Earth Sciences and Physical Geography BSc (Hons)
University of Edinburgh
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( 4.1)

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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Central area campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

4 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Central area campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

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Subjects

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Geology
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Geography & Environmental Science
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Exam type

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A level
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Scottish Higher
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Location

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England
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Scotland
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Wales
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Northern Ireland
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Channel Islands
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EU
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Rest of World
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Course info

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 EarthOur degree will help you play a valuable role in addressing global challenges facing our planet and society.**What will I learn?**The Bachelor of Science ...Read more

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 EarthOur degree will help you play a valuable role in addressing global challenges facing our planet and society.


What will I learn?

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) 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 landslidesWe 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 work


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.

Key stats

Geology
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
10th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
15th
Earth Sciences
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 90 = 10% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
10%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
100%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Earth Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£19,000
UK Earth Sciences graduate salary
£20,000
Physical Geographical Sciences
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 90 = 10% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
10%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
100%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Physical Geographical Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£23,000
UK Physical Geographical Sciences graduate salary
£20,000

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Modules (Year 4)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

BBB - ABB Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

BBBB Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

32 - 30 Grades / Points required

ABB - BBB in one set of exams. These grades should be achieved in one set of exams. Required subjects: A levels: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, or Physics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4 and Mathematics at A or 7. We will accept combinations of Mathematics and Physics both at grade B, or Mathematics, Science plus Additional Science all at grade B to meet this requirement.

BBBB by end of S5 or AABB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, or Physics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C and Mathematics at A. We will accept combinations of Mathematics and Physics both at grade B to meet this requirement.

32 points with 655 at HL - 30 points with 555 at HL. Required subjects: HL: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, 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).

Popular A-level subjects

Physical Geographical Sciences

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Geography
77%
Mathematics
62%
Biology
34%
Physics
26%
Chemistry
26%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£1,820 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£36,800 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£36,800 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£36800 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Uni info

University of Edinburgh
George Square Edinburgh Edinburgh, City Of EH8 9JZ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Edinburgh Waverley  0.3 miles away
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