Environmental Geoscience BSc (Hons)
University of Edinburgh
Student rating
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( 4.1) View reviews

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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

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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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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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England
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Scotland
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Northern Ireland
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Course info

The exciting nature of environmental geoscience means you will have a diverse learning experience during your years with us.What you learn will depend on the courses you take, and the nature of the topics explored.Your programme begins with a broad foundation in topics across Earth sciences and the environment.You will:* build on this foundation while exploring new topics in the following years* develop independence and confidence as you progress through your studiesYou can find details for ...Read more

The exciting nature of environmental geoscience means you will have a diverse learning experience during your years with us.What you learn will depend on the courses you take, and the nature of the topics explored.Your programme begins with a broad foundation in topics across Earth sciences and the environment.You will:* build on this foundation while exploring new topics in the following years* develop independence and confidence as you progress through your studiesYou can find details for compulsory and option courses through the 'Programme Structure' link below.


Study pathways

Most of the courses in your first and second years are shared with our range of Earth science and environment degrees.This gives you the flexibility to switch between degrees as you discover the subjects you like best.You will then specialise in the subject of your choice in later years.


Switching degrees

Our Earth science and environment degrees provide opportunities to switch between degrees in your early years. However, some later courses may not be available if you have not taken the necessary pre-requisite courses. You should discuss your interests with your Cohort Lead to make sure that these options are still available to you.


Option courses

One of the best things about a Scottish undergraduate degree is the amount of electives (called 'option courses') you can study. You have the opportunity to take courses outside your degree in Years 1 and 2.You can choose courses related to your degree. Or you can try something completely different and new to you.


Changes to teaching and learning

We are committed to offering high-quality education to all our students. However, there may be changes to course options and delivery. All decisions are made to make sure we can provide the highest standards for your educational experience.We try to provide a wide range of optional courses to choose from but these can be changed or cancelled at short notice. Course capacity and timetabling constraints can limit places on optional courses. Therefore, we cannot guarantee every offer holder their top choice of optional courses.


Data innovation

A key feature of our programme is a focus on developing your skills around the generation and analysis of scientific data through a range of computational techniques.Along with your subject-specific skills, you will develop valuable transferable skills allowing you to:* use advanced computing and data skills * think in 3D and 4D * integrate spatial and temporal information * understand processes on a range of scales * extrapolate hypotheses based on small data sets * extract key information from complex sets of observations * assess large data sets * express ideas and arguments via a range of platforms, including social media * deal with complex systems and uncertainties


Changes to field trips

Field course locations may change for various reasons, including the health and safety of our students, staff and communities, and to make sure we can maintain the highest standards for your educational experience.Where suitable, fieldwork will be relocated or rescheduled. We will also look at alternative arrangements that will make sure you achieve the quality learning outcomes of your degree.We will announce any changes as soon as possible.


Accessibility on field trips

We are committed to making our degree as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you cannot attend all trips or only some of them, we will provide alternatives with similar learning outcomes where necessary.

Key stats

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 - 95 = 5% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
5%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
65%
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 - 95 = 5% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
5%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
65%
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
What students say
MF
M Ferdian
27 Dec 24

I love the city in general. The University's libraries are good. with proper facilities that I can use, such as discussion rooms, computers, printers, even 3D printer! Some..Read more

E
Eilidh
05 Apr 22

N/A..Read more

Modules

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

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

ABB - AAA Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

ABBB Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

34 - 32 Grades / Points required

AAA - ABB in one set of exams. These grades should be achieved in one set of exams. Required subjects: A levels: two of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, 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.

ABBB by end of S5 or AAAB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: two of Biology*, Chemistry*, Environmental Science, Geography, Mathematics*, or Physics* (*include at least one) 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.

34 points with 666 at HL - 32 points with 655 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

Latest reviews

Latest Earth Sciences reviews

Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences
MF
M Ferdian
27 Dec 24
Climate Change Finance and Investment MSc
I love the city in general. The University's libraries are good. with proper facilities that I can use, such as discussion rooms, computers, printers, even 3D printer! Some...
Read more
E
Eilidh
05 Apr 22
Geography BSc (Hons)
N/A...
Read more
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How Earth Sciences students rated:

Student rating
( 3.9) 28 reviews
5 star
26%
4 stars
50%
3 stars
17%
2 stars
7%
1 star
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How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.1) 901 reviews
5 star
33%
4 stars
52%
3 stars
13%
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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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