We recently caught up with the Department of Geography to find out more about MSc in Quaternary Science.

Q1. What areas can students expect to study in MSc Quaternary Science?

This course develops skills in: high resolution palaeoenvironmental proxies and dating, remote sensing and GIS, glaciology, sedimentology and stratigraphy, tephrochronology, fieldwork and mapping, and transferable skills in data analysis and evaluation.

This flexible Masters programme is offered jointly with London’s prestigious Natural History Museum.

Study a Masters’ degree in Quaternary Science and you’ll develop a thorough understanding of many contemporary environmental issues, including climate change, biological responses to environmental change and soil erosion, and be well placed to pursue a rewarding career in your chosen field.

 

Q2. What do you think makes this course different from similarly titled courses on offer across the UK?

This is the only MSc in Quaternary Science available in the UK today. The Department of Geography is one of the leading centres for international geographical research in the UK. In the 2014 Research Excellence Framework our research environment was recognized as overwhelmingly world class.

The staff and facilities of the Centre for Quaternary Research (CQR) at Royal Holloway provide a wide range of opportunities, including participation in internationally significant research programmes in Quaternary science and links with potential employers. This consortium of staff constitutes the strongest teaching team in the UK for the provision of Masters' teaching in the field of non-marine Quaternary earth science and environmental change. You’ll have the chance to contribute to this leading research culture with your own individual research project.

 

Q3. What are the entry requirements for this degree? 

2:1

Archaeology, Botany, Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.

Normally we require a UK 2:1 (Honours) or equivalent in relevant subjects but we will consider high 2:2 or relevant work experience. Candidates with professional qualifications in an associated area may be considered. Where a ‘good 2:2’ is considered, we would normally define this as reflecting a profile of 57% or above. Candidates with extensive field and/or laboratory experience in a relevant vocation may also be considered for entry, but will be required to demonstrate proficiency in theoretical aspects of the subject.

 

Q4. What prospects would students studying this course benefit from?

Study Quaternary Science at Royal Holloway and you’ll graduate with excellent employability prospects. Our recent alumni have gone on to enjoy careers in the British Geological Survey, Natural England, the Environment Agency, journal publishing houses, Research Councils, environmental archaeology and museums, as well as academic positions within universities. 

Over the past decade, around 70% of Quaternary Science graduates have gone on to study at PhD level, with the Royal Holloway Centre for Quaternary Science providing opportunities to participate in internationally significant research programmes.