Geography MA (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Geography

Year of entry: 2027 (show 2026 entry)

Key facts

UCAS Code

L700

Award

MA (Hons)

Duration of study

4 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

Central Area

Start date

September 2027

School

School of GeoSciences

College

College of Science and Engineering

Study abroad

Available

Accreditation

Available

Placement

No

Open days and events

About the degree programme

Are you curious about the relationship between politics and climate change? Do you have a keen interest in cultures and societies and how they relate to the environment? Then geography might be for you.

Geography is the study of the relations between people and their economic, social, cultural and political worlds.

You can study geography in two ways:

MA Geography
  • as a social science or humanities subject, through human geography
  • address human issues such as sustainability, health and social justice
BSc Geography
  • as a natural science through physical geography
  • explore the physical processes of our planet, such as volcanoes and glaciers, flooding and climate change

On our MA Geography degree, you will focus on human geography, the study of people's relations to space and the environment, while also gaining insights into physical geography. 

You could address human issues such as:

  • health
  • social justice
  • sustainability
  • decolonisation
  • digital landscapes

You will also benefit from the wide range of research interests of our academics – many at the forefront of their field – making it easy for you to tailor your studies to suit your interests.

By the end of this degree, you’ll gain sought-after skills like qualitative data assessment and interview techniques, digital literacy, quantitative analysis of health data, and be able to think critically about environmental and societal challenges.

Studying the Geohumanities

Studying human geography not only involves scientific topics, but also looking at the subject through a creative lens. Watch this video to hear our students and lecturer Fraser MacDonald discuss the MA Geography programme at Edinburgh, and how this falls into the Geohumanities.

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years.

A key benefit to studying a 4-year degree programme is that you have the flexibility to study a range of subjects, outside your chosen degree programme, in Year 1 and Year 2.

This allows you the opportunity to study other courses that interest you or enhance your degree. By the end of Year 2, you can decide which of these subject areas you want to focus on in the honours years of your programme.

How long it takes to complete our degree programmes

Programme rankings

  • 9th in the UK, and 19th in the world for geography in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
  • 4th in the UK, and world's top 30 universities for natural sciences subjects in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

Programme benefits

  • Flexible first and second years. Explore a range of courses before specialising in areas that inspire you most.
  • Get hands-on experience. Connect theory with real-world scenarios through fieldwork - from the Scottish Highlands to international locations
  • Edinburgh is a living classroom. From its vibrant everyday life to its rich cultural and political history, our city provides a backdrop that brings geography to life
  • Build future-ready skills. From data and policy analysis to qualitative and quantitative research design, graduate with skills employers and policymakers need to tackle complex global issues
  • Join one of the UK’s largest geography communities. Learn from leading researchers in public health, migration and mobilities, politics and power, nature and landscapes and urban studies, and access our industry networks

I absolutely loved studying Geography at Edinburgh... In particular, the degree helped me develop my interests in the ways people, the built environment and the natural world combine and influence each other, and the ways that politics and other cultural factors impact the places we live in today.

Jenny Elliott MA Geography, graduated 2008
Jenny Elliott, MA Geography graduate

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country or region where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Tuition fees for MA (Hons) Geography

View the tuition fees for one academic year of MA (Hons) Geography.

Tuition fees for this programme

Additional costs

The School of GeoSciences does not charge extra fees for compulsory field trips or field courses.

Costs of travel, accommodation and general upkeep on compulsory field trips are covered by the programme, thanks to the continued support of our generous alumni community.

However, you are responsible for any incidental/personal expenses. This may include suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for compulsory fieldwork, which you may wish to budget approximately £100 to £150.

For more local excursions, you may occasionally be asked to make your own way there using public transport.

Dissertation costs

There may be some costs associated with your dissertation research project, including field costs. You can design your dissertation project to reduce costs.

Costs for an optional year abroad

If you study abroad in Year 3 through the University's study exchange programme, you will need to pay related costs. These include:

  • tuition fees
  • accommodation and living costs
  • country-specific expenses like travel, visas and insurance

You can use our budget calculator to help estimate your costs.

Find out more about costs for studying abroad

You can also use a tool like Numbeo to compare the cost of living abroad to Edinburgh or your hometown or city.

Numbeo

If you are away on exchange or placement, you may receive a reduction in your tuition fees for the year. This depends on:

  • the type of placement you are on
  • how long you are away

As an indication, you can see the reductions for students studying away in 2026-27. These are reviewed annually and are subject to change.

