The MSc in Geochemistry at St Andrews develops knowledge and skills training in geochemistry and modern geochemical methods, involving hands-on laboratory training, field sampling experience, and experience with state-of-the-art equipment.
Postgraduate; leading to a Master of Science (MSc)
If you started this programme in 2018, you can find information about 2018 entry on the 2018 Geochemistry page. Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
One year full time or two years part time
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. See English language tests and qualifications.
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.
UK and EU: £9,000
Overseas: £21,990
Monday 12 August 2019. Applicants should apply as early as possible due to limited spaces, and to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
The MSc in Geochemistry is a full-time taught postgraduate programme 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: was there ever life on Mars, how do planets form, and what are the rates and drivers of climate change, both past and present?
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.
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.
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2018–2019 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2019 entry.
There are seven compulsory modules:
Students choose three optional modules from the following:
Optional modules are subject to change each year, and some may only allow limited numbers of students (see the University's position on curriculum development).
The third semester of the MSc course focuses on independent laboratory-based (or field and laboratory-based) research conducted with an academic supervisor. The topic is defined by the student and can be chosen from research foci within the school, or with an external industry or academic partner. The research project will involve project formulation, a background literature review, proposal writing and analytical design, as well as data integration and interpretation.
Students present the results of their project as an oral presentation at a poster conference, and in a dissertation. The completed dissertation of not more than 15,000 words must be submitted by a date towards the end of August.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there are exit awards available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2019 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences holds monthly SEES Seminars with expert guest speakers from the UK and abroad.
The School also holds an annual full-day ‘FRESH’ seminar series (Frontline Earth Science Research at St Andrews). The 2018 FRESH event was entitled, “VICES: Volcanic Impacts on Climate, Environment and Society.”
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews.
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 programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) often provides funding for PhD programmes in Earth and Environmental Science through the IAPETUS Doctoral Training Programme.
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 Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students on a taught postgraduate course and offers a programme of events to assist students to build their employability skills.
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
University of St Andrews
Irvine Building
St Andrews
KY16 9AL
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 3940
Email: earthsci@st-andrews.ac.uk
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy.
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online. (PDF, 72 KB).
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online. (PDF, 84 KB).
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