Earth Science and Physical Geography BSc (Hons) 48 months Undergraduate Programme By The University of Edinburgh |TopUniversities

Programme overview

Main Subject

Earth and Marine Sciences

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

Are you fascinated by how the Earth works, from its deep interior to the landscapes we live in?


Do you want to understand how physical processes, climate, and human activity have affected our past, so we can measure its present and predict its future?


If so, then this degree is for you.


Earth Science and Physical Geography offers you flexibility in your studies to pursue a wide range of interests across geography and the Earth sciences, giving you a holistic understanding of our planet.


On this degree, you will explore:


Earth sciences


Our planet and its evolution, from its formation and the evolution of life to present-day surface and environmental processes, encompassing rocks, minerals, fossils, oceans, the atmosphere, and weather.


Physical geography


The geographical processes of our planet, such as volcanoes and glaciers, flooding and climate change.


This degree helps you investigate how Earth systems interact, and how we can use this knowledge to tackle major global challenges, such as:


  • climate change and sustainable resource use
  • natural hazards and environmental management
  • understanding the links between the Earth’s structure, surface and atmosphere


By combining the strengths of Earth sciences and geography, you will gain a broad scientific foundation and the flexibility to specialise in areas that interest you most.


You will also benefit from the wide range of research interests of our academics – many at the forefront of their field – making it easy for you to tailor your studies and research dissertation to suit your interests.


By the end of this degree, you will also gain sought-after analytical, field and computational skills that employers value, including science communication, programming and data science, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).


These skills prepare you for careers in sustainability, environmental consultancy, Earth science research and beyond.


Our students on the importance of the Earth sciences


Our Earth Science and Physical Geography programme allows you to combine your understanding of both physical geography and Earth processes to address global challenges.


Free Earth Sciences taster course


Earth Sciences Subject Spotlight | Springpod


Explore Earth Sciences in action with our Springpod Subject Spotlight. Led by volcanologist Professor Eliza Calder, this is a free taster of what studying Earth Sciences could look like.


Travel to Guatemala and dive into natural hazards, volcanoes and disaster risk reduction. Learn how volcanic activity shapes communities, and how science can improve forecasting, resilience, and real-world decision-making.


Programme benefits


  • Study a degree with real-world relevance that enhances your employability
  • Flexible first and second years. Explore a range of courses before specialising in areas that inspire you most
  • Gain networking and placement opportunities through our connections with industry, research, and government sectors
  • Develop field and laboratory experience that prepares you to address global environmental and sustainability challenges
  • Join one of the UK's largest groups of geographers and Earth and environmental scientists. Learn from world-leading researchers across fields such as volcanology, glaciology, geohazards and resources, palaeontology, climate change and sustainability

Programme overview

Main Subject

Earth and Marine Sciences

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

Are you fascinated by how the Earth works, from its deep interior to the landscapes we live in?


Do you want to understand how physical processes, climate, and human activity have affected our past, so we can measure its present and predict its future?


If so, then this degree is for you.


Earth Science and Physical Geography offers you flexibility in your studies to pursue a wide range of interests across geography and the Earth sciences, giving you a holistic understanding of our planet.


On this degree, you will explore:


Earth sciences


Our planet and its evolution, from its formation and the evolution of life to present-day surface and environmental processes, encompassing rocks, minerals, fossils, oceans, the atmosphere, and weather.


Physical geography


The geographical processes of our planet, such as volcanoes and glaciers, flooding and climate change.


This degree helps you investigate how Earth systems interact, and how we can use this knowledge to tackle major global challenges, such as:


  • climate change and sustainable resource use
  • natural hazards and environmental management
  • understanding the links between the Earth’s structure, surface and atmosphere


By combining the strengths of Earth sciences and geography, you will gain a broad scientific foundation and the flexibility to specialise in areas that interest you most.


You will also benefit from the wide range of research interests of our academics – many at the forefront of their field – making it easy for you to tailor your studies and research dissertation to suit your interests.


By the end of this degree, you will also gain sought-after analytical, field and computational skills that employers value, including science communication, programming and data science, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).


These skills prepare you for careers in sustainability, environmental consultancy, Earth science research and beyond.


Our students on the importance of the Earth sciences


Our Earth Science and Physical Geography programme allows you to combine your understanding of both physical geography and Earth processes to address global challenges.


Free Earth Sciences taster course


Earth Sciences Subject Spotlight | Springpod


Explore Earth Sciences in action with our Springpod Subject Spotlight. Led by volcanologist Professor Eliza Calder, this is a free taster of what studying Earth Sciences could look like.


Travel to Guatemala and dive into natural hazards, volcanoes and disaster risk reduction. Learn how volcanic activity shapes communities, and how science can improve forecasting, resilience, and real-world decision-making.


Programme benefits


  • Study a degree with real-world relevance that enhances your employability
  • Flexible first and second years. Explore a range of courses before specialising in areas that inspire you most
  • Gain networking and placement opportunities through our connections with industry, research, and government sectors
  • Develop field and laboratory experience that prepares you to address global environmental and sustainability challenges
  • Join one of the UK's largest groups of geographers and Earth and environmental scientists. Learn from world-leading researchers across fields such as volcanology, glaciology, geohazards and resources, palaeontology, climate change and sustainability

Admission Requirements

Entry requirements for individual programmes vary, so please check the details for the specific programme you wish to apply for on the University of Edinburgh website. You will also need to meet the University’s language requirements.

4 Years
Sep

Scholarships

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To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

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