Environmental Science

University of St Andrews
Postgraduate MSc Full-time 1 Year Environmental and earth sciences

About this course

The MSc in Environmental Science equips students from diverse scientific backgrounds with the practical and theoretical skills needed to tackle the biggest environmental challenges of our time. The degree includes training in analytical sciences and data analysis, modelling techniques, remediation practices, and reconstruction of biogeochemical processes from the atmosphere to soils, rivers and oceans.

The course includes a capstone field-based exercise in to a globally recognised environmental disaster site, such as Rio Tinto, Spain, and concludes with a dissertation centred around an independent environmental impact assessment project. The course is suitable for motivated graduates with a background in biology, chemistry, physics or natural sciences such as geology, environmental science or geography who seek employment in the professional environmental sector or research opportunities at PhD level.

Highlights

  • Field excursion to a real-world site of extensive pollution (currently planned to be in Rio Tinto, Spain).

  • Dissertation project centred around 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 inperson interaction with your lecturers.
  • Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    2114 Physical scientists
    2452 Chartered architectural technologists, planning officers and consultants
    2483 Environmental health professionals
    2152 Environment professionals
    1212 Managers and proprietors in forestry, fishing and related services
    3582 Health and safety managers and officers

    Course Details

    Qualification
    MSc
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    1 Year
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    St Andrews
    Scheme
    Postgraduate
    Subjects
    Environmental and earth sciences