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Introducing BSc Environmental Geoscience
The exciting nature of environmental geoscience means you will have a diverse learning experience during your years with us.
What you learn will depend on the courses you take, and the nature of the topics explored.
Your programme begins with a broad foundation in topics across Earth sciences and the environment.
You will:
- build on this foundation while exploring new topics in the following years
- develop independence and confidence as you progress through your studies
You can find details for compulsory and option courses through the 'Programme Structure' link below.
Study pathways
Most of the courses in your first and second years are shared with our range of Earth science and environment degrees.
This gives you the flexibility to switch between degrees as you discover the subjects you like best.
You will then specialise in the subject of your choice in later years.
Explore our Earth science and environment degrees
Switching degrees
Our Earth science and environment degrees provide opportunities 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.
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 courses outside your degree in Years 1 and 2.
You can choose courses related to your degree. Or you can try something completely different and new to you.
Changes to teaching and learning
We are committed to offering high-quality education to all our students. However, there may be changes to course options and delivery. All decisions are made to make sure we can provide the highest standards for your educational experience.
We try to provide a wide range of optional courses to choose from but these can be changed or cancelled at short notice. Course capacity and timetabling constraints can limit places on optional courses. Therefore, we cannot guarantee every offer holder their top choice of optional courses.
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
Data innovation
A key feature of our programme is a focus on developing your skills around the generation and analysis of scientific data through a range of computational techniques.
Along with your subject-specific skills, you will develop valuable transferable skills allowing you to:
- use advanced computing and data skills
- think in 3D and 4D
- integrate spatial and temporal information
- understand processes on a range of scales
- extrapolate hypotheses based on small data sets
- extract key information from complex sets of observations
- assess large data sets
- express ideas and arguments via a range of platforms, including social media
- deal with complex systems and uncertainties
Changes to field trips
Field course locations may change for various reasons, including the health and safety of our students, staff and communities, and to make sure we can maintain the highest standards for your educational experience.
Where suitable, fieldwork will be relocated or rescheduled. We will also look at alternative arrangements that will make sure you achieve the quality learning outcomes of your degree.
We will announce any changes as soon as possible.
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.
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.
Our field courses and day excursions are challenging and fun. Often, they will provide some of your most memorable moments.
For example, you could be:
- surrounded by mountains, examining soil quality
- on a boat, investigating the chemical and physical properties of seawater
- practising mapping environmental conditions in the field
- measuring pollution in stream and groundwater
What do you do on a field trip?
Our hands-on approach to learning helps build your confidence and practical experience. It also gives you field skills valued by employers.
Our network of leading experts in environmental geoscience will take part in these excursions.
Your training leads to the opportunity to conduct an independent research project. An experienced academic will supervise and support you through your work.
Field experiences help create a sense of community in your cohort. You will take part in a dynamic learning experience through peer learning where knowledge, ideas, and discoveries thrive.
Working on multidisciplinary problems with your peers prepares you for life after university. Teamwork and collaborative solutions are important for solving the environmental challenges we face.
We want you to gain a variety of valuable practical skills by using as many types of field equipment as possible. With our range of tools and high-tech equipment, you can obtain and interpret field measurements.
By using field equipment, you can:
- assess biodiversity and water quality
- identify chemical and physical properties of seawater
- map the three-dimensional structure of rock sequences
- analyse microfossils retrieved from the bottom of the ocean
- assess anthropogenic pollution in various settings
- interpret data from Unoccupied Aerial Vehicles (UAV) - also called 'drones'
The locations and experiences of each trip will vary. We want you to gain a broad understanding of how the world works. Our goal is to reduce our carbon footprint while giving you the best training opportunities.
Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation. To ensure our degrees are accessible and inclusive, we offer alternative learning experiences where necessary.
You can 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. 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: