Environmental Geochemistry MSc
Plymouth University
Key Course Facts
Student Reviews
This particular course
Salary
Salary of Graduates in Biosciences
Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of biosciences (non-specific) at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.
15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
---|---|---|---|
Median salary | £22000 | £19500 | £23500 |
25-75 percentile range | £20000 - £25000 | £14500 - £23500 | £18000 - £29500 |
All Biosciences courses of Plymouth University
Salary of all UK Graduates of Biosciences
15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
---|---|---|---|
Median salary | £24556 | £30929 | £35939 |
25-75 percentile range | £21037 - £28149 | £23857 - £42071 | £28098 - £51622 |
All Biosciences courses in the UK
Course Description
The field of environmental geochemistry is central to the environmental sector which has grown rapidly over the last decade. The global environmental consultancy market, a key destination for suitably skilled graduates, is currently increasing at its strongest rate for five. Geochemical expertise is vital to many aspects of the day to day work of environmental consultants, civil, structural and mining engineers, environmental regulatory authorities, mining and oil companies. In essence, environmental geochemistry is the scientific discipline concerned with the sources, distribution and interactions of chemical elements in rocks, soils, waters, air and biological material. It particularly is tasked with studying a wide variety of environmental materials using a broad suite of analytical tools, inclusive of field measurements, chemical instrumentation and digital modelling methods. Specialists in environmental geochemistry should be equipped with skills and subject specific knowledge in the fields of aqueous and soil geochemistry, characterisation of the sources, transport and fate of environmental pollutants, modelling of the surface and subsurface environment, sampling and chemical analysis of pollutants and the fundamentals of environmental management.
Environmental geochemistry provides strong employment opportunities for appropriately skilled graduates. Research amongst chemistry, science and general employers suggests the majority of employers are seeking additional skills from graduates, particularly numeracy (including data analysis), independent learning, commercial/business awareness, flexibility/adaptability, leadership, interpersonal and research skills. Similarly, the last relevant environmental research council review published by NERC (2012) cited most important skill gaps identified by employers as modelling, multidisciplinarity, data management, numeracy, translating research into practice, fieldwork and risk and uncertainty. These are all central to the field of environmental geochemistry which, in comparison to other environmental management postgraduate programmes, places a particular focus on understanding the chemical nature of environmental issues and a rigorous approach to data acquisition, data management, modelling and uncertainty thus providing graduates with unique and desirable skill set.
Environmental geochemistry graduates would be ideally suited to both environmental consulting, specialising in interpretation of complex data sets and chemical behaviour, or as an analytical scientist for a commercial or research laboratory. The MSc Environmental Geochemistry programme has been developed in response to this demand for high level skills in this field. Specifically, the MSc programme is designed to be an effective transition between the typically scientific focus of an undergraduate education in geoscience and chemistry (or a closely related discipline) and a career in the application of environmental geochemistry within the private or public sector. The programme also develops students’ professional skills, such as understanding business and the environment ethics, with those required to work in an interdisciplinary environment such as stakeholder engagement and communicating risk and uncertainty.
Recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of associate membership.
Jobs & Career Perspectives
15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.
This particular course
Current jobs
This particular course
Required skill level of job after 15 months
This particular course
Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)
Example below based on all graduates of Environmental Geochemistry MSc at Plymouth University
35% | Managers, directors and senior officials |
20% | Business, Research and Administrative Professionals |
10% | Secretarial and related occupations |
5% | Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation |
5% | Business and public service associate professionals |
5% | Administrative occupations |
5% | Elementary occupations |
5% | Business, Research and Administrative Professionals |
5% | Teaching Professionals |
5% | Media Professionals |
Grading & Study Time
Entry Requirements / Admissions
UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course
This particular course
English language requirements
test | Grade | Additional Details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | With 5.5 in all elements. |
An honours degree (upper second class or better) in a relevant discipline (e.g., BSc Chemistry, Geography, Environmental Science, Geological Sciences, Biological Sciences) OR overseas equivalent.
Costs
Average student cost of living in the UK
Rent | £518 |
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) | £50 |
Supermarket shopping | £81 |
Clothing | £35 |
Eating out | £33 |
Alcohol | £27 |
Takeaways / food deliveries | £30 |
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) | £24 |
Holidays and weekend trips | £78 |
Transport within city | £17 |
Self-care / sports | £20 |
Stationary / books | £13 |
Mobile phone / internet | £13 |
Cable TV / streaming | £7 |
Insurance | £51 |
Other | £95 |
Average student cost of living | £1092 |
London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.
University Rankings
Positions of Plymouth University in top UK and global rankings.
Rankings of Plymouth University in related subject specific rankings.
Natural Sciences
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- #24
- #30
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- Chemistry
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The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
[Published 09 September, 2023]
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- #29
- #37
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- Chemistry
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CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 08 June, 2023]
See all 28 university rankings of Plymouth University
About Plymouth University
Founded in 1992, Plymouth University is established in the small city of Plymouth, South West England. The university has a variety of residence halls at distinct price points, and all within walking distance of your classrooms. When wandering off-campus, students will find a blend of both urban and rural surroundings, ensuring that there’s something for everyone here.
List of 221 Bachelor and Master Courses from Plymouth University - Course Catalogue
Student composition of Plymouth University
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Total number of students enrolled at Plymouth University by level Academic year 2021/22 - Full-time equivalent student enrollments published by Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) on February 2022
- undergraduates:
- 13880
- postgraduates:
- 2275
- Total:
- 16155
Where is this programme taught
Similar courses
Program | University | Student satisfaction | Unemployed | Dropout | Tuition (UK) | Tuition (International) | UCAS Tariff | City | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Geochemistry MSc | University of St Andrews | - | - | - | - | - | - | St Andrews | On campus Full-time | |
Environmental Geochemistry MSc | Plymouth University | - | - | - | - | - | - | Plymouth | On campus Part-time |
Ranking publishers
The University League Tables
- Published:
- 08 June, 2023
The Guardian News and Media Limited
- Published:
- 09 September, 2023