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Geochemistry at University of St Andrews - UCAS

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2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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Course summary

Geochemistry is critical to quantifying the mechanisms, rates and sources behind every aspect of the Earth system. The MSc in Geochemistry provides you with specialist knowledge and skills in modern geochemical methods, transferrable to a wide variety of geoscience and environmental science careers, including further PhD research. The course involves hands-on laboratory and field sampling training, and experience with state-of-the-art equipment. 

Modules

Compulsory modules: 1. Advanced Geochemistry 2. Geochemistry 3. Geochemistry Field Excursion 4. Isotope Geochemistry: Theory, Techniques, and Applications 5. Physical Chemistry Laboratory 6. Special Topics in Geochemistry 7. Statistics and Analytical Sciences Students choose up to three optional modules. Here is a sample of optional modules that may be offered. 1. Advanced Petrogenesis 2. Advanced Physical Inorganic Chemistry 3. Biogeochemistry 4. Blockbuster Solids 5. Core to Crust Ore Genesis – High Temperature 6. Core to Crust Ore Genesis - Low Temperature 7. Energy conversion and storage 8. Environmental Pollution 9. Homogeneous Catalysis 10. Processing of Materials 11. The Chemistry of the Solar System Research Project: 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 industrial or academic partner. The research project will involve:

  • background literature review
  • project formulation
  • proposal writing and analytical design
  • 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 is an exit award available that allows 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.

Assessment method

The assessment for the taught modules is based on coursework and written examinations.

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in a subject-related area. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, please see the university’s international entry requirements.

English language requirements

For the current English Language requirements please visit the English language requirements for postgraduate students on the University of St Andrews website.

English language requirements for postgraduate students

https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/subjects/entry/language-requirements/postgraduate/

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

For the most current information on course fees please visit https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/postgraduate/taught/.

Sponsorship information

Recent Graduate Discount: The University of St Andrews offers a 10 percent reduction in tuition fees for students who have graduated during the last three years and are now starting a postgraduate programme. For further information please visit: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/study/pg/fees-and-funding/

Geochemistry at University of St Andrews - UCAS