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

Are you passionate about interactions between humans and the natural world? Are you concerned about our impact on the planet? Ecological and environmental sciences may be for you. Our world is suffering from:

  • rapid climate change
  • the over-exploitation of natural resources
  • the degradation of natural habitats
This degree will help you address some of the greatest environmental challenges facing our planet. What is ecological and environmental science?
  • Ecological sciences study how organisms interact with each other, as well as their physical, chemical and biological environment.
  • Environmental science is an integrated science. We apply biological, chemical and physical sciences to understand the natural environment and how it is changing.
Understanding both is vital for managing changing environments for a more sustainable future. Making a difference starts here. Are you ready? What will I learn? Our programme has a strong focus on data-driven innovation and computational analysis. Demand is growing for these data skills across a range of employment sectors. We will teach you to:
  • understand environmental issues
  • design robust strategies for sample collection
  • make ecological and environmental measurements
  • realise the significance of results to manage conservation and environmental protection assessments
  • use enhanced planning and management skills to develop solutions to environmental problems
  • understand the science to contribute to difficult management questions and policy
  • be aware of conflicts between humans and the natural world - and how humans are changing our planet
  • learn about the human pressures attached to natural processes in our modern world
We also have an extensive network of experts contributing to this degree. They can help you gain valuable real-world experience to effect meaningful change. Our links also provide you with valuable networking and potential employment opportunities. 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 in the world's top 50 and the UK's top 10 universities for natural sciences, environmental sciences, geography, earth and marine sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021).
  • Learn from ecological and environmental scientists at the forefront of their fields. We are delivering world-leading research in a range of areas from the tropics to the poles.
  • Enjoy access to a world of experience with our research and industry networks.
  • Get advice and guidance with our dedicated Careers Service.
Our Centre for Sustainable Forests and Landscapes is linked to this degree.


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:
CF17
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
85%
Student satisfaction
45%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
75%
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.
Ecological and Environmental Sciences at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS