Postgraduate MSc courses
The postgraduate Masters degrees at St Andrews are integrated with the School's leading research programmes, providing a dynamic and exciting environment in which to study for an MSc. St Andrews boasts a fantastic location in which to study the Earth Sciences, being surrounded by beaches, the sea, and world-famous geological outcrops. The School has a lively social scene, with a close-knit postgraduate and research community, and close links with other Schools and facilities across a small yet world-class University.
Current students and Alumni who have graduated in the last 3 years are now eligible for a 15% fee discount. In addition, offer holders of the Environmental Science MSc will be eligible to apply (before 1st April) for a Global Merit or St Leonard’s award, which may include guaranteed accommodation
-
Provides training in Geochemistry for academic or applied research projects
Geochemistry is a fundamental sub-discipline of the Earth sciences, providing the techniques and knowledge to address 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? Geochemistry also has widespread application to understanding and solving contemporary problems, ranging from pollution of soils and water, to rates of ocean acidification, and the exploration and management of natural resources.
The St Andrews MSc Geochemistry delivers postgraduate-level knowledge and skills training in modern geochemical methods, involving field work, hands-on laboratory training, and experience with state-of-the-art equipment. This broad and rigorous course provides preparation for either pursuing a PhD, by incorporating a lab-based research dissertation, or direct employment in industry through incorporation of applied economic and environmental geochemistry modules.
Course information and how to apply
All aspects of application to postgraduate degree programmes are considered carefully, including academic references and personal statements. Specific entry requirements and further information on how to apply are available on the Geochemistry MSc course page.
Arrange a visit
The University organises a series of visiting days in the Spring and Autumn. For visits outside published visiting days, contact the School by emailing earthsci@st-andrews.ac.uk.
-
Academic Excellence. Industry Expertise
The MSc in Environmental Science offers a new angle on Masters-level Earth science education that translates highly skilled MSc students into well-rounded, work-ready early-career professionals through the provision of industry work placements with our trusted UK, European and US environmental & geotechnical industry partners. Candidates graduate with an internationally recognised master’s degree matched with an international professional network with industry partners.MSc Environmental Sciences Information (PDF)
Highlights
- Industry Work Placement with Global Leaders
Gain professional experience with world-leading environmental and geotechnical engineering consultancies across the UK, Europe, and North America. These placements provide invaluable, real-world exposure to environmental consultancy and applied science.
- Professional and Technical Development
Build key competencies in technical report writing, communication, soft skills and project management, supported by academic mentors and industry experts recognised as global leaders in their fields.
- World-class in Field training in Rio Tinto
Gain hands-on experience in environmental monitoring and remediation at one of the world’s most polluted mining sites, offering a second to none real-world learning experience in how to tackle macro-scale remediation.
An Overview
The MSc in Environmental Science degree at St Andrews 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.
The course includes a set of core modules that 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.
A clear pathway to employment is provided in the degree’s capstone module that is designed to translate academic knowledge into practical skills for the modern workplace. Students receive training in technical report writing, due diligence, presentation skills and project management fundamentals. Industry partners provide guest lectures and workshops to provide insight on industry best practices and to advertise work placement opportunities. During the summer semester, candidates choose between a traditional research dissertation or undertaking a work placement with one of our industry partners.
International Work Placements Build Professionals
The MSc in Environmental Science work placements bridge the gap between academic knowledge and professional best practice, greatly enhancing the path to employment. Students gain hands-on experience with our trusted, internationally recognised industry partners, building networks, developing soft skills, and gaining practical workflow experience. Exposure to cutting-edge science applied to environmental projects prepares graduates to tackle real-world challenges with confidence building experience to become innovative environmental leaders.
Candidates who choose to undertake a work placement will be paired with one of our industry partners, which include some of the leading environmental and geotechnical consultancy firms in the UK, Europe or USA. Placements are designed to help candidates expand their professional networks and strengthen their work experience portfolios, ultimately enhancing their postgraduate employment opportunities on a global scale.
Kurt Fraese, L.G., Fraese and Associates: Offers advisory services for geoprofessional firms, in environmental consulting practice, leadership, and strategic planning. A former CEO of GeoEngineers, Inc., Kurt brings decades of experience across the energy, transportation, water, and development project sectors. In additional to being a key advocate for the MSc in Environmental Science, Kurt will provide MSc students with guest lectures and mentorship, sharing practical insights to support sustainable decision-making, real-world problem solving and career development.
