Earth Sciences and Physical Geography at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

Course summary

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 also in the world's top 50 and the UK's top 10 universities for natural sciences, environmental sciences, geology, geophysics, geography, Earth and marine sciences, (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).
Our staff will include the latest research in your teaching, and share our discoveries with you.


How to apply

Application codes

Course code:
FF6V
Institution code:
E56
Campus name:
Central area campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification Requirements

Direct entry to second year is available; see our website for entry requirements. Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.ed.ac.uk/ug/FF6V

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course

https://www.ed.ac.uk/ug/FF6V


English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.
TOEFL (iBT)92Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
Cambridge English AdvancedTotal 176 with at least 162 in each component.
Cambridge English ProficiencyTotal 176 with at least 162 in each component.
Trinity ISEISE II with distinctions in all four components.
PTE Academic62Total 62 with at least 54 in each component.

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies. 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; SQA Standard Grade at 3; SQA Intermediate 1 at A; SQA Intermediate 2 at C; GCSE/IGSCE at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate Grade C or IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). 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 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.

Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website:

https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language


Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Scotland £1820 Year 1
England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
Channel Islands £9250 Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250 Year 1
EU £36800 Year 1
International £36800 Year 1

Additional fee information

Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees. EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees. Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme.
Earth Sciences and Physical Geography at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS