Geography, Society and Environment - MA (Hons)
Heriot-Watt University
Student rating
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Different course options
2 options available
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Qualification

Master of Arts (with Honours) - MA (Hons)

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Location

Edinburgh 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

Master of Arts (with Honours) - MA (Hons)

Location

Edinburgh Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

SELECTED

Qualification

Master of Arts (with Honours) - MA (Hons)

Location

Edinburgh Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

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Subjects

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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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Scottish Advanced Higher
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UCAS Tariff
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Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
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GCSE/National 4/National 5
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Scottish HNC
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Scottish HND
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T Level
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Domestic
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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

MA (Hons) Geography, Society and Environment will interest you if you want to specialise in human geography and related topics such as urban design, social policy and equity, sustainable cities, and sustainable development. Overall, this degree explores the ways in which people shape and are shaped by the places and environments in which they live. You’ll consider questions such as: How do cities change and how do the people involved shape those cities and neighbourhoods? How does the built ...Read more

MA (Hons) Geography, Society and Environment will interest you if you want to specialise in human geography and related topics such as urban design, social policy and equity, sustainable cities, and sustainable development. Overall, this degree explores the ways in which people shape and are shaped by the places and environments in which they live.

You’ll consider questions such as: How do cities change and how do the people involved shape those cities and neighbourhoods? How does the built environment shape our behaviour? What makes some places healthier or happier or more resilient?

Our industry links and cross-disciplinary learning style ensures our teaching is relevant in the real world, and you’ll experience what it is like to be a professional geographer working in practice. Throughout your studies, you’ll hear from guest practitioners from industry to gain insight into current approaches to solving challenges.

You’ll be taught through courses relevant to 21st century global challenges on topics such as aging populations, social inequalities, nature-based solutions and sustainable development, and you’ll gain employability skills such as digital mapping through geographical information systems and collaborative group working.

In years one and two, you’ll cover a broad range of fundamental courses on human geography (social, economic, and urban), physical geography (earth systems, hydrology, and geomorphology), transferable and geography-specific skills and practical fieldwork. You’ll specialise in human geography in the later years of the degree, studying cities, place and place making, and urban development.

You will develop field skills in surveying, mapping, and questionnaires, alongside important analytical and research skills. Through this cross-disciplinary, industry focussed, and problem-based degree, you’ll acquire the skills needed to work in multi-disciplinary teams and solve real-world problems. You’ll become flexible and creative with the ability to apply your skills and knowledge to a range of careers.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2025 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
33/279
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
68th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
42nd
What students say
Z
Zara
28 Jan 25

They really care about the students and it makes it feel like a safe place to be studying and living..Read more

F
Faith
27 Jan 25

Best - good uni community and good support and locations to study Worst - traveling in and out of uni, prices to stay and study there, money and assistance..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:

BBC - ABB Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

AABB Grades / Points required

Scottish Advanced Higher:

BB Grades / Points required

UCAS Tariff:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6):

Pass Grades / Points required

GCSE/National 4/National 5:

It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent) Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

29 Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DMM Grades / Points required

Scottish HNC:

Pass Grades / Points required

Scottish HND:

Pass Grades / Points required

T Level:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£9,535 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 Domestic

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

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

£9,535 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.

£9,535 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.

£9,535 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.

£9,535 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.

£20,536 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.

£20,536 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.

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

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Geography reviews

Geography
Geography
Environmental Science
Z
Zara
28 Jan 25
Geography
They really care about the students and it makes it feel like a safe place to be studying and living...
Read more
F
Faith
27 Jan 25
Geography, Society and Environment - MA (Hons)
Best - good uni community and good support and locations to study Worst - traveling in and out of uni, prices to stay and study there, money and assistance...
Read more
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How Geography students rated:

Student rating
( 4.6) 12 reviews
5 star
59%
4 stars
41%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 1,366 reviews
5 star
38%
4 stars
49%
3 stars
11%
2 stars
2%
1 star
0%
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Uni info

Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University , Edinburgh

Heriot-Watt University is based in Edinburgh, Scotland’s beautiful and historic capital city....

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
42nd
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton Edinburgh Edinburgh, City Of EH14 4AS United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Curriehill  0.4 miles away
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