stewards that Africa and the world urgently need.
We are proud of our deep roots in West African and African geoscience and our growing international footprint. The knowledge we generate here is not merely academic, it shapes mineral policy, informs infrastructure decisions, guides resource investment, and helps local communities navigate environmental change. This is the work we do every day, and we invite you to be part of it.
Our Academic Programmes
Our curricula is designed to develop both deep theoretical understanding and hands-on field competence, bridging academic excellence with the practical demands of industry.
Undergraduate Studies
Our BSc in Earth Science provides a rigorous foundation covering geology, geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, mineral exploration, environmental and petroleum geosciences, with strong emphasis on fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation. Graduates leave with the practical competencies demanded by industry and the conceptual depth required for further academic study.
Postgraduate Studies — MSc / MPhil
We offer advanced research-focused MSc and MPhil programmes across the following specialisations:
MSc / MPhil in Geology
MSc / MPhil in Applied Geophysics
MSc / MPhil in Applied Geochemistry
MSc / MPhil in Applied Economic Geology
MSc / MPhil in Applied Mineral Exploration
MSc / MPhil in Hydrogeology
MSc / MPhil in Engineering Geology
MSc / MPhil in Petroleum Geoscience
Doctoral Studies — PhD
Our PhD in Earth Science is an advanced research programme for those pursuing original contributions to geoscience knowledge, conducted alongside world-class faculty mentors. PhD candidates benefit from access to well-equipped laboratories, collaborative fieldwork opportunities, and strong industry and international research networks.
Industry Tailored Short Courses (Typically 5 days) — Certification Courses
We offer industry short courses across the following specialisations:
Fundamental Geological Mapping for Exploration and Mining Industry
Field Techniques for Technicians in the Exploration and Mining Industry
Groundwater Modelling
Borehole Drilling Supervision: Practical Field Demonstration
Borehole Sustainable Yield Test for Groundwater Supply
Hydrogeological Studies for Baseline Assessment
Exploration for Gold, Base Metals & Bulk Commodities
Applied Geophysics
Mineral Alteration in Gold Search
Applied Machine Learning for Geoscientists
Coming Soon — Pending GTEC Accreditation We are currently developing an exciting portfolio of new programmes, which are undergoing quality assurance and accreditation through the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). These include a BSc Geophysics (in collaboration with the Physics Department), MSc Geology, MSc Applied Geology, and MSc Resource Geology — with specialisation options in Economic Geology, Mineral Exploration, and Petroleum Geoscience. Importantly, several of these will be offered as special weekend hybrid programmes, with approximately 80% of instruction delivered online. These are designed specifically for working professionals and industry practitioners who wish to earn an accredited degree without interrupting their careers. Full details will be announced once accreditation is complete. |
Faculty Expertise & Research Frontiers
Our department is home to a vibrant community of scholars, field scientists, and industry-linked researchers. Students work alongside experts whose work directly influences resource development, environmental policy, and geological understanding, not only in Ghana, but across the continent and globally.
Economic Geology & Metallogeny Investigating mineral deposit formation, with particular focus on gold mineralisation and the evolution of the West African Craton. | Structural Geology Analysing crustal deformation to reconstruct tectonic history and guide mineral and energy resource exploration. |
Geology Our research explores the complex evolution of the Earth and the universe by integrating advanced tools like geochemistry, geophysics, and structural geology to investigate tectonic forces, the cosmos and mineral systems. | Planetary Science and Geoscience Education Our faculty is rigorously building expertise in these emerging frontiers by applying advanced analytical tools to explore extraterrestrial processes and modernize pedagogical approaches for the next generation of geoscientist |
Mineral Prospectivity Modelling Applying advanced GIS and computational methods to predict the location of concealed mineral deposits across complex geological terrains. | Hydrogeology & Environmental Science Characterising groundwater systems and assessing the impact of mining, agriculture, and urbanisation on water quality and availability. |
Petroleum Geoscience Investigating sedimentary basins, thermal histories, and source rock maturity to inform energy sector decision-making. | Engineering Geology & Geohazards Evaluating ground conditions for civil and mining infrastructure, and assessing risks posed by landslides, subsidence, and seismicity. |
Our Commitment
We are committed to building an inclusive, intellectually stimulating, and professionally relevant department. Our modernised facilities, including dedicated geochemistry, petrology, and computing laboratories, as well as digital learning platforms, ensure that our graduates are not only theoretically equipped but field-ready and industry-competitive.
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We maintain active partnerships with the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, sister universities in Ghana, the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, Environmental Protection Agency, mining and energy companies, international research institutions and universities, and government bodies relevant to geoscience, creating pathways for our students to transition seamlessly from the classroom to consequential careers.
We look forward to welcoming you into our community. Together, we explore the past, analyse the present, and secure the future of our planet's resources.
Prof. Prince Ofori Amponsah
Head of Department
Department of Earth Science
University of Ghana, Legon
Prof. Prince Ofori Amponsah
Email: pamponsah@ug.edu.gh