Overview

Why study this course?

The MSc in Applied Environmental Sciences at University of St Andrews, which was previously named MSc in Environmental Science, offers a new angle on Masters-level Earth science education. Industry work placement with our trusted UK and US environmental consultancy partners helps our MSc students become highly skilled, well-rounded and work-ready early career professionals.

The degree places a strong emphasis on hands-on technical training grounded in theoretical concepts required to tackle the major environmental challenges of our century. This includes investigating and implementing solutions to global climate change, remediating and reducing the pollution of natural waters, and securing and managing the supply of natural resources. Candidates are trained in survey and experiment design, field-deployable as well as lab-based analytical techniques, and technical report writing as a core element of the degree programme. 

Core modules provide graduate-level training on world-class analytical equipment and the application of this knowledge to quantitatively assess natural and polluted systems. The range of optional modules allows students to tailor the degree towards their personal background, interests, and career goals, spanning from managing Earth’s natural resources to the study of the oceans, atmosphere, and climate change, providing a cutting-edge scientific education led by our faculty.

Highlights

• Work placement opportunities with trusted industry partners.
• Field excursion to a real-world site of extensive pollution, currently planned to be in Rio Tinto, Spain.
• Dissertation project centred on an environmental impact assessment.
• Training in industry-standard software packages, including GIS, R, Python, Geochemist’s Workbench, PHREEQC.
• Year-long training in field skills and sample analyses.
• Preparation for employment in the private or public sector.
• Small class sizes with frequent in-person interaction with your lecturers.