About this program
Geochemistry MSc
The MSc in Geochemistry provides students with specialist knowledge and skills in geochemistry and modern geochemical methods, transferrable to a wide variety of geoscience and environmental science careers. It also prepares students for PhD research. The course involves hands-on laboratory and field sampling training, and experience with state-of-the-art equipment.
The MSc in Geochemistry is a full-time taught postgraduate program run by the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
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?
The course is comprehensive and rigorous, comprising compulsory and optional taught modules, field work, short courses, and a research dissertation. Hands-on experience developing a diverse set of laboratory skills is embedded into the course.
A part time version of this program is also available (part-time study is not available for students who require a visa to study in the UK).
Admission requirements
- A good 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in a subject-related area. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- English language proficiency.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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Learn moreProgram content
Compulsory
There are seven compulsory modules:
- Advanced Geochemistry
- Statistics and Analytical Sciences
- Earth's Greatest Hits
- Geochemistry
- Geochemistry Field Excursion
- Isotope Geochemistry
- Physical Chemistry Laboratory
Optional
Students choose up to three optional modules.
Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered.
- Advanced Petrogenesis
- Advanced Physical Inorganic Chemistry
- Biogeochemistry
- Blockbuster Solids
- Chemistry of the Solar System
- Core to Crust Ore Genesis – High T
- Core to Crust Ore Genesis – Low T
- Energy Conversion and Storage
- Homogeneous Catalysis
- Processing of Materials
- Water in the Environment
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Program delivery
The MSc degree requires two semesters of full-time (or four semesters part-time) coursework, normally equivalent to a total of nine taught modules, and a 15,000-word dissertation, usually completed over the summer semester. The assessment for the taught modules is based on coursework and written examinations.
Tuition
Continuing studies
This comprehensive and rigorous course provides relevant preparation for pursuing a PhD in Geochemistry by incorporating a lab-based research dissertation. Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programs at St Andrews or elsewhere.
Career paths
The range of research areas and applications of Geochemistry is so broad that career opportunities span the whole of earth and environmental sciences. Masters-level training in Geochemistry would provide a suitable platform for a career in materials science outside of earth and environmental sciences specifically.
Geochemists with MSc degrees are employed in:
- the energy sector (hydrocarbon industries, petrochemicals, nuclear and renewables)
- mining and mineral exploration, extraction and processing
- environmental industries and agencies focused on pollution monitoring and environmental remediation
- universities as laboratory technicians running equipment and supporting high-quality data production for research projects.
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About this institute
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is Scotland’s first University. As a 600 year-old institution, we are known across the globe for our world leading quality and depth of research. For six centuries some of the world’s brightest and most promising...
Why study at University of St Andrews
Studying in St Andrews is a unique and rewarding experience that will take your skills and knowledge to the next level.
Students at St Andrews have access to some of the world’s best professors and lecturers and a degree from the University of St Andrews is sought after by employers around the world.
In addition to award-winning teaching and research, the University of St Andrews has an array of facilities which result in high levels of student satisfaction and a world class reputation.
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University of St Andrews
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