Earth Sciences (BSc)

Introducing BSc Earth Sciences

If you want to:

• learn more about how our planet works
• help protect the planet
• tackle the greatest challenges facing society and the natural world
• find out how we can live sustainably on our planet

Then this degree is for you.

Why Earth sciences?

The world needs Earth scientists now more than ever before.

For example, we need them to:

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

With our Bachelor of Science (BSc) Earth Sciences, you will:

• study our Earth's past to prepare for its future
• learn about the structure and composition of the Earth
• develop a deep understanding of the processes that shape the Earth and life on it
• learn how these processes interact and depend on each other

Our degree will help you play a valuable role in making our society more fair and sustainable.

What will I learn?

Our BSc Earth Sciences is a new degree that prepares you for advanced careers in the Earth sciences and beyond.

The degree covers:

• data science, programming, and computing skills
• traditional field and laboratory skills
• knowledge of Earth sciences

We will train you in the skills needed to answer important questions in the Earth sciences, including:

• How can we reduce the effects of global change?
• What tools can we use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere?
• Why is our planet able to sustain life?
• How does the Earth's interior work, and how do these processes affect the surface?
• How can we sustainably manage the Earth's resources to meet our energy, mineral, and water needs?
• How can we improve our understanding of natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes to reduce their risk and save lives?

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.

You will also learn computational analysis and quantitative skills.

You will learn from leading national and international Earth scientists across a range of fields. We help make sure your degree has real-world relevance and improves your employability.

Our links offer you valuable networking and potential employment opportunities. You can meet and interact with professionals from different sectors during your studies. This will give you the opportunity to gain insight into working environments, where Earth scientists make contributions to our everyday lives.

This degree also offers you flexibility in your studies. You will be able to build your degree around topics you are interested in. Our staff can also help you design an interdisciplinary curriculum by choosing option courses from other subjects.

An extraordinary reputation

We are one of the largest and most successful groupings of geographers, Earth and environmental scientists in the UK, many of whom are world experts in their field.

• We have pioneered research proving human-caused greenhouse gases 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 and geophysics, we are ranked top 10 in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).

Our staff will incorporate 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

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:

• identify, record and map rocks and structures
• learn to read a landscape, and understand the complexities of a region's geological history
• practice model building and testing, and the handling of uncertainty
• learn how to safely and independently work in remote areas

We will also arrange for you to meet Earth science professionals at their work sites during our trips.

A dynamic learning experience

Your training leads to 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.

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 such as:

• Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAV) - also called 'drones'
• digital mapping tools
• geophysical instruments to acquire electrical resistivity and magnetic data
• geophysical instruments to conduct seismic surveys

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 an irresistible 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. 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.

Explore 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.)

Where do our graduates find employment?

Graduates of our previous geology degree were recruited in different sectors. Many moved straight into degree-related employment.

For example, you could work in:

• energy (including renewables)
• natural resources
• land and water management
• risk and hazard management
• environmental planning and regulation
• environmental consultancy
• sustainability consultancy
• science communication and education

The skills you develop with us are also highly transferable. You can work in other sectors such as:

• the financial sector
• information technology
• engineering
• business
• consultancy
• government or civil service positions
• industrial management and administration

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
• sustainable growth and energy supplies

Earth sciences 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.

Additionally, you can work in the energy transition and climate change mitigation sectors.

For example:

• safe and efficient underground storage of CO2 (such as carbon capture and storage)
• hydrogen and energy storage
• harvesting geothermal energy
• contributing to the circular economy
• sustainable management of groundwater

You could also use your skills in areas such as:

• remediation of contaminated sites
• geotechnical sector
• geological hazard and risk management
• urban geology for densely populated areas

As a world-leading University, 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 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
• 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