Earth Sciences and Physical Geography

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Earth Science and Physical Geography MEarthSci

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Earth Sciences and Environment

Year of entry: 2027

Key facts

UCAS Code

MEarthSci

Duration of study

4 years,

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

Multiple campuses

Start date

September 2027

School of GeoSciences

College of Science and Engineering

Study abroad

Available

Placement

Second year entry

Open days and events

Overview

About the degree programme

Are you fascinated by how the Earth works, from its deep interior to the landscapes we live in?

Do you want to understand how physical processes, climate, and human activity have affected our past, so we can measure its present and predict its future?

If so, then this degree is for you.

Earth Science and Physical Geography offers you flexibility in your studies to pursue a wide range of interests across geography and the Earth sciences, giving you a holistic understanding of our planet.

On this degree, you will explore:

Earth sciences

Our planet and its evolution, from its formation and the evolution of life to present-day surface and environmental processes, encompassing rocks, minerals, fossils, oceans, the atmosphere, and weather.

Physical geography

The geographical processes of our planet, such as volcanoes and glaciers, flooding and climate change.

This degree helps you investigate how Earth systems interact, and how we can use this knowledge to tackle major global challenges, such as:

climate change and sustainable resource use

natural hazards and environmental management

understanding the links between the Earth’s structure, surface and atmosphere

By combining the strengths of Earth sciences and geography, you will gain a broad scientific foundation and the flexibility to specialise in areas that interest you most.

You will also benefit from the wide range of research interests of our academics – many at the forefront of their field – making it easy for you to tailor your studies and research dissertation to suit your interests.

By the end of this degree, you will also gain sought-after analytical, field and computational skills that employers value, including science communication, programming and data science, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).

These skills prepare you for careers in sustainability, environmental consultancy, Earth science research and beyond.

Our 5-year Earth Sciences and Physical Geography (MEarthSci) degree follows the 4-year BSc Earth Science and Physical Geography degree until the end of Year 4. You will then take an extra year of study, where you will complete additional research training and an independent research project in Year 5.

Our students on the importance of the Earth sciences

Our Earth Science and Physical Geography programme allows you to combine your understanding of both physical geography and Earth processes to address global challenges.

Free Earth Sciences taster course

Earth Sciences Subject Spotlight | Springpod

Explore Earth Sciences in action with our Springpod Subject Spotlight. Led by volcanologist Professor Eliza Calder, this is a free taster of what studying Earth Sciences could look like.

Travel to Guatemala and dive into natural hazards, volcanoes and disaster risk reduction. Learn how volcanic activity shapes communities, and how science can improve forecasting, resilience, and real-world decision-making.

Earth Sciences Subject Spotlight

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is usually studied over 5 years, however some students may be eligible to enter in Year 2 and complete the programme in 4 years.

Programme rankings

Top 10 in the UK across Earth and marine sciences, geology and geophysics in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

9th in the UK, and 19th in the world for geography in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

4th in the UK, and world's top 30 universities for natural sciences subjects in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

Programme benefits

Study a degree with real-world relevance that enhances your employability

Flexible first and second years. Explore a range of courses before specialising in areas that inspire you most

Gain networking and placement opportunities through our connections with industry, research, and government sectors

Develop field and laboratory experience that prepares you to address global environmental and sustainability challenges

Join one of the UK's largest groups of geographers and Earth and environmental scientists. Learn from world-leading researchers across fields such as volcanology, glaciology, geohazards and resources, palaeontology, climate change and sustainability

Benefits of an integrated masters

Conduct your own advanced independent research project on a topic of your choice, supported by a supervisor, in Year 5

An integrated masters programme offers a deeper focus on research and provides useful preparation for further studies, such as a PhD

Studying Earth science has completely transformed the way I see the world. I’d encourage anyone - even those with just a passing curiosity - to explore it, because it has the power to reshape how you think. For me, it’s not just about the subject matter, but the mindset it cultivates: learning to think critically, always framing ideas within the immense scale of geological time.

Ross MacAnespie

BSc (Hons) Geology and Physical Geography, graduated 2019

Entry requirements

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

Select the country or region where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.

Select the qualification you are studying or studied.

Where you are studying or where you studied

United Kingdom

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Côte d'Ivoire

Democratic Republic of Congo

Dominican Republic

El Salvador

Eswatini

Ethiopia

The Gambia

Guatemala

Honduras

Hong Kong-SAR China

Indonesia

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Netherlands, The

New Zealand

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Tajikistan

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Thailand

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United Arab Emirates

United States of America

Uzbekistan

Venezuela

West Indies and Caribbean

Zimbabwe

My country or region is not listed

Qualification

- Select a qualification -

Qualifications from Hong Kong-SAR China

A levels: standard requirements

A levels: widening access requirements

IB: standard requirements

IB: widening access requirements

SQA Highers: standard requirements

SQA Highers: widening access requirements

Other UK qualifications

Mature applicants (including adult returners)

To apply for this programme and be considered for an offer, you will need:

academic qualifications that meet our entry requirements, including required subjects

evidence of your English language ability (for example, from school or an English language test)

See our region-specific pages to find the entry requirements we accept.

Undergraduate entry requirements by region - Hong Kong-SAR China

English language requirements

You must prove that you can read, write, listen and speak in the English language at a level that will allow you to succeed in your studies.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with qualifications from school or an English language test.

School qualifications we accept

We accept any of the following, at the specified grade or higher:

SQA National 5 English at C

GCSE English at C or 4

Level 2 Certificate English at C

International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level English at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

Before you apply, check the required subjects for this programme, as you may need a higher English grade to meet the academic requirements.

Other qualifications we accept

We also accept other qualifications from around the world.

English language qualifications and tests we accept

English language tests we accept

If you don’t have school qualifications that meet our requirements, we accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.

TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) before 21 January 2026: total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.

TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition) from 21 January 2026: total 4.5 with at least 4.0 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.

C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.

Trinity ISE (2026 entry only. We are reviewing our acceptance of Trinity ISE for 2027 entry. Requirements for this qualification will be available in early October.): ISE II with distinctions in all four components.

Oxford ELLT: total 7 with at least 5 in each component. We do not accept Oxford ELLT Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.

Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 145 with at least 125 in each component.

Other English language tests we accept

We also accept other types of English language tests.

How old your English language qualifications can be

Qualifications no more than two years old

Qualifications from the following English language tests must be no more than two years old from the start date of this programme, regardless of your nationality:

IELTS Academic

TOEFL-iBT

Trinity ISE

Oxford ELLT

Oxford Test of English Advanced

Qualifications no more than three and a half years old

All other types of English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of this programme.

If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or region, there is no time limit on how old these other types of English language qualifications can be.

Check the UKVI list of majority English-speaking countries and territories

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for MEarthSci (Hons) Earth Science and Physical Geography

View the tuition fees for one academic year of MEarthSci (Hons) Earth Science and Physical Geography.

Tuition fees for this programme

Additional costs

The School of GeoSciences does not charge extra fees for compulsory field trips or field courses.

Costs of travel, accommodation and general upkeep on compulsory field trips are covered by the programme, thanks to the continued support of our generous alumni community.

However, you are responsible for any incidental/personal expenses. This may include suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for compulsory fieldwork, for which you may wish to budget approximately £100 to £150.

For more local excursions, you may occasionally be asked to make your own way there using public transport.

Dissertation costs

There may be some costs associated with your dissertation research project, including field costs. You can design your dissertation project to reduce costs.

The School of GeoSciences also provides a £250 allowance for using facilities to support your dissertation project in Year 4, and again for your advanced research project in Year 5.

Costs for an optional year abroad

If you study abroad in Year 3 through the University's study exchange programme, you will need to pay related costs. These include:

tuition fees

accommodation and living costs

country-specific expenses like travel, visas and insurance

You can use our budget calculator to help estimate your costs.

Find out more about costs for studying abroad

You can also use a tool like Numbeo to compare the cost of living abroad to Edinburgh or your hometown or city.

If you are away on exchange or placement, you may receive a reduction in your tuition fees for the year. This depends on:

the type of placement you are on

how long you are away

As an indication, you can see the reductions for students studying away in 2026-27. These are reviewed annually and are subject to change.

Study away fees for 2026-27

Accommodation and living costs

You will need to pay for your accommodation and living costs (such as rent, food and utility bills) for the duration of your programme.

For 2026-2027, we estimate that it will cost an average of £1,546 each month to live in Edinburgh as a single undergraduate student. This equates to £13,914 for a 39-week academic year and £18,552 for a full year.

The exact amount you spend will depend on different factors, especially the accommodation you choose.

Living costs: estimates explained

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

Programme details

What you will study

The MEarthSci Earth Science and Physical Geography allows you to combine your understanding of both physical geography and Earth processes to address global challenges.

It balances data science, programming, and computing skills with traditional field and laboratory skills, along with a knowledge of Earth science and geography.

You will learn about:

the structure, composition and history of the Earth

the Earth's resources and how we can sustainably manage them

the associated hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides

the deep-Earth processes that shape the Earth's surface and their impacts on the environment

We will build on this knowledge to explore how rocks, oceans, rivers, glaciers, and human impact define the modern and ancient landscape. We will also explore how Earth system processes impact society.

This understanding is important for leading research on global change and many of the world's physical environmental challenges.

The exciting nature of Earth science and geography means you will have a diverse learning experience during your years with us.

You can find details for compulsory and option courses through the 'Programme Structure' link below.

Switching degrees

Most of the courses in Years 1 and 2 are shared with our range of Earth science and environment degrees. You will then specialise in the subjects of your choice in later years.

As a result, you may have the opportunity to switch between degrees in your early years. However, some later courses may not be available if you have not taken the necessary pre-requisite courses. You should discuss your interests with your Cohort Lead to make sure that these options are still available to you.

We also offer a four-year BSc Earth Science and Physical Geography degree. Typically, you can switch between the MEarthSci and BSc Earth Science and Physical Geography until Year 4 of your programme.

Option courses

One of the best things about a Scottish undergraduate degree is the amount of electives (called 'option courses') you can study. You have the opportunity to take a significant number of courses outside your degree in Years 1 and 2.

You can choose courses related to your degree, or you can try something different and new to you.

Although we try to provide a wide range of option courses to choose from, these can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Places on option courses can be limited due to course capacity and timetabling constraints. It may not be possible to guarantee every student their top choice of option courses.

Data innovation

A key feature of our programme is a focus on developing your skills around the generation and analysis of scientific data, aided by a range of computational techniques. Demand is growing for these data skills across a range of employment sectors.

Along with your subject-specific skills, you will develop valuable transferable skills, for example:

the ability to think in 3D and 4D

advanced computing and data skills

model building from limited datasets

dealing with complex systems and uncertainties

understanding processes on a range of scales

extrapolating hypotheses based on small data sets

the capability to integrate spatial and temporal information

extracting key information from complex sets of observations

assessing large data sets and pattern recognition in complex data

Future programme changes

This programme is undergoing changes which will impact this programme from September 2028 onwards. Details of these changes can be expected in Spring 2027.

As a result, it is not possible to apply for deferred entry for this programme. If you are planning to apply for deferred entry, please contact us at futurestudents@ed.ac.uk to discuss alternatives.

These upcoming changes are not expected to impact you if you are applying for entry in September 2027.

If you join the programme in Year 2, all of your courses will be from Earth science and geography, with no time for option courses.

You will study the same Year 2 compulsory courses as other Year 2 students. You will also study a Year 2 course in geomorphology, as well as a further compulsory course from Year 1 of the programme.

Your programme begins with a broad grounding of topics across Earth science, geography and the environment.

Most of your compulsory subjects will be the same across our Earth sciences and environment degrees.

You will:

begin to establish fieldwork, computing and quantitative skills

gain an understanding of the processes which shape the Earth

learn fundamental concepts and current ideas in physical geography

develop the skills to recognise the evidence for these processes in rocks

Approximately half of your courses will be compulsory courses in Earth science and geography. The other half will be your chosen option courses.

Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 1 courses (2026-2027 academic year)

In Year 2, you will:

further develop computational, programming and communication skills

learn what the Earth is composed of, its minerals, and the processes that form rocks

build upon field skills, including geological and geomorphological measurement and mapping

learn about geomorphology and the physical processes that shape the Earth's surface at a range of scales

As in Year 1, you will have flexibility in your option course choices.

Find Year 2 courses (2026-2027 academic year)

Your courses will become more focused on your chosen specialised aspects of Earth sciences and physical geography, from a wide range of option courses.

You can start integrating your knowledge in a range of areas. For example, you can further specialise your knowledge in:

tectonics

palaeontology

water resources

rocks, resources and hazards

climate change and sustainability

During this year, you will:

develop the foundation of your study direction for Year 4

begin research training by designing your dissertation research project

You will also join geography students on a field course. Your work will develop your field skills and provide experience in interdisciplinary learning.

Find Year 3 courses (2026-2027 academic year)

You will develop expert knowledge in a field of your choice.

The main focus will be on your dissertation research project. This is an independent, original piece of research in your chosen specialist field. Your project can be inspired by your area of interest and explored through our world-class facilities. We will support you with individual supervision from an academic with experience in your chosen subject area.

You may also be able to complete your project in collaboration with an external partner.

Previous students have researched a wide range of topics, for example:

ice sheet change

our geological and geomorphological heritage

geological solutions to carbon capture and storage

They have also researched topics that address society’s resilience to increasing natural hazards as a result of global change, for example:

landslides

volcanoes

earthquakes

sea-level rise

coastal erosion

ocean acidification

In Year 4, you will use the skills you have learned during your studies. You will work with practitioners, industry experts and researchers to gain experience in project planning, data collection and report writing.

You will also continue to study courses that further your knowledge in Earth science and physical geography.

We will introduce you to our network of researchers and organisations that employ our graduates. Your real-world experience can be developed further by working on a range of projects relevant to society.

Find Year 4 courses (2026-2027 academic year)

You will become an independent professional capable of critical analysis and understanding of the Earth system at a high level.

The main focus will be on conducting your own advanced research project. This will be on a topic you choose with your supervisor, who will be an academic with experience in your chosen research area. You will be aided by our world-class facilities and top scientists. An aspiration is that the completed work should be of a standard that could be published in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Your advanced skills are also developed through independent and taught courses.

There is an emphasis on:

surface processes

honing research methods and transferable skills

designing research projects and synthesising literature

new methods and concepts at the forefront of geoscientific research

the linked interactions around landscape formation and climate change

Find Year 5 courses (2026-2027 academic year)

There are exciting opportunities to study abroad as part of the University's exchange programmes.

Many of our students spend Year 3 abroad in Europe or other parts of the world. A year abroad can give you invaluable academic and life skills.

In addition to University-wide exchanges, the School of GeoSciences has several subject-specific exchanges. We have partner universities in:

What are my options for going abroad?

Field trips

Field trips are at the heart of this programme. Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation.

We know that getting out in the world is essential for understanding how it works. We will take you beyond the classroom so that you can apply your learning to real-life situations.

For example, you could be:

photographing rugged coastlines and cliffs with airborne drones

visiting worksites to meet Earth science professionals and find out what they do

exploring the impact of climate, tectonics and sea-level change on the landscape of Spain

hunting for fossils and chatting with your professor about their work on the latest Jurassic World film

surrounded by Scotland’s glorious mountains, gathering evidence to unravel its unique geological history

What do you do on a field trip?

Our field courses and day excursions are challenging and fun. Often, they will provide some of your most memorable moments.

Our hands-on approach to learning helps build your confidence and practical experience. It also gives you field skills valued by employers. For example:

making and recording quantitative information in the field

documenting and analysing the types of rocks within an outcrop

measuring environmental change, such as glacier and river erosion and deposition

learning to read and map a landscape, to understand the geological and geomorphological history

We work with a wide network of geographers and Earth science professionals in different sectors. We will arrange meetings with them at their work sites during our trips.

