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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 29,990
Per course
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
1 years
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Ecology
Area of study
Natural Science
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 29,990
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Environmental Science MSc

Overview

Gain real-world analytical skills development for environmental scientists working in the public and private sector through state-of-the-art analytical facilities, bespoke lab and fieldwork exercises to globally recognised remediation sites.


Application Deadline

Thursday 7 August 2025


Duration

One year full time


School

School of Earth and Environmental Sciences


Fees

  • UK: £12,030
  • Rest of the world: £29,990

Why Study This Course?

This degree places a strong emphasis on the provision of 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.


Highlights

  • Field excursion to a real-world site of extensive pollution (currently planned to be in Rio Tinto, Spain).
  • Dissertation project centered 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 in-person interaction with your lecturers.

Flexible Study

Learn full-time (two semesters) or part-time (four semesters).


Dissertation

A 10,000-word project with regular support.


Assessment

A mix of coursework and exams.


Modules

Compulsory

  • Analytical Methods in Geochemistry: trains students in the advanced techniques and methodologies used to address fundamental and applied questions related to the Earth system.
  • Geochemistry Field Excursion: covers best practice field skills in documenting the human, factors that lead to major environmental disasters such as the Rio Tinto contamination site, Spain. Students learn how to collect samples, perform geochemical analyses in the field and present data in a written report.
  • Global Resource Challenges: tackles the economic, environmental, societal, geopolitical and ethical issues regarding mining, and future challenges shaping mineral exploration into the mid-21st century. It includes field trips to see the environmental impact of mining.
  • Pollution and Aqueous Chemistry: provides a combination of the underpinning hydrological theory and the analytical tools required to better understand and ameliorate problems of water in the environment.
  • Statistics and Analytical Sciences: provides students with a strong background in statistics and methods of data analysis used in Earth Sciences.

Optional

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 organizations 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.

Dissertation or Project

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 and/or an external industry partner. 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.


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, students finish their degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.


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 specialized and transferrable skills that are sought after in industry and academia alike.


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?

The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences 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.


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.
  • English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.

Application Requirements

  • CV or résumé
  • personal statement
  • one original signed academic reference
  • academic transcripts and degree certificates

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: £12,030
  • Rest of the world: £29,990

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:


  • Environmental Science MSc Awards - Overseas application deadline: Thursday 5 June 2025
  • Environmental Science MSc Awards - The Cunningham Scholarship UK application deadline: Thursday 5 June 2025
  • Environmental Science MSc Awards - Women in Mining (WIM) UK application deadline: Thursday 5 June 2025
  • GREAT Scholarship
  • St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
  • St Leonard's funding opportunities
  • Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)

Earth and environmental sciences scholarships


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About University
PhD
Masters
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Foundation
Courses

University of St. Andrews


Overview:

The University of St. Andrews is Scotland's first university, established in 1413. It is renowned for its academic excellence, particularly in postgraduate studies, and consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK.


Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services for students, including:

    MySaint:

    A student portal for accessing various resources and information.

    Moodle:

    An online learning platform for course materials and communication.

    Library:

    A well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.

    MMS:

    A student support system for managing academic and personal matters.

    Accommodation:

    On-campus housing options for students.

    Fees and Funding:

    Information on tuition fees and financial aid opportunities.

    Scholarships:

    Various scholarships available for eligible students.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience, characterized by:

    Close-knit community:

    A strong sense of belonging fostered by the small town setting.

    Academically stimulating environment:

    Opportunities for intellectual growth and engagement.

    Active research:

    Involvement in cutting-edge research projects.

    International community:

    A diverse student body from around the world.

    Numerous extracurricular activities:

    Opportunities for social interaction and personal development.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Top-ranked university:

    Consistently ranked among the best in the UK.

    World-leading research:

    Access to cutting-edge research facilities and resources.

    Excellent postgraduate programs:

    A wide range of taught Masters degrees and online courses.

    Strong academic reputation:

    A prestigious institution with a long history of academic excellence.

    Supportive and welcoming community:

    A close-knit environment that fosters a sense of belonging.

Academic Programs:

The university offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

    Arts and Divinity:

    Philosophy, History, English Literature, Theology, etc.

    Science:

    Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, etc.

    Social Sciences:

    Economics, Politics, Sociology, etc.

    Medicine:

    Medicine, Nursing, etc.

    Management:

    Business, Finance, Marketing, etc.

Other:

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292
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