Earth Sciences MEarthSci
University of Edinburgh
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( 4.1)

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Qualification

Master of Earth Sciences - MEarthSci

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Location

Central area campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

5 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Master of Earth Sciences - MEarthSci

Location

Central area campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

5 Years

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Subjects

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Geology
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A level
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Scottish Higher
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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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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EU
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Course info

If you want to:* learn more about how our planet works* help protect the planet * tackle the greatest challenges facing society and the natural world * find out how we can live sustainably on our planetThen this degree is for you.**Why Earth sciences?**The world needs Earth scientists now more than ever before.For example, we need them to:* help us address the climate crisis * adapt to environmental changes * secure the energy and materials society needs * live more safely and sustainably on ...Read more

If you want to:* learn more about how our planet works* help protect the planet * tackle the greatest challenges facing society and the natural world * find out how we can live sustainably on our planetThen this degree is for you.


Why Earth sciences?

The world needs Earth scientists now more than ever before.For example, we need them to:* help us address the climate crisis * adapt to environmental changes * secure the energy and materials society needs * live more safely and sustainably on our dynamic EarthWith our (MEarthSci) Earth Sciences, you will:* study our Earth's past to prepare for its future * learn about the structure and composition of the Earth * develop a deep understanding of the processes that shape the Earth and life on it * learn how these processes interact and depend on each otherOur degree will help you play a valuable role in our transition to a fair and sustainable society.


What will I learn?

Our Earth Sciences programme is a new degree that prepares you for advanced careers in the Earth sciences and beyond.The degree covers:* data science, programming, and computing skills * traditional field and laboratory skills * knowledge of Earth sciencesWe will train you in the skills needed to answer the important questions in the Earth sciences, including:* How can we reduce the effects of global change? * What tools can we use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere? * Why is our planet able to sustain life? * How does the Earth's interior work, and how do these processes affect the surface? * How can we sustainably manage the Earth's resources to meet our energy, mineral, and water needs? * How can we improve our understanding of natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes to reduce their risk and save lives?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.You will also learn computational analysis and quantitative skills.You will learn from leading national and international Earth scientists across a range of fields. We help make sure your degree has real-world relevance and improves your employability.Our links offer you valuable networking and potential employment opportunities. You can meet and interact with professionals from different sectors during your studies. This will give you the opportunity to gain insight into working environments, where Earth scientists make contributions to our everyday lives.This degree also offers you flexibility in your studies. You will be able to build your degree around topics you are interested in. Our staff can also help you design an interdisciplinary curriculum by choosing option courses from other subjects.


An extraordinary reputation

We are one of the largest and most successful groupings of geographers, Earth and environmental scientists in the UK, many of whom are world experts in their field.* We have pioneered research proving human-caused greenhouse gases 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, 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

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
90%
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
85%
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)
Modules (Year 5)
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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%
Chemistry
26%
Physics
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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