MSc in Strategic Earth Resources
University of St Andrews, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
The MSc in Strategic Earth Resources at the University of St Andrews is a one-year postgraduate degree designed to prepare students for the challenges in resource exploration in the twenty-first century, combining core knowledge, fieldwork, short courses, seminars, and a research dissertation.
It tackles not only the fundamental geological knowledge and skills required for modern mineral exploration targeting and estimation, but also the economic, environmental, and social (ESG) aspects of mining: from exploration, extraction, to remediation. It will additionally cover topics such as critical metals and sustainable mining, the global climate challenge, and energy alternatives such as geothermal.
The MSc provides a fundamental grounding in high to low temperature ore-forming processes, exploration techniques, and hands-on training in both the classroom and field in the latest digital and remote sensing mapping techniques, 3D modelling software, and geochemical modelling. Students also take additional optional topics either in carbon capture methods, climate science, or advanced geochemistry.
Students gain experience through industry workshops and by visiting mining operations. Knowledge is consolidated through both an independent industry-focused or fundamental research dissertation, and through an international field course.
The MSc is targeted at both new quantitative geoscience graduates seeking a career in the resources industry and/or preparation for an applied PhD, but also at professional exploration geologists with several years industry experience seeking to move into an exploration strategy role. 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
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 was ranked first in the 2021 Times University league.
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 2023/24 entry
Course entry requires a minimum 2.1 Honours degree in quantitative Earth Sciences 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.