Hands-on learning - geological mapping in the field

I think the coolest thing we've learned is seeing unconformities in person. An unconformity is a contact between two rocks which has a significant age gap... being in an environment where you are stood in between two billion years of history and not knowing what's occurred in between puts the whole course into perspective, the scale of what we're studying.

Kitty, BSc Geology and Physical Geography graduate

A dynamic learning experience

Field experiences will help create a sense of community within your cohort. You will engage in a dynamic learning experience through peer learning where knowledge, ideas, and discoveries thrive.

We sometimes also combine students from other related degrees. Working on multidisciplinary problems prepares you for the real world, where collaborative solutions are important for solving local and global challenges.

Our trips also help you to experience working with different types of field equipment, which will help you develop practical skills. We have a range of tools and high-tech equipment to take field measurements.

Your training culminates in the opportunity to conduct your own independent research project. An experienced academic will supervise and support you through your work.

You can also find our blog posts and videos about fieldwork experiences on the School of GeoSciences website.

School of GeoSciences field trips

Accessibility on field trips

We are committed to making our degree as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you cannot attend all trips or only some of them, we will provide alternatives with similar learning outcomes where necessary.

Disclaimer

We are currently reviewing our fieldwork courses. This review focuses on improving the inclusivity and accessibility of our fieldwork courses, whilst delivering sustainable and low-carbon experiences, and maintaining pedagogical excellence.

As a result, our field course locations may vary year to year, but will always align with your course learning outcomes.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Our research-led, industry-informed teaching incorporates the latest developments in your field. By sharing our discoveries with you, we keep your degree up-to-date, diverse, and exciting.

The types of teaching styles depend on the courses you choose and the topics explored.

discussing how climate and tectonics interact to shape mountain belts one day, or

running numerical model simulations of a glacier the next

Teaching can be through a mix of:

lectures

tutorials

workshops

project work

laboratory work

practical classes

field trips and field courses

You will also:

design and execute your own research dissertation project in Year 4

conduct an advanced, extensive research project in Year 5

Technical training

This degree has a hands-on approach to help you develop a range of practical skills.

We will balance:

remote sensing

advanced data science

use of specialist computer programmes

programming, computing simulations and modelling

laboratory experience in a range of analytical techniques

observational and analytical skills in different field settings

geospatial analysis, including geographical information systems (GIS)

Assessment

You will be assessed in different ways, depending on the courses you choose and the nature of the topics explored.

Assessment can be through a mix of:

coursework such as essays

laboratory reports and field project reports

individual or group projects and presentations

practical evaluation in the field or field notebooks

written or practical exams, including multiple-choice exercises

You may also be evaluated in computer programming exercises. Some senior honours courses and projects in Earth sciences and environment involve computational modelling elements.

We will also assess your:

presentation and scientific writing skills for your independent research project in Year 4

advanced research project in Year 5. Your format may be a professional report or scientific paper, depending on your project

Sample timetable

Below is a sample timetable for a Year 1, Semester 2 MEarthSci Earth Science and Physical Geography student. It is intended to give you an idea of how your time might be spent in your first year.

In this semester, there are no optional courses.

11:10 to 12:00: Physical Geography - lecture

14:10 to 16:00: Physical Geography - practical

09:00 to 09:50: Geology and Landscapes - lecture

10:00 to 12:00: Geology and Landscapes - laboratory

13:10 to 15:00: Earth Science and Data Analysis 1 - lecture

Wednesday

Thursday

09:00 to 10:50: Geology and Landscapes - tutorial

10:00 to 10:50: Earth Science and Data Analysis 1 - tutorial

Support for your studies

We want to help you make the most of your studies with us.

Student Adviser

You will have access to a range of resources and activities to support you during your studies. You will be assigned a Student Adviser for the duration of your degree, who will be your main contact if you have any questions related to academic or pastoral support.

The Student Adviser works closely with academics in your degree and the wider University support services. They can also help you with a wide range of administrative and practical issues, and can direct you to relevant resources or people.

Find out more about student support

Cohort Lead

You will also be assigned a Cohort Lead who will organise activities to help you get to know the other students on your degree.

They will also advise and support you on a range of topics including:

course choices

how to develop and improve your academic skills

how to effectively use feedback

advice on your future career opportunities

For your honours dissertation project and advanced project, you will also receive individual supervision and guidance from an academic with experience in your chosen subject area.

Our academic staff

We are one of the largest and most successful groupings of geographers, and Earth and environmental scientists in the UK. Many of us are world experts in our field.

We have pioneered research proving human-caused greenhouse gasses are warming our planet, which helped underpin the 2015 Paris Agreement.

We are working with major space agencies to monitor the environment using satellite data.

Our world-leading University is driving efforts to better understand the processes that control environmental change around the globe.

Our work aims to mitigate climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.

Our staff will include the latest research in your teaching, and share our discoveries with you.

Where you will study

Earth sciences and environment are based in the King's Buildings campus, primarily in the Grant Institute and the Crew Building.

View the Grant Institute location in Google Maps

View the Crew Building location in Google Maps

Geography is based at the Institute of Geography in the Central Area campus.

View the Institute of Geography location in Google Maps

You can easily travel between the two campuses. It takes around 15 minutes by bus (there is a regular free shuttle bus between both locations), and you can also cycle (15 minutes) or walk (35 minutes).

Walking map from George Square central campus to Grant Institute King's Buildings campus

Shuttle bus route and timetable

In Year 1, many of your courses are taught in the Central Area campus. Practical classes and some teaching are also at the King's Buildings campus. In later years, your time at either campus will depend on your course choices. Additionally, you may study at other Edinburgh campuses depending on the option courses you choose.

Academic facilities

The School of GeoSciences houses a wide range of cutting-edge facilities and services. We also host several collaborative centres of research excellence.

We embrace a hands-on approach to learning, so you will have access to our:

laboratories

field equipment

supercomputers

specialist research facilities

have access to a range of high-tech facilities, letting you analyse various types of samples

conduct field measurements using various techniques used in Earth and environmental sciences

collect some of these samples during field excursions and for your independent research project

have access to digital field equipment and UAV unoccupied aerial vehicles (drones) to conduct measurements using various techniques

You will also be given a dedicated undergraduate student learning space during your honours years. You can use this space for your independent work, to study with others and socialise with your peers.

Computing facilities

We also have advanced computing facilities, where you will be able to:

make the most out of digital field mapping tools

perform advanced geographic information systems (GIS) analysis

run cutting-edge meteorological and geophysical computer models

Institute of Geography

In the Institute of Geography, you will have access to:

well-equipped lecture, seminar and tutorial rooms

labs for physical geography, including soil, pollen and sediment analysis

a state-of-the-art IT laboratory which has software for image processing, geographical information science and modelling

University facilities

You will have access to the facilities across all University sites.

For example:

libraries

social spaces

leisure facilities

computing facilities

study spaces (some study spaces are open 24 hours)

Career paths and further study

Career paths

Our planet is rapidly approaching a critical state.

As a result, the demand for geographers and Earth scientists has never been greater. With this degree, you can play a vital role in humanity's most ambitious plan for a better world.

We also want you to develop practical skills for future employers. So, many of your learning activities simulate those that professionals perform in the real world.

Our programme equips you with valuable data skills, computational analysis and quantitative skills. Demand is growing for these skills across a range of employment sectors.

Where do our graduates find employment?

Our graduates are highly sought after in a range of sectors.

government

geoconservation

renewable energy

geotechnical engineering

environmental consultancy

carbon capture and storage

land and water management

risk and hazard management

hydrogeology and geomorphology

environmental planning and regulation

science communication and education

geographical information systems (GIS)

Our graduates have gained employment in roles such as:

geo-consultant

geological surveyor

geotechnical engineer

GIS analyst/consultant

environmental engineer

environmental consultant

energy resources manager

The skills you develop with us are also highly transferable. Our graduates are working in fields that seek quantitative science skills, such as management and finance. With its deeper focus on research, our integrated masters programme also provides useful preparation for further studies, such as a PhD.

A sustainable future

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action to address the significant global challenges of our generation. There are 17 overarching goals with a timeline set to 2030. Nearly all countries in the world have committed to this plan, with societies rapidly adjusting to meet these goals. They address challenges such as:

environment

food inequality

climate change

protecting our planet

Earth sciences and geography are at the heart of these efforts. With this degree, you can work in fields that directly contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Careers Service

We support you in recognising the many possibilities ahead.

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your student experience. We also support you after graduation.

We provide:

tailored advice

individual guidance

internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)

access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying here is about laying the foundations for your future success.

Visit our Careers Service

Further study

Our programmes also prepare you for entry into relevant postgraduate degree programmes. Many of our students progress to further postgraduate study and research.

Explore School of GeoSciences postgraduate taught degrees

Edinburgh Earth, Ecology and Environment Engagement Doctoral Training Partnership (E5 DTP)

Satellite Data in Environmental Science - Centre for Doctoral Training (SENSE CDT)

Graduate profiles

Vojta Hybyl

Degree: BSc (Hons) Geology and Physical Geography

Year of graduation: 2023

Current work: Freelance illustrator

I will always remember the field trips. Putting what we were taught in lectures into practice was invaluable and made it so much easier for me to learn. Being able to choose courses I was most interested in made the four years more enjoyable as well, as I could explore different areas of Earth sciences.

Read Vojta's profile

Year of graduation: 2019

Current work: Regulation Specialist, Energy sector

There was a good mix of people on my course and the lecturers were fantastic. The types of courses that we got to study, and the field trips we got to go on, were second to none.

Read Ross' profile

Hear directly from our alumni to find out more about the possible careers open to you.

School of GeoSciences undergraduate alumni profiles

Applying

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

Guidance on applying through UCAS

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

your academic qualifications

a personal statement

evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)

a reference

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

How we select applicants

When to apply

2027 entry UCAS deadline: 13 January 2027 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 13 January 2027, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

Search degrees that are open on the UCAS website

Key application dates and deadlines

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

How to submit your qualifications

Attend an offer holder event

Receiving our decision

Accepting your offer

After you’ve accepted your offer

If you have a disability and need more support at university

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.

Find out more about applying through UCAS

Visas and immigration

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process.

Applying for a visa

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student.

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.

Find contact details for an education agent

Life at Edinburgh

What our students say

What is it really like to study with us?

No one knows what it is like to study here better than the students themselves.

Our students are sharing their experiences, from studying to living in Edinburgh and everything in between.

Get social with us:

School of GeoSciences student experience blog

School of GeoSciences TikTok

School of GeoSciences Instagram

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year of your entry to the University.

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sports clubs

There are a number of societies and clubs related to geosciences. Here are a few you may be interested in:

Community BEES

Dirty Weekenders

Geoscience Society

Geographical Society

The city of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is not only a fantastic city to live in, it is also the perfect location to study geography and the Earth sciences. Did you know that Edinburgh is the 'birthplace' of modern geology and Earth sciences?

An ancient volcano known as 'Arthur's Seat' forms part of a magnificent park in the middle of our city. Superb geological locations are right on our doorstep, providing you with world-class outdoor training grounds. Many of these sites are of scientific importance. For example, the world-famous 'Hutton's Unconformity' at Siccar Point is just a short trip away.

We will help you make the most of our local surroundings throughout your studies.

Exercise, leisure and support facilities

Outside of your studies, we offer a range of facilities you can use, including:

sport and active wellbeing facilities

University cafes and catering

Edinburgh University Students' Association venues and shops

a multi-faith chaplaincy for all faiths and none

a University nursery (based at King’s Buildings campus)

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include:

a student counselling service

a health centre (doctor's surgery)

support if you're living in University accommodation

dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact and events

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Follow us on social media

Visit our social media on Facebook

Visit our social media on YouTube

Visit our social media on LinkedIn

Visit our social media on TikTok

Visit our social media on Instagram

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

Related degree programmes

Earth Science and Physical Geography BSc (Hons)

Geography BSc (Hons)

You may also be interested in

Earth Sciences BSc (Hons)

Earth Sciences MEarthSci

Geography MA (Hons)

Interdisciplinary Futures MA (Hons)

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