Plant and Soil Science BSc (Hons)
University of Aberdeen
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) 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

Main Site

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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

Main Site

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

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Geology
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Biological Sciences
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Scottish Higher
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Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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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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Course info

Are you interested in the complexity, fragility and potential of plants and soil? Together, plants and soil provide an essential resource for all terrestrial life. This is the only degree programme in the UK that focuses on this important and fascinating world. Doing a Plant and Soil Science degree at the University of Aberdeen will provide you with both core and advanced understanding of this exciting subject area. The knowledge and skills that you gain could open up a world of career ...Read more

Are you interested in the complexity, fragility and potential of plants and soil? Together, plants and soil provide an essential resource for all terrestrial life. This is the only degree programme in the UK that focuses on this important and fascinating world. Doing a Plant and Soil Science degree at the University of Aberdeen will provide you with both core and advanced understanding of this exciting subject area. The knowledge and skills that you gain could open up a world of career opportunities for you, for instance in playing a vital role in informing the debate on climate change and global food security.The Plant and Soil Science degree provides many opportunities:- Fundamental understanding of biology, how organisms work- Specialist training in plant science, soil science and its applications- Examining the interactions and interface- Multi-disciplinary working- Role of plants in the ecosystem- Applications of plant biology- Manipulating plant genomes relates to tolerance and pollutants- Studying soils across agricultural systemsThis degree combines the disciplines of plants and soils, with opportunities to specialise in plant biology at different levels from genes to ecosystems, and in soils from chemistry, microbes to global geography. The University of Aberdeen has a long and, in many ways, unique tradition for teaching and research in Plant and Soil Science, and is home to a large and active group of award-winning staff in this subject.The degree is taught by a wide range of staff who are active in plant and soil research from the tropics to the Arctic; our teaching is research-led, relevant and exciting. You will have opportunity to collaborate with groups at the James Hutton Institute and SFSA who undertake applied research and policy development work informing national priorities.Plant and soil students attend at least two residential field courses selected from our range of courses in the Cairngorms and Spain. You will have the opportunity to get involved in our research through summer research assistantships, project work and a compulsory final year research project

Key stats

Geology
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
19th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
41st
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
90%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Physical Geographical Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£19,000
UK Physical Geographical Sciences graduate salary
£21,000
Plant 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 - 89 = 11% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
11%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
88%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Plant Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£19,000
UK Plant Sciences graduate salary
£18,000
What students say
B
barbara
25 Mar 22

n/a..Read more

SR
Student Reviewer
28 Oct 19

Overall I really like it here as it's not as busy as city university but still has brilliant facilities and great opportunities for students. There is also a variety of events..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 Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

BBBB Grades / Points required

Scottish Advanced Higher:

ABB Grades / Points required

Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6):

Pass Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

32 Grades / Points required

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):

H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 Grades / Points required

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

DDM Grades / Points required

Scottish HNC:

Pass Grades / Points required

A minimum of 3 A Levels at BBC - at least 2 from Science or Maths subjects.To be considered for entry into Second Year, a minimum of 3 A Levels at ABB, with AB from 2 science or maths subjects (including the subject(s) nominated for Honours - an A in the subject for Single Honours or AB in the subjects for Joint Honours).Also required: GCSE at C or above in English or English Language, Mathematics and in either Chemistry, or Physics or Dual Award Science.

A minimum of 4 H at BBBB (C at AH may substitute for B at H) obtained at a single sitting or a minimum of 5H at AAABB obtained over 2 sittings. Must achieve at least BB from two science or mathematics subjects.Standard Grades 1, 2 or 3 or Int 2, or National 5 at grades A, B or C in English, Mathematics and in either Chemistry or Physics.

For Second Year entry a minimum of 3 AH at ABB, a minimum of two must be Science or Maths subjects (including the subject(s) nominated for Honours).Standard Grades 1, 2 or 3 or Int 2, or National 5 at grades A, B or C in English, Mathematics and in either Chemistry or Physics.

One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.

A minimum of 32 points, with a minimum of 5 points at HL required from 2 Science or Maths subjects.For Second Year entry: a minimum of 34 points with a minimum of 6 at HL in the subject(s) nominated for Honours.A minimum of Standard Level English and Maths also required.

5 subjects at Higher, with 3 at H2 and 2 at H3.2 Science or Mathematics subjects required at minimum H3.

A minimum of DDM with the main subjects being Science or Maths.Also required: GCSE at C or above in English or English Language, Mathematics and in either Chemistry, or Physics or Dual Award Science.

For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Animal Care (120 SCQF credit points). B in all Graded Units. Curriculum to include: Ecology and Ecosystems (H39A 34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course.For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Applied Sciences (120 SCQF credit points). B in Graded Unit. Curriculum to include: Statistics for Science 1 (H8XT 33) and Ecology & Ecosystems (H93A 34) or University of Aberdeen online Introductory Ecology course.

Popular A-level subjects

Physical Geographical Sciences

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

Geography
72%
Biology
46%
Geology
37%
Chemistry
32%
Mathematics
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.

£24,800 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 is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

£24,800 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 is subject to change. Please confirm the most up to date fee with the individual institution.

£24800 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Soil Science reviews

Soil Science
Soil Science
SR
Student Reviewer
28 Oct 19
Plant and Soil Science BSc (Hons)
Overall I really like it here as it's not as busy as city university but still has brilliant facilities and great opportunities for students. There is also a variety of events...
Read more
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How Soil Science students rated:

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( 4.5) 2 reviews
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( 4.2) 1,258 reviews
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Uni info

University of Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen , Aberdeen

The University of Aberdeen achieves strong outcomes for its graduates, with more than 95% of undergraduate students finding work...

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
41st
University of Aberdeen
University Office Regent Walk King's College Aberdeen Aberdeen, City Of AB24 3FX United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Aberdeen  0.9 miles away

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