Geochemistry University of St Andrews

Overview

The MSc in Geochemistry offered at University of St Andrews is a 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:  

• 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? 

Highlights

• Teaching and supervision on the MSc span a wide range of expertise in the field of geochemistry, underpinned by state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. 

• The course introduces you to academic and industry-standard software for robust geochemical modelling and statistical analysis of data. 

• The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences upholds a collegiate, dynamic and research-intensive atmosphere that encourages, and is supportive of, all students. 

• The MSc provides preparation for pursuing a PhD through working in an active research group and completing a lab-based dissertation focused on a novel research question. 

• The MSc prepares you for employment in industry by incorporating applied economic and environmental geochemistry modules and the possibility of industry-sponsored research.  

Careers

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 from St Andrews are currently 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