Earth Science and Physical Geography (MEarthSci)

Introducing MEarthSci Earth Science and Physical Geography

If you want to help tackle the greatest challenges facing society and the natural world, this degree is for you.

The world needs geographers and Earth scientists now more than ever before.

For example, we need them to:

• help us address the climate crisis
• adapt to environmental changes
• live more safely and sustainably on our dynamic Earth

Our degree will help you play a valuable role in addressing global challenges facing our planet and society.

What will I learn?

Our (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 geography and Earth science.

You will learn about:

• the structure and composition of the Earth
• the deep-Earth processes that shape the Earth's surface and impact the landscape
• the associated hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides

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

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

We have a hands-on approach to learning, so you can develop valuable practical skills. Many of your activities are similar to what professionals do in the real world. We will also teach you computational analysis and quantitative skills.

You will learn from leading national and international geographers and Earth scientists across a range of fields. We help make sure your degree has real-world relevance and makes you highly employable.

Our links also give you valuable networking and potential employment opportunities. You will be able to meet and interact with professionals from different sectors throughout your studies. You will also have the opportunity to work with practitioners and industry experts to gain valuable experience.

This degree offers you flexibility in your studies of a wide range of interests across geography and the Earth sciences. You will be able to build your degree around topics you are curious or passionate about.

For example, you may enjoy:

• studying the Earth sciences but want greater flexibility in your honours years, or
• studying physical geography, but also want a deeper understanding of how the Earth works

An extraordinary reputation

We are one of the largest and most successful groupings of geographers, 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.
• We are 22nd in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
• We are ranked in the world's top 50 universities for natural sciences subjects, and 4th in the UK. Across Earth and marine sciences, environmental sciences, geology, geography and geophysics, we are ranked top 10 in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).

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

Video: Earth sciences and environment

Life-changing field trips

Field trips are at the heart of this programme.

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

What do you do on a field trip?

Our field courses and day excursions are hard work 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:

• drawing 3D geological maps

• documenting and analysing the types of rocks within an outcrop

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

• measuring glacier and river erosion and deposition

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.

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.

A dynamic learning experience

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

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.

The locations and experiences of each trip will vary. We want to give you a broad understanding of how the world works. Our goal is to reduce our carbon footprint while providing you with the best training opportunities.

Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation. To make sure our degrees are accessible and inclusive, we offer alternative learning experiences where necessary.

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

School of GeoSciences website: field trips

Edinburgh is your ideal base

Edinburgh is ranked 2nd in the UK and 16th in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2024. Our vibrant capital is a blend of history and modern city life.

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. And 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.

Immerse yourself among rugged coastlines, misty mountains, forest glens and sparkling freshwater lochs.

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

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: BBBB by end of S5 or AABB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB - BBB in one set of exams.
• IB: 32 points with 655 at HL - 30 points with 555 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: BBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: BBB.
• IB: 30 points with 555 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, or Physics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C and Mathematics at A.We will accept combinations of Mathematics and Physics both at grade B to meet this requirement.
• A Levels: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, or Physics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4 and Mathematics at A or 7. We will accept combinations of Mathematics and Physics both at grade B, or Mathematics, Science plus Additional Science all at grade B to meet this requirement.
• IB: HL: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) or Physics at 5. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 5 (if not at HL).

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies..

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• 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): total 92 with at least 20 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: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 65 with at least 54 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 7 overall with at least 5 in each component.*

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.

English language requirements

(*Revised 24 May 2024 to change PTE Academic requirement from total 62 with at least 54 in each component, and to clarify that we do not accept PTE Academic online. Revised 29 August 2024 to add Oxford ELLT requirements.)

Our planet is 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 also 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 employed in a range of sectors.

For example:

• government
• energy (including renewables)
• environmental planning and regulation
• geographical information systems (GIS)
• hydrogeology and geomorphology
• risk and hazard management
• geotechnical engineering
• environmental consultancy
• land and water management
• carbon capture and storage
• geoconservation
• science communication and education

Our graduates have gained employment in roles such as:

• GIS analyst/consultant
• geotechnical engineer
• environmental engineer
• environmental consultant
• geo-consultant
• geological surveyor
• 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.

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:

• climate change
• environment
• water
• food inequality
• 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.

You will join a world-leading University, playing a vital role in tackling the numerous complex climate challenges. We are driving efforts to mitigate climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.

Our research is internationally renowned in the areas of carbon capture and storage, as well as negative emissions (also known as greenhouse gas removals). We are working within the UK and across the world on the delivery of net-zero emissions targets to meet the UN Paris Agreement.

Further study

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

• MSc Applied Environmental Hydrogeology
• MSc GeoEnergy
• MSc Geographical Information Science (GIS)
• Explore School of GeoSciences postgraduate taught degrees
• Explore School of GeoSciences Masters by Research (MScR) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes
• Edinburgh Earth, Ecology and Environment Doctoral Training Partnership (E4 DTP)
• Satellite Data in Environmental Science – Centre for Doctoral Training(SENSE CDT)

Careers Service

We support you in recognising the many possibilities ahead.

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider 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. Whatever shape that takes.

Visit our Careers Service