BSc (Hons) Geography will interest you if you want to specialise in physical geography and related topics such as coasts, rivers, glacial geomorphology, and global quaternary environmental change. Overall, this degree will help you understand the world around you, how landscapes are shaped and how humans interact with their natural environment.

You’ll consider questions such as:

How can we work with natural processes to become more resilient to natural hazards such as flooding and landslides?

How has the climate changed over time and how has that impacted sea level and vegetation cover?

How do geomorphology, ecology, and humans interact in marine and coastal environments?

Our BSc (Hons) Geography combines theory and practical learning to create graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills for 21st century careers. Our industry links and cross-disciplinary learning style ensures our teaching is relevant in the real world, and you’ll experience what it is like to be a professional geographer working in practice. Throughout your studies, you’ll hear from guest practitioners from industry to gain insight into current approaches to solving challenges.

You’ll be taught through courses relevant to 21st century global challenges on topics such as climate change, sustainability, hazards and risks, sea level rise, and sustainable development, and you’ll gain employability skills such as digital mapping through geographical information systems and collaborative group working.

In years one and two, you’ll cover a broad range of fundamental courses on physical geography (earth systems, hydrology, and geomorphology), human geography (social, economic, and urban), transferable and geography-specific skills, and practical fieldwork. You’ll specialise on physical geography in the later years of the degree, studying the processes that shape the natural environment including rivers, coasts, glaciers, and tectonics.

You will develop field skills in surveying, mapping, and site assessment alongside important analytical and research skills. Through this cross-disciplinary, industry focussed, and problem-based degree, you’ll acquire the skills needed to work in multi-disciplinary teams and solve real-world problems. You’ll become flexible and creative with the ability to apply your skills and knowledge to a range of careers.

Your student experience

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Our expertise

Our expertiseYour learning environmentCustomise your learning

Your learning will be informed by the expertise of our research-active geographers and academics within the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS).

EGIS is one of the United Kingdom’s leading institutions for multidisciplinary research and teaching in areas critical to sustainable development and river and coastal systems. Our teams work closely and have links with industry, and practitioners are regularly invited as guest lecturers in most courses and advise on student research projects.

Course content

September Intake - Edinburgh

Mandatory September

Geography Today

Dynamic Earth 1

Introduction to Human Geography

Shaping Tomorrow Together A

Mandatory January

Dynamic Earth 2

Scottish Geographies: Fieldwork Observation

Human Geography & The City

Shaping Tomorrow Together B

Disclaimer

The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.

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Student testimonials

I want to help people and make the world a better place, and studying Geography at Heriot-Watt has really helped me see the world in a different way. I now have a greater understanding of how land matter has evolved over centuries. Edinburgh, specifically, is a wonderful place to study geography because it’s been impacted significantly by glaciers, and understanding this has provided an amazing perspective of how the city has developed over time.Vinny Pemberton

BSc Geography graduateSee more

Fees and funding

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September 2027 intake tuition fees

Scotland

Paid by SAAS

England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland

International

Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.

International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).

Scholarships and bursaries

Bursaries for students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales

In addition to government loans and grants towards the costs of fees and living costs, we are offering generous financial support to attract and support eligible undergraduate students from England, Northern Ireland or Wales:

Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to £3,100 per year)View details

Entry requirements

If joining us in September 2027, please see the entry requirements below. Heriot-Watt offers different entry requirements, depending on your background.

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Standard entry requirements

Highers AABB (over two sittings).

A-Levels BBC.

International Baccalaureate 29 points.

BTEC Extended Diploma DMM.

HNC B in graded unit.

Please check that you meet our University-wide National 5/GCSE (or equivalent) English and Maths requirements.

Minimum entry requirements *

Highers BBBC (over two sittings).

A-Levels BCC.

* Minimum: under our Fair Access Policy, we will relax our standard entry requirements for some Scottish and Rest of UK status students depending on their circumstances. Our minimum requirements will apply if you:

live in an area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) or POLAR4 Quintile 1 regions (RUK)

or are care experienced.

We can also make exceptions for some Scottish students with grades above minimum but below standard. Read more about our Minimum and standard entry requirements.

Additional information

For all years, applications are welcomed from holders of non-school qualifications, mature candidates and overseas students.

If you do not see your qualifications here please contact us at studywithus@hw.ac.uk

For applicants studying HNC, HND or BTEC qualifications, when submitting your application please ensure you list in full all the units you are currently studying, as specific units (e.g. in Maths) may be required.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.

The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Please see our detailed English language requirements.

Why Heriot-Watt

We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.

At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).

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