Geochemistry is critical to quantifying the mechanisms, rates and sources behind every aspect of the Earth system. Our 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.

Course information

The MSc in Geochemistry is a taught postgraduate programme run by the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Geochemistry is a fundamental discipline within the Earth Sciences, providing the techniques and knowledge to address such fundamental questions as:

What are the rates and drivers of climate change, both past and present?
How do we assess and remediate environmental degradation?
Was there ever life on Mars?
How do planets form?

The course is comprehensive and rigorous, comprising compulsory and optional taught modules, field work, short courses, and a research dissertation. Hands-on experience developing a diverse set of laboratory skills is embedded into the course.

Highlights

• Teaching and supervision on the MSc span a wide range of expertise in the field of geochemistry, underpinned by state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
• The course introduces you to academic and industry-standard software for robust geochemical modelling and statistical analysis of data.
• The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences upholds a collegiate, dynamic and research-intensive atmosphere that encourages, and is supportive of, all students.
• The MSc provides preparation for pursuing a PhD through working in an active research group and completing a lab-based dissertation focused on a novel research question.
• The MSc prepares you for employment in industry by incorporating applied economic and environmental geochemistry modules and the possibility of industry-sponsored research.

Teaching format

The MSc degree requires two semesters of full-time (or four semesters part-time) coursework, normally equivalent to a total of nine taught modules, and a 15,000-word dissertation, usually completed over the summer semester. The assessment for the taught modules is based on coursework and written examinations.

Careers

The range of research areas and applications of Geochemistry is so broad that career opportunities span the whole of earth and environmental sciences. Masters-level training in Geochemistry would provide a suitable platform for a career in materials science outside of earth and environmental sciences specifically.