MGeol Earth Sciences
About this course
MGeol in Earth Sciences, an earth and environmental sciences degree focused on geological processes, environmental change, and the study of the Earth as an interconnected system. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, and Fieldwork. This five-year integrated master's programme is accredited by the Geological Society of London, offering advanced training through analytical techniques and focused field-based study. The first year establishes foundational knowledge through modules such as Earth's Resource Challenges and Understanding Planet Earth. The second year examines surface and interior processes via Dynamic Earth: Earth Surface Processes, Dynamic Earth: Magma, Minerals and Metamorphism, and Dynamic Earth: The Earth System. Unspecified years include advanced modules such as Advanced Field Skills in Earth and Environmental Sciences, Coding and Modelling in Earth Sciences, and Data Analysis in Earth Sciences. Further study covers areas like GIS and Spatial Analysis for Earth Scientists, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, and Structural Geology and Tectonics. Optional studies and advanced topics span fields such as Metallogeny, Isotope Geochemistry: Theory, Techniques, and Applications, and Pollution and aqueous chemistry, alongside special topics in climate science and geochemistry.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB, including two of the following subjects: Biology Chemistry Environmental Science Geography Geology Mathematics Physics. IB: 36 (HL 6,6,5), including HL6 in two of the following subjects: Biology Chemistry Environmental systems societies (ES&S) Geography Mathematics Physics.
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 1 UCAS decision for MGeol Earth Sciences (F641) at the University of St Andrews for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is AAB at A level.
What students say
Based on about 26 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 95%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 16 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 35%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 25%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 25 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- North East: 5%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East of England: 20%
- London: 15%
- South East: 10%
- Scotland: 35%
Who gets in
Based on about 55 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 94%
- A degree: 6%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Modules
- Advanced Field Skills in Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Coding and Modelling in Earth Sciences
- Data Analysis in Earth Sciences
- Geochemistry
- GIS and Spatial Analysis for Earth Scientists
- Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- Processes and Products in Sedimentary Systems
- Structural Geology and Tectonics
- Field Mapping Skills
- Research Review
- Environmental Excursion
- Field Excursion and Map Interpretation
- Evolution and dynamics of the silicate Earth
- Global Biogeochemical Cycles
- Global climate change
- Global Resource Challenges
- Work placement in Earth Sciences
- Communication and Teaching in Science
- Earth's Resource Challenges
- Understanding Planet Earth
- Dynamic Earth: Earth Surface Processes
- Dynamic Earth: Magma, Minerals and Metamorphism
- Dynamic Earth: The Earth System
- Metallogeny
- Isotope Geochemistry: Theory, Techniques, and Applications
- Pollution and aqueous chemistry
- Special Topics in Climate Science
- Special Topics in Geochemistry
- The Chemistry of the Solar System
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MGeol Earth Sciences at University of St Andrews earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £35,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £50,500. The £35,500 median after five years is £3,500 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of MGeol Earth Sciences at University of St Andrews do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MGeol Earth Sciences at University of St Andrews?
98% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MGeol Earth Sciences at University of St Andrews?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 203 UCAS points.
Is MGeol Earth Sciences at University of St Andrews accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Does MGeol Earth Sciences at University of St Andrews include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MGeol Earth Sciences at University of St Andrews?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.