Masters of Geology (Integrated MGeol), University of Plymouth
After completing four years of undergraduate study (including a placement year) at Plymouth University, I knew I wanted to extend my education and complete a Master’s. A Master’s would allow me to develop the skills I gained during my undergraduate and pursue a subject I am passionate about. While deciding on what to choose, I thought about what I most enjoyed about geology in the first place. I remembered my initial passion for geology began along the Jurassic Coast, where I spent my childhood summer holidays in Dorset, falling in love with its geology and landscape.
This is how I came across the MGeol, the Integrated Master’s option at Plymouth, which was available as an extra year at Master’s level added onto my undergraduate degree. An Integrated Master’s course is a programme that combines a three-year undergraduate degree with a one-year Master’s level qualification. Rather than having two separate degrees, you have one single qualification. One of the MGeol research projects being advertised was using fossils to determine past climate change in the Jurassic, with fieldwork to Weymouth. It sounded perfect! After learning about this project, I swiftly enquired if the project was still available, which thankfully it was! So, I opted onto the MGeol and started the course in September 2021.
The Integrated Master’s option meant I could continue studying at Plymouth University, where I could pursue a taught and research-based Master’s. The first semester of the MGeol was focused on teaching us the skills required for us to succeed during our dissertation project, the modules included Geo-Communication, Advanced Fieldwork Skills and Advanced Analytical Skills. These modules provided new opportunities to develop advanced laboratory, technical and professional skills; such as using the using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The second semester of the MGeol is completely run by yourself and is focused on your chosen project. You are in charge of managing your time and research (i.e., arranging meetings with your supervisor, setting and meeting deadlines). The key skills gained from the taught and research elements of the MGeol, will set me up for a career in further research e.g., a Ph.D. or a career in industry.
My research project is titled: ‘A Climate Perturbation at The Middle – Late Jurassic Transition? Evaluating The Isotopic Evidence’. This research used Oxygen and Carbon Isotopes from fossils (oysters, belemnites and Gryphaea) spanning the Middle – Upper Jurassic Epochs, to determine if there was an Ice Age during this transition period. As part of my research, I had the opportunity to complete fieldwork and learn new laboratory skills, such as how to prepare samples for ICP-MS analysis (geochemistry analysis). The results of my research indicated there was an Ice Age at the Middle – Upper Jurassic Epochs, however, further research is required as there are many other factors that could influence my dataset and produce similar results.
During my Master’s I have had amazing opportunities to meet so many amazing people, from other Master’s students, PhD students and people in industry as well – these connections will be incredibly useful for the future. It has been really lovely to work alongside like-minded people and create a community where everyone could thrive. If you like the idea of completing a Master’s but aren’t sure what subject you want to pursue, the MGeol (or MSci) is a brilliant option and opens many doors to new opportunities.