Geography (BSc)

Introducing BSc Geography

If you:

• love the environment

• are eager to understand how our planet works

• have a keen interest in cultures and societies

• are concerned about the impact of climate change

Then geography may be for you.

What is geography?

Understanding geography is very important in this day and age.

Geography is the study of the way the world works. The subject covers the natural and social sciences which helps you understand and tackle important environmental and societal issues.

You can explore the physical processes of our planet, such as:

• volcanoes
• flooding
• climate change

You can also explore human issues such as:

• sustainability
• health
• social justice

You can study geography in two ways:

• as a natural science through physical geography
• as a social science or humanities subject, through human geography

What will I learn?

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) Geography is an environmental geography degree. It specialises in physical geography. Using natural science, you will learn about the Earth's surface processes and their complex interactions.

You will also study some human geography. We believe it is important to understand the ways we live in the world, as well as our impact on it.

We will study the changes happening to our planet caused by both natural processes and people's actions around the world.

Discover and study the forces that shape our ever-changing world, including:

• volcanoes
• glaciers and ice sheets
• environmental degradation
• natural hazards such as flooding
• landscape geomorphology
• climate change

Our degree teaches you important quantitative skills like:

• computer modelling
• mapping
• data presentation
• using Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• coding and programming languages

Demand is growing for these data skills across a range of employment sectors.

This degree is also flexible. You will be able to build your degree around topics you are interested in.

Video: Geography at the University of Edinburgh

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.

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

• 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. For geography, we are ranked 22nd in the world and 7th in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
• Enjoy access to a world of experience with our research and industry networks.
• Get advice and guidance with our dedicated careers service.

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 hands-on approach to learning helps build your confidence and practical field skills valued by employers.

The real world is your most important classroom. Therefore, we deliver practical and field-based experiences.

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:

• conducting project group work on a biogeographical evaluation of local woodland in Scotland
• investigating the impacts of people, climate and volcanism on the Icelandic landscape
• meeting with community groups about the impacts of urban racial segregation
• exploring approaches to mental health in rural areas

You will gain relevant skills by using field equipment. We will introduce you to a range of tools and methods, and help you develop skills in landscape and data interpretation.

Applying geography techniques in the field is rewarding and brings your subject to life. You will also gain experience presenting your findings to your peers and research staff.

A dynamic learning experience

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

Working on multidisciplinary problems prepares you for the real world, where collaborative solutions help to solve local and global challenges.

Your field training will prepare you for the opportunity to conduct your independent project in Year 4. We will support you with the supervision of an experienced academic in your chosen topic.

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.

Edinburgh is not only a fantastic city to live in, it is the perfect location to study geography. Our vibrant capital is an irresistible blend of history and modern city life.

You could find yourself in the most remarkable places – researching Scotland’s 7000 miles of coastline, the Gaelic culture of the Highland and Islands, or the challenges of restoring our upland ecology.

Explore rugged coastlines, misty mountains, forest glens and sparkling freshwater lochs.

It is no surprise we are regularly voted one of the most desirable places to live in the world.

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: ABBB by end of S5 or AAAB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: AAA - ABB in one set of exams.
• IB: 34 points with 655 at HL - 32 points with 655 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 32 points with 655 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: two of Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics/Applications of Mathematics, or Physics at B. National 5s: Mathematics at B and English at C.
• A Levels: two of Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Electronics, Environmental Science, Geology, Mathematics, or Physics at B. GCSEs: Mathematics at B or 6 and English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: two of Geography, Biology, Chemistry, 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 geography graduates are valued for their:

• independent research skills
• ability to assess quantitative and qualitative data
• analytical understanding of environmental and societal challenges

By studying with us, a range of career opportunities are open to you. Our students have taken up a range of jobs after graduation.

For example, you could work in:

• environmental consultancy
• conservation and natural heritage management
• environmental and social justice advocacy
• natural science, social science and humanities research
• planning and surveying
• government
• the financial services sector
• charitable organisations
• corporate environmental management
• geospatial data analysis

You can also move into areas such as:

• marketing
• law
• communications
• media
• teaching

Where do our graduates find employment?

Our graduates have gained employment in roles such as:

• Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP)
• Advisor to the COP26 President
• Head of Transport
• Documentary Filmmaker
• Data Journalist
• Political Advisor
• University Academic
• Carbon Management Project Officer
• United Nations Refugee Partnerships Officer
• GIS Technologist
• Science Engagement Officer
• Land Use Advisor

Our graduates work in a variety of organisations, including:

• UK civil service, local government and the Scottish Government
• United Nations
• BBC, CNN and other broadcasters
• Ecometrica Space Programme
• Centre for Sustainable Energy
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
• Barclays Bank
• Nestle
• Accenture
• NatureScot
• National Museums of Scotland
• satellite and mapping organisations like Geocento, esriUK, and MapAction
• many world-leading universities

A sustainable future

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action to address global challenges of our generation.

There are 17 goals with a timeline set to 2030. Nearly all countries in the world have committed to this plan.

They address challenges such as:

• climate change
• environment
• water
• food inequality
• protecting our planet

Changes are taking place in every sector, including government, civil society, and the private sector.

With this degree, you can work in fields that directly contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

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 degrees

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