Make sure you check on the university, college or conservatoire website for any updates about course changes as a result of COVID-19.

Course summary

Do you have a love of the outdoors, the environment, and a hunger to understand how our planet works? Are you concerned about how climate change impacts our atmosphere, oceans, and environment? Geography may be for you. What is geography? Geography is the study of the way the world works. You can explore the physical processes of our planet, such as:

  • volcanoes
  • flooding
  • climate change
You can also address human issues such as:
  • sustainability
  • health
  • social justice
Understanding geography is becoming increasingly important in today's world. Our planet, and humanity, face some of the biggest challenges we have ever known. Making a difference starts here. Are you ready? You can explore geography:
  • as a natural science through physical geography, or
  • via the social sciences and humanities, 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. 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
We will examine the changes happening to our planet. These changes can occur naturally or as a direct result of people's actions around the world. You will also study aspects of human geography. We believe it is important to understand the ways we live in the world, as well as our impact upon it. Our degree enables you to learn sought-after quantitative skills like:
  • computer modelling
  • mapping
  • data presentation
  • using Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
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 curious or passionate about. Open to a world of possibilities We are one of the largest and most successful groupings of geographers, Earth and environmental scientists in the UK. Many of them are world experts in their field. Our staff will incorporate the latest research in your teaching, and share our discoveries with you. Join us and help tackle today's greatest challenges.
  • We are 16th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2022.
  • We are ranked 17th in the world and 7th in the UK for geography in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021.
  • Learn from geographers at the forefront of their fields. We are delivering world-leading research in a range of areas.
  • Enjoy access to a world of experience with our research and industry networks.
  • Get advice and guidance with our dedicated careers service.


How to apply

This course has limited vacancies, and is no longer accepting applications from some students. See the list below for where you normally live, to check if you’re eligible to apply.

EU

Wales

England

International

Scotland

Northern Ireland

Republic of Ireland

Application codes

Course code:
F800
Institution code:
E56
Campus name:
Central area campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification Requirements

Direct entry to second year is available. 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/studying/undergraduate/2023/degrees

Minimum Qualification Requirements

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

https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/2023/degrees


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 (including Home Edition). 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.

You must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies, regardless of your nationality or country of residence. 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; GCSE at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate at C or IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests. English language qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the degree you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE, or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

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

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


Unistats information

Operated by the Office for Students
100%
Student satisfaction
90%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
90%
Go onto work and study

The student satisfaction data is from students surveyed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Channel Islands £9250* Year 1
Republic of Ireland £9250* Year 1
Scotland £1820* Year 1
England £9250* Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250* Year 1
Wales £9250* Year 1
EU £32200* Year 1
International £32200* Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Additional fee information

Scotland (to be confirmed) In 2022-23 the fee level set by the Scottish Government was £1,820. The 2023-24 fee rate is expected to be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2023. Students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees. England/Wales/Nothern Ireland - The Rest of UK (RUK) rate is yet to be confirmed and was £9,250 for 2022 entry. For 2023 entry this may increase in line with inflation and will be subject to government limits. Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme. The amount for 2023 entry will be confirmed in Summer 2022.
Geography at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS