Introduction
With one of the most established soil science centres in Europe, Aberdeen is proud to maintain this MSc programme that teaches characterisation and basic properties of soils, combined with state-of-the-art techniques. This programme is also available as an MRes option.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MRes or MSc
- Duration
- 12 months or 24 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time or Part Time
- Start Month
- September
The University of Aberdeen has been producing high quality Soil Science graduates for over 60 years, with world leading researchers, renowned consultants and senior government staff amongst our alumni. You will receive intensive training in soil and environmental sciences, with a large focus on field and laboratory based teaching. Our School maintains expertise in all core areas of soil science (biology, chemistry, physics and pedology), so you can be assured of teaching by experts in the field. The final component of the MSc is a research project, conducted under the supervision of either departmental staff or institutions and agencies with whom we have close links.
The MSc/MRes Soil Science aims to provide you with:
- A fundamental understanding of the nature and properties of soils.
- An ability to apply knowledge in academic and real world contexts, such as food security or environmental sustainability.
- Opportunities to learn from world renowned researchers from a range of specific topics in soil science.
Available Programmes of Study
- MRes 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September View
-
Programme Information
- Stage 1
-
Stage 1
The MRes programme differs from the MSc by the inclusion of a 30 credit research project in addition to the 60 credit research project.
Compulsory Courses
- Core Skills in Environmental Science (EV5006)
-
15 Credit Points
The course will provide the students with valuable skills required in developing their research and general study skills, essential for their progression during the MSc programme, as well as to the rest of their academic and professional careers. The course introduces basic statistical analysis, teaches data handling skills and exposes students to literature searching and reference styles. During the course, students will get experience in handling real-life, large data sets and will work together with the lecturer and demonstrators in analysing the data and presenting the results.
View detailed information about this course - Global Soil Geography (SS5008)
-
15 Credit Points
Field based course that takes you across northeast Scotland exploring an ancient tropical rainforest, hill farming in action, survey techniques and soil formation.
A long tradition of soil science teaching at the University of Aberdeen assembled into lectures and field trips delivered by senior academics.
Your assessments are geared towards developing practical skills. This includes a presentation on a particular soil that requires research akin to detective work, and a quiz on soil classification. We expect students to keep a detailed log of field trips to learn survey techniques and to consult for the quiz. An essay will also assessed.
View detailed information about this course - Soils for Food Security (SS5305)
-
15 Credit Points
This advanced soil science course provides additional teaching of physical, chemical and biological properties of soils in the context of food security. You will learn a variety of processes that affect soil productivity, accompanied by practical sessions that will teach relevant analytical methods. The wide range of soil processes taught will be brought together at the end of the course to provide a working knowledge of agronomy, including the interactions between crops and specific chemical or physical properties of soils. Students are introduced to modelling of agricultural impacts on soils and the environment so that mitigation strategies can be assessed.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
- Ecosystem Processes (PL5303)
-
15 Credit Points
Terrestrial ecosystems play a pivotal role in modulating the fluxes of energy and matter at the Earth’s surface, including the cycling of carbon, nutrients and greenhouse gases. Understanding the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems is critical for understanding environmental challenges such as global warming, biodiversity loss, sustainable development and pollution. This course develops principles of systems ecology and biogeochemistry, focusing on the fundamental role played by living things in regulating key ecosystem processes such as carbon cycling, nutrient dynamics, trophic transfers, and land-atmosphere exchange of greenhouse gases.
View detailed information about this course - Environmental Pollution (BI5301)
-
15 Credit Points
Enables students to increase and enhance their understanding of atmospheric, aquatic and terrestrial environmental pollution issues;
Addresses the management, monitoring and control of environmental pollutants;
Allows students to engage with stake holders from a number of different sectors;
Uses both qualitative and quantitative data to understand the impact of environmental pollutants.
View detailed information about this course
- Stage 2
-
Stage 2
Compulsory Courses
- Soil Science Research and Investigation (SS5507)
-
30 Credit Points
tbc
View detailed information about this course - Land use and the Changing Environment (EV5803)
-
15 Credit Points
An introduction to landscape and associated conflicts by using the Cairngorm National Park as the setting. Visits to sporting estates, forests (plantation and semi-natural), farms, river management, ski centres and national nature reserves are used to exemplify the complex relationships between semi-natural and management environments and the people that occupy and use them.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
- Catchment Management (EK5511)
-
15 Credit Points
Field visits to examine river systems and forested catchments provide context and opportunities to discuss a diverse set of environmental management problems with professionals working in the field.
Practical sessions provide structured activities focused on the identification of freshwater invertebrates and applications of GIS approaches for analysing data to support catchment management planning.
You apply theoretical and practical knowledge to a case study, demonstrating your capacity to evaluate site specific data and to interpret relevant legislation and regulation.
Working individually and with a group you will write and present a management plan for a location of your choosing. View detailed information about this course - Environmental Impact Assessment (EK5804)
-
15 Credit Points
Lectures and seminars provide background information about the origins and development of EIA, and how EIAs are implemented in the UK and elsewhere. Visiting speakers and a field visit provide practitioner perspectives on the role of EIA in development decisions.
Workshop sessions focus on case studies to provide insight into issues that arise and provide an opportunity to develop transferable skills valued by employers, such as team-working, time-management, presentation and critical appraisal.
Through an EIA report you investigate a proposed development in depth to identify likely environmental effects, judge their significance, and propose how they should be assessed and mitigated.
View detailed information about this course - Environmental Analysis (EV5800)
-
15 Credit Points
The mixture of applied science and theoretical work places you in a valuable position for understanding the procedures and applications in modern environmental science. A number of laboratory classes allows you to familiarise yourself with the current analytical instrumentation in environmental science. The course uses examples of environmental issues allowing you to understand the problem, how the analysis was conducted and the implications of the results. The main assessment in this course is a practical write up that is written in the style of a scientific report giving you an opportunity to perfect this style of writing.
View detailed information about this course - Applications of GIS (EV5517)
-
15 Credit Points
Many types of biological and environmental data have a spatial component. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide the means to analyse data in their spatial context.
This course gives you an understanding of fundamental concepts in GIS, an appreciation of the ways in which GIS can be used in ecology and environmental sciences, and practical skills in using ArcGIS software to solve problems in a spatial context.
A flexible teaching and learning environment allows for individualised learning and enrichment for students with existing skills in GIS.
The course broadens your portfolio of research skills and enhance your employability.
View detailed information about this course
- Stage 3
-
Stage 3
Compulsory Courses
- Project in Soil Science (SS5903)
-
60 Credit Points
The three-month individual Research Project can cover any area of soil science and is undertaken under the supervision of a member of staff who is an expert in your chosen field. Many projects are also done in collaboration with an external organisation. The project provides opportunities for you to develop your abilities and skills, generate hypotheses and design ways of testing them and to analyse, report and discuss your findings. You will learn to take responsibility for implementing your own plans and modifying them as necessary. The project is written up in the form of a scientific paper manuscript.
View detailed information about this course
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £21,500 Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year Home / RUK £10,200 Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year - MSc 12 months or 24 months On Campus Learning Full Time or Part Time September View
-
Programme Information
- Semester 1
-
Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- Core Skills in Environmental Science (EV5006)
-
15 Credit Points
The course will provide the students with valuable skills required in developing their research and general study skills, essential for their progression during the MSc programme, as well as to the rest of their academic and professional careers. The course introduces basic statistical analysis, teaches data handling skills and exposes students to literature searching and reference styles. During the course, students will get experience in handling real-life, large data sets and will work together with the lecturer and demonstrators in analysing the data and presenting the results.
View detailed information about this course - Global Soil Geography (SS5008)
-
15 Credit Points
Field based course that takes you across northeast Scotland exploring an ancient tropical rainforest, hill farming in action, survey techniques and soil formation.
A long tradition of soil science teaching at the University of Aberdeen assembled into lectures and field trips delivered by senior academics.
Your assessments are geared towards developing practical skills. This includes a presentation on a particular soil that requires research akin to detective work, and a quiz on soil classification. We expect students to keep a detailed log of field trips to learn survey techniques and to consult for the quiz. An essay will also assessed.
View detailed information about this course - Soils for Food Security (SS5305)
-
15 Credit Points
This advanced soil science course provides additional teaching of physical, chemical and biological properties of soils in the context of food security. You will learn a variety of processes that affect soil productivity, accompanied by practical sessions that will teach relevant analytical methods. The wide range of soil processes taught will be brought together at the end of the course to provide a working knowledge of agronomy, including the interactions between crops and specific chemical or physical properties of soils. Students are introduced to modelling of agricultural impacts on soils and the environment so that mitigation strategies can be assessed.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
- Ecosystem Processes (PL5303)
-
15 Credit Points
Terrestrial ecosystems play a pivotal role in modulating the fluxes of energy and matter at the Earth’s surface, including the cycling of carbon, nutrients and greenhouse gases. Understanding the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems is critical for understanding environmental challenges such as global warming, biodiversity loss, sustainable development and pollution. This course develops principles of systems ecology and biogeochemistry, focusing on the fundamental role played by living things in regulating key ecosystem processes such as carbon cycling, nutrient dynamics, trophic transfers, and land-atmosphere exchange of greenhouse gases.
View detailed information about this course - Environmental Pollution (BI5301)
-
15 Credit Points
Enables students to increase and enhance their understanding of atmospheric, aquatic and terrestrial environmental pollution issues;
Addresses the management, monitoring and control of environmental pollutants;
Allows students to engage with stake holders from a number of different sectors;
Uses both qualitative and quantitative data to understand the impact of environmental pollutants.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 2
-
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Environmental Analysis (EV5800)
-
15 Credit Points
The mixture of applied science and theoretical work places you in a valuable position for understanding the procedures and applications in modern environmental science. A number of laboratory classes allows you to familiarise yourself with the current analytical instrumentation in environmental science. The course uses examples of environmental issues allowing you to understand the problem, how the analysis was conducted and the implications of the results. The main assessment in this course is a practical write up that is written in the style of a scientific report giving you an opportunity to perfect this style of writing.
View detailed information about this course - Catchment Management (EK5511)
-
15 Credit Points
Field visits to examine river systems and forested catchments provide context and opportunities to discuss a diverse set of environmental management problems with professionals working in the field.
Practical sessions provide structured activities focused on the identification of freshwater invertebrates and applications of GIS approaches for analysing data to support catchment management planning.
You apply theoretical and practical knowledge to a case study, demonstrating your capacity to evaluate site specific data and to interpret relevant legislation and regulation.
Working individually and with a group you will write and present a management plan for a location of your choosing. View detailed information about this course - Applications of GIS (EV5517)
-
15 Credit Points
Many types of biological and environmental data have a spatial component. Geographical Information Systems (GIS) provide the means to analyse data in their spatial context.
This course gives you an understanding of fundamental concepts in GIS, an appreciation of the ways in which GIS can be used in ecology and environmental sciences, and practical skills in using ArcGIS software to solve problems in a spatial context.
A flexible teaching and learning environment allows for individualised learning and enrichment for students with existing skills in GIS.
The course broadens your portfolio of research skills and enhance your employability.
View detailed information about this course - Land use and the Changing Environment (EV5803)
-
15 Credit Points
An introduction to landscape and associated conflicts by using the Cairngorm National Park as the setting. Visits to sporting estates, forests (plantation and semi-natural), farms, river management, ski centres and national nature reserves are used to exemplify the complex relationships between semi-natural and management environments and the people that occupy and use them.
View detailed information about this course
Optional Courses
- Environmental Impact Assessment (EK5804)
-
15 Credit Points
Lectures and seminars provide background information about the origins and development of EIA, and how EIAs are implemented in the UK and elsewhere. Visiting speakers and a field visit provide practitioner perspectives on the role of EIA in development decisions.
Workshop sessions focus on case studies to provide insight into issues that arise and provide an opportunity to develop transferable skills valued by employers, such as team-working, time-management, presentation and critical appraisal.
Through an EIA report you investigate a proposed development in depth to identify likely environmental effects, judge their significance, and propose how they should be assessed and mitigated.
View detailed information about this course
- Semester 3
-
Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- Project in Soil Science (SS5903)
-
60 Credit Points
The three-month individual Research Project can cover any area of soil science and is undertaken under the supervision of a member of staff who is an expert in your chosen field. Many projects are also done in collaboration with an external organisation. The project provides opportunities for you to develop your abilities and skills, generate hypotheses and design ways of testing them and to analyse, report and discuss your findings. You will learn to take responsibility for implementing your own plans and modifying them as necessary. The project is written up in the form of a scientific paper manuscript.
View detailed information about this course
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £21,500 Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year Home / RUK £10,200 Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year
Soil Science
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
A wide range of teaching methods are used at Aberdeen to ensure that you are able to learn in a way that suits your learning style and enables you to achieve the best possible outcome. Our class sizes are small and we have a low student to tutor ratio, meaning you will have the full support of your group tutors.
Our great diversity in teaching methods is coupled by the use of latest digital technology to ensure course content is accessible to all students through a wide range of electronic formats.
The MSc also provides students with ample opportunity to learn outside the classroom so you can apply both theory and practice to real life situations. The majority of courses regularly extend activities and learning to outdoor field work, visits by industry experts and insights into real-life situations and problem-solving. The MSc programme includes, without additional cost, a one week residential field course (at Ballater, Aberdeenshire) plus several day-long field trips from Aberdeen.
The dedicated research project you will undertake as part of your MSc provides training in study design, technical skills, recording results and observations and analysing results. Great flexibility is available in project selection; projects can be chosen from a list of developed by the students themselves in collaboration with supervisors. Projects can be field, lab and/or computer based and flexible to fit the student’s interests, aspirations and skill set.
Learning Methods
- Field Trips
- Field Work
- Lectures
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
The degree programme is assessed on the basis of performance in the research project and continuous assessment of course work.
Why Study Soil Science?
- You will receive training by active researchers which ensures topical, research based teaching and a wide range of cutting-edge project topics.
- As the only dedicated MSc Soil Science remaining in the UK, and one of the few remaining in Europe, you can be assured of a specialist programme.
- In the field, you will be introduced to soil science by following a series of excursions developed by the famous University of Aberdeen pedologist, E.A. Fitzpatrick. This gives unique access to a range of interesting soils formed in NE Scotland that demonstrate a wide range of soil formation processes.
- The skills you will learn and the professional network that you will have access to may benefit you in your future career.
- We provide ‘hands-on’ teaching in field trips and laboratory tutorials, providing transferable skills useful for future employment. We consult with industry to ensure delivery of the core skills they require from graduates.
- The department boasts cutting-edge technologies for soil science, including analytical equipment, model development, X-Ray CT to study soil structure, molecular biology and isotopic approaches.
- Core skills in writing, data analysis, presentation, field working and laboratory methods are an important component of the programme.
- You will learn essential research skills that will better prepare you, should you choose to progress to PhD level.
- Our research is conducted across the globe, finding solutions to soil degradation, food security and greenhouse gas emissions.
- A team from the University developed the award winning ‘Cool Farm Tool’ a greenhouse calculator used by Unilever, Marks & Spencer’s, Costco and Heinz.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
MRes
A UK 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent), in a biological, environmental or physical science, geography, or other relevant subject is required.
MSc
A UK 2:1 honours degree (or international equivalent), in a biological, environmental or physical science, geography, or other relevant subject; applicants with a 2ii (or equivalent), particularly with some relevant experience, may also be considered. We also consider individuals with degrees in a wider range of disciplines who are clearly motivated by the programme and have some relevant experience.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Fee Information
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
The following options are available to support your studies.
- MSc Soil Science - applications are invited to the Robert Grant Memorial Trust for the 2020/21 academic year. The award will cover UK/EU tuition fees and students from Morayshire or Aberdeenshire are eligible to apply. Closing date for applications is 1st July 2020.
Scholarships
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Day
On Tuesday 18th May, The University of Aberdeen will hold a Postgraduate Virtual Open Day.
It is open to everyone who is interested in Postgraduate Taught and Research study.
Find out moreCareers
Graduates of the MSc Soil Science have a variety of career options in industry including environmental and agricultural consulting, mining, forestry, laboratory analysis and utilities. Many graduates are also employed by government environmental agencies in the UK and internationally. Environmental and food security concerns have increased opportunities for soil science graduates. Students are encouraged to develop professional connections through the British Society of Soil Science (soils.org.uk), who provide links to practicing soil scientists in the UK and internationally.
As a taught, research focussed degree, the MRes Soil Science is intended to prepare students for a career in science, often as a precursor to PhD study.
Career Opportunities
- Environmental Consultant
- Land Remediation Specialist
- Soil Surveyor
Industry Links
We have active links with industry through our research, with these partnerships producing products of real impact, such as the CoolFarmTool carbon calculator. Our environmental scientists also work closely with colleagues in research institutions all over the world:
- The James Hutton Institute
- Scottish Natural Heritage
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- Marine Scotland Science
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
- British Trust for Ornithology
- Forestry Commission and Forest Research
What our Alumni Say
Chris Cantle
Our Experts
The University of Aberdeen hosts one of the most diverse teams of soil scientists in the UK, including two Fellows of the Royal Society. The academics listed below play a major role in teaching or hosting MSc projects.
- Other Experts
- Professor Paul Hallett
- Professor Graeme Paton
- Dr Ashish Malik
- Dr Lenka Mbadugha
- Dr Cecile Gubry-Rangin
- Professor Jo Smith
- Professor Pete Smith
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Vasilis Louca
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Facilities
Sir Duncan Rice Library
The University’s award winning Sir Duncan Rice Library is listed in the “Top 20 spellbinding University libraries in the World”. It contains over a million volumes, more than 300,000 e-books and 21,000 journals.
Find out more
Cruickshank Botanic Garden
The Cruickshank Botanic Garden is situated on our King's College campus. It is used to support both our teaching and research; existing to promote the diversity and importance of plants and their role in the natural world.
Laboratory Facilities
Our laboratory facilities include advanced analytical equipment to study soil chemical, physical and biological properties. Students have the opportunity to access state-of-the-art facilities such as mass spectroscopy, GC-MS and XRay CT imaging.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions Service
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX