Why study this course?
The 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.
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, which include some of the leading environmental and geotechnical consultancy firms in the UK and 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.
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 centered 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.
Flexible study
Learn full-time (two semesters) or part-time (four semesters).
Work placement or research dissertation
Build your professional network by choosing a work placement with our industry partners.
Assessment
A mix of coursework and exams.
Modules
The St Andrews degree structure is designed to be flexible. You study compulsory modules delivering core learning together with optional modules you choose from the list available that year.
If you 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 (PGDip) instead, finishing the course at the end of the second semester of study.
Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.
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- Analytical Methods in Geochemistry: This course trains students in the advanced techniques and methodologies used to address fundamental and applied questions related to the Earth system.
- Pollution and Aqueous Chemistry: This module explores aqueous contaminants, their behaviour, and modelling of aqueous chemistry. We study pollutants, their effects on water and soils, and remediation methods. It includes fieldwork and training in geochemical modelling.
- Statistics and Analytical Sciences: This course provides students with a strong background in statistics and methods of data analysis used in earth sciences.
- Geochemistry Field Excursion: This module covers best practice field skills in documenting the geological and environmental controls in a geochemical problem, how to collect samples, and post-trip sample analyses and report writing.
- Global Resource Challenges: This course tackles the economic, environmental, societal, geopolitical and ethical issues regarding mining, and future challenges shaping mineral exploration. It includes field trips to see the environmental impact of mining.
- Environmental Monitoring Project: ES5098 trains students in analytical techniques, monitoring environmental parameters, and studying farming/industrial impacts on watersheds. It develops data management, teamwork, and project planning skills for independent dissertation work.
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Students choose one module from the following list:
- Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Management: provides training in GIS systems and their use in environmental problem solving.
- Isotope Geochemistry: Theory, Techniques, and Applications: explores the theory behind, and geochemical applications of, the natural variability measurable in both radiogenic and stable isotope systems.
- Managing Natural Resources: examines the challenges encountered by organizations in managing biodiversity, climate change, and water resources.
Students choose two modules from the following list, if not previously taken:
- Coding and Modelling in Earth Sciences: focuses on building understanding of fundamental concepts in scientific coding, gaining practical coding experience using the popular Python language, and then the application of computer models to gain insight into topics across the Earth Sciences.
- Geochemistry: covers the origin and distribution of the elements, thermodynamics, redox reactions, and aqueous geochemistry.
- Geographic Information Systems for Environmental Management: provides training in GIS systems and their use in environmental problem solving.
- Isotope Geochemistry: Theory, Techniques, and Applications: explores the theory behind, and geochemical applications of, the natural variability measurable in both radiogenic and stable isotope systems.
- Managing Natural Resources: examines the challenges encountered by organisations in managing biodiversity, climate change, and water resources.
- Oceans and Atmosphere: discusses theoretical concepts in marine biogeochemical cycles, ocean and atmospheric circulation, climate and weather.
- Special Topics in Climate Science: tackles a variety of advanced topical research subjects in climate science, such as climate sensitivity, past warm climates, external forcing and geo-engineering.
- Subsurface Modelling and Geophysics for Earth Scientists: concepts, techniques, and practices of subsurface exploration and storage, including C storage.
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During Semester 1 and 2, students are introduced to field and analytical skills in environmental monitoring. This includes coaching in defining an efficient project workflow, fieldwork preparation desktop studies, note-taking, sampling, field- and lab-based analyses, and data management.
In the third semester, each student selects a field area and carries out an independent environmental impact assessment, guided by an academic supervisor or an external industry partner, or both. The project will involve:
- project planning and workflow training
- desktop study strategy including background literature review
- project formulation
- analytical design
- data management, integration, and interpretation
- development of oral presentation skills
- production of a technical report
The assessment is based on digital notes, a poster presentation, and a written dissertation in the form of an environmental impact assessment technical report. The completed dissertation of not more than 10,000 words must be submitted by a date towards the end of August.
What it will lead to
Careers
This degree prepares students for employment in a range of public and private sectors, such as environmental monitoring and consulting, analytical sciences, the mining industry, or resource management, as well as academic research in environmental and climate science. Graduates will gain a range of specialised and transferrable skills that are sought after in industry and academia alike through the delivery of guest lectures and workshops by industry professionals.
Candidates may choose to undertake a traditional research project or undertake a work placement. Work placement opportunities are popular among candidates who wish to grow their professional network in the pursuit of graduate employment opportunities.
We are committed to supporting your career aspirations, whatever stage your career is at. Our Careers Centre can help connect you to our extensive global alumni community for advice and mentoring, as well as offering career coaching, bespoke workshops, employer connections, experiences, and application support.
Our International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute can also support you with academic and professional skills development. The University’s Entrepreneurship Centre offers start-up support for those looking to freelance as well as create their own business.
Further study
This comprehensive and rigorous course provides relevant preparation for pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science by incorporating a lab-based research dissertation. Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere.
Why St Andrews?
In addition to creating a pathway for employment across the earth science sector, the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences hosts a vibrant research community that underpins the cutting-edge scientific training on offer to students. The School holds weekly seminars during the semester, with expert guest speakers from the UK and abroad.
The School also holds an annual full-day FRESH seminar series (Frontline Earth Science Research at St Andrews). Each year’s FRESH seminar focuses on a different scientific theme and welcomes internationally recognised guest speakers to participate. Previous themes include:
- The Evolution of Earth’s Atmosphere
- Volcanic Impacts on Climate, Environment and Society
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“I have felt very welcomed in this community – being able to talk to someone is particularly important as an international student. The academic environment is challenging and inspiring with field trips, laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment. Furthermore, I can find inspiration just walking round the historic town and the beaches.”
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
- A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree in a biological, environmental or physical science, geography, or other subject-related area. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
Application requirements
- CV or résumé
- personal statement
- one original signed academic reference
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.
Fees and funding
- UK: £12,360
- Rest of the world: £31,450
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
- GREAT Scholarship
- St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
- St Leonard's funding opportunities
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
Industry- and third party-sponsored scholarships are also available. Contact the School for availability.
Contact us
- Postgraduate online information events
- The School can help with course content, teaching and other topics: ask the School
- Ask University Admissions about how to apply, fees, scholarships and other topics
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 28 October 2025