Terracon: With 60 years of experience in environmental and infrastructure projects across the U.S., Terracon brings deep technical expertise in environmental assessment and resource management. They will provide MSc students with guest lectures and hands-on placements in their U.S. offices, offering practical insights into real-world environmental and engineering challenges in a global marketplace.
GDG & Venterra Group: Gavin Doherty Geosolutions (GDG), part of the Venterra Group, specialise in design and consultancy services for energy, ports and harbours and infrastructure sectors. The Scottish team focussed on civil, geotechnical and geoenvironmental design of onshore projects. GDG gives MSc students insight into renewable energy, onshore and offshore project management and sustainable engineering. Through guest lectures and placements, students will gain exposure to international, real-world environmental and energy solutions in Europe and beyond.
Verdantas: Operates across North America and Europe where it combines sustainability, innovation, and digital tools to solve complex environmental problems. Focussing on their U.S. operations, MSc students will gain exposure to cutting-edge strategies through guest lectures, and U.S. placements focused on sustainable management and digital solutions in the modern workplace.
SGZ Cononish: The Cononish Gold Mine in Scotland’s Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park demonstrates how modern environmental practices enable responsible mining. Through placements with SGZ Cononish, a subsidiary of Acrux Gold, participants gain practical experience in geological mapping and sampling, drill core logging, underground mining, ore processing, and laboratory analysis - all designed to minimise surface disruption. Combined with ongoing environmental monitoring and a restoration planning, the project shows how mining can coexist with environmental conservation.
SLR Consulting: With over 25 years of global experience across energy, industry, and infrastructure, SLR offers MSc students access to multidisciplinary projects and international environmental challenges. As a major UK environmental consultancy firm, candidates placed with SLR in the UK will gain practical, cross-sector experience in real-world sustainability and resource management practices in the UK and Europe.
Viking: The Viking "Science at Sea" mission brings environmental scientific research to its Expedition and Ocean voyages, letting guests engage in environmental studies. Onboard Fellowships enable international research fieldwork to be conducted from pole to pole that is combined with a citizen science program for science dissemination aboard its vessels.
Scholarships & Support
We are delighted to partner with Women in Mining UK (WIM) and the Mining Institute of Scotland Trust (MIST) to offer tuition scholarships for the MSc in Environmental Science at the University of St Andrews. Through direct sponsorship, our shared values help broaden access to higher education and promote diversity in the mining and environmental sectors. Together, we are proud to support four scholarships that enable talented students to pursue advanced studies and become future leaders in sustainability and resource management.
Women in Mining UK generously offer one full or two partial tuition scholarships for the academic year 2026-27. The WIM scholarship application portal provides advice on the application process. Women in Mining (WIM) scholarships are designed to broaden participation in mining and STEM fields by offering financial support and mentorship to students. These programs promote diversity, equity, and inclusion while helping build a skilled and diverse workforce for the mining industry. By empowering women as role models and leaders, WIM scholarships challenge gender stereotypes and foster a more inclusive future in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
The Mining Institute of Scotland Trust (MIST) enthusiastically sponsor MSc Environmental Science students to support the development of skilled professionals in Fife’s mining sector through the Cunningham Scholarship. This program equips students with advanced analytical and environmental remediation skills essential for meeting regulatory demands across mining operations. MIST’s support ensures local talent can access specialized training that directly contributes to sustainable mining practices and environmental stewardship.
University of St Andrews Scholarships proudly partner with WIM and the MIST to offer matched tuition scholarships that reflect our shared commitment to equity in education. These scholarships are designed to expand global access to our MSc programme, empowering talented students from diverse backgrounds to pursue advanced study and contribute meaningfully to their communities and disciplines.
Curriculum & More
Detailed information about core and elective modules on the MSc in Environmental Science can be found here: Environmental Science MSc - Subjects - University of St Andrews (st-andrews.ac.uk).
Course suitability
The MSc in Environmental Science is designed for motivated graduates with a background in science, ranging from 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.
Arrange a visit
The University organises a series of Visiting Days in the Spring and Autumn. For visits outside published visiting days, contact the School by emailing earthsci@st-andrews.ac.uk.
- Industry Work Placement with Global Leaders