MSc in Geochemistry
University of St Andrews, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
The MSc in Geochemistry at the University of St Andrews is a one-year full-time (two-year part-time) postgraduate degree designed to provide students with specialist knowledge and skills in geochemistry and modern geochemical methods, transferrable to a wide variety of geoscience careers, as well as preparing students for further PhD research.
Geochemistry is a fundamental discipline within the Earth Sciences, providing the techniques and knowledge to address such fundamental questions as:
- What are the rates and drivers of climate change, both past and present?
- How do we assess and remediate environmental degradation?
- Was there ever life on Mars?
- How do planets form?
We aim to provide our students with a comprehensive exposure to both the theoretical background which underpins our understanding of chemistry as applied to the geosciences, as well as the more applied aspects of geochemistry - which includes hands-on experience in lab and field-based analytical techniques, and use of industry-standard modelling software.
The Geochemistry degree programme is also designed to be personalised to the interests of the students both through the availability of optional modules which span such topics as "Water in the Environment" to "Chemistry of the Solar System" to "Energy Materials and Storage", as well as a student-led 60-credit Research Dissertation; the Dissertation acts as the culmination of the degree programme, and allows the student to design and undertake a geochemistry-focussed research campaign, within either an active research group at St Andrews or another University, and/or in collaboration with an industrial partner.
About St Andrews
Founded in the early 15th century, the University of St Andrews is Scotland's first university and the third oldest in the English speaking world. The University is a top 100 Global University, and is ranked second in the 2021 Guardian University Guide. The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences is a research-intensive institution, the top rated Earth Science School in the UK for student satisfaction, and was ranked first in Scotland and fifth in the UK in the last Research Excellence Framework. The School houses state-of-the-art stable and radiogenic isotope geochemistry, geobiology and rock magnetic laboratories, as well as a range of other facilities to support student research.
Requirements for 2021/2022 entry
Course entry require a minimum 2.1 Honours degree from a UK university or the equivalent for international students in a subject-related area. For international entry requirements see http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/. Relevant industrial experience will be taken into account.
To find out more about the MSc programme visit: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/earth-sciences/prospective/pgt/ or contact earthsci@st-andrews.ac.uk