Study away fees for 2026-27

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that a single student can potentially spend £1,023 to £2,043 each month on living costs, depending on your accommodation.

This estimate covers the costs of:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs

See a breakdown of living costs

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

Funding

What you will study

Our Master of Arts (MA) Geography gives you the opportunity to specialise in human geography. It is key to understanding and resolving many of society's biggest problems.

You will study many different aspects of the modern world, including:

  • mobility
  • migration
  • land rights
  • deprivation
  • public health
  • urban justice
  • climate emergency
  • indigenous struggles

Our degree teaches you important skills like:

  • research design
  • data presentation
  • quantitative and qualitative analysis
  • analytical understanding of environmental and social challenges

Demand is growing for these skills across a range of employment sectors.

You can also study some aspects of physical geography throughout your degree.

This degree is also flexible. You will be able to build your degree around topics you are interested in. The exciting nature of geography means you will have a diverse learning experience studying with us. For example, you could be splashing in rivers measuring water flow one day, and discussing climate change, activism and politics the next.

You can find details for individual courses through the 'Programme Structure' link below.

Switching degrees

Our geography degrees provide opportunities to switch between degrees in your early years. You should discuss your interests with your Cohort Lead to make sure 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 different and new to you.

Although we try to provide a wide range of option courses to choose from, these can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Places on option courses can be limited due to course capacity and timetabling constraints. It may not be possible to guarantee every student their top choice of option courses.

Your programme begins with a broad foundation across geographical topics such as:

  • urban processes
  • environmental change
  • social and environmental justice
  • cultural and political geographies

In Year 1, all geography students take the same foundational courses in human and physical geography.

Half of your courses will be in geography on the MA programme. The other half will be your chosen option courses. You may choose option courses from throughout the University. Some topics you may wish to study include:

  • politics
  • economics
  • social anthropology
  • international development
Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 1 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

From Year 2, you will focus on human geography in areas such as:

  • public health
  • mobilities and migration
  • social and cultural geography
  • economic and political geography

You can also choose physical geography courses.

You will also gain research skills in human geography and take part in fieldwork.

As in Year 1, you will have flexibility in your option course choices.

Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 2 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

In Year 3, you will focus on the aspects of human geography that interest you the most.

There will be courses in geographical research skills and research design, which will:

  • guide you through the process of planning independent research for your dissertation in Year 4
  • teach you important transferable skills such as qualitative and quantitative research design, interpreting complex data, and presentation skills

You will also take part in residential fieldwork. Fieldwork will equip you with the skills needed for higher-level study in human geography and more opportunities to develop your oral presentation skills. We will develop your skills in:

  • data collection
  • data analysis in field settings
  • geographical research design

You can also choose from a range of option courses in human or physical geography. You will have opportunities to specialise in either or both disciplines.

Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 3 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

The main focus will be on your dissertation. This is an independent, original piece of geographical research in your chosen specialist field. You will receive individual supervision from an academic with experience in your chosen subject area.

Previous students have researched a wide range of topics, for example:

  • urban change
  • migration and mobility
  • development and sustainability

They have also researched topics that address the many relations between people, society, politics, culture and the environment, for example:

  • public health
  • transportation
  • landscapes and culture
  • indigenous rights and struggles

You may also have the opportunity to collaborate with an external partner on your research dissertation project.

In addition to your dissertation, you will take extra geography courses. These include options in human or physical geography that can involve fieldwork.

There is a compulsory course at the end of your programme which brings together both physical and human geographers. It will summarise:

  • its practical applications to your future career
  • the breadth and value of geographical research
Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 4 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

Study abroad

There are exciting opportunities to study abroad as part of the University's exchange programmes. We also currently offer subject-specific exchanges with:

  • KU Leuven (Belgium)
  • Universidad de Cantabria (Spain)
  • Université Grenoble Alpes (France)
  • University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Many of our students spend Year 3 abroad in Europe or further afield. A year abroad can give you invaluable academic and life skills.

What are my options for going abroad?

Field trips

Field trips are at the heart of this programme.

We know that getting out in the world is essential for understanding how it works. We will take you beyond the classroom so that you can apply your learning to real-life situations.

Our hands-on approach to learning helps build your confidence and gives you practical field skills valued by employers.

Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation.

What do you do on a field trip?

Our field courses and day excursions are challenging and fun. Often, they will provide some of your most memorable moments.

For example, you could be:

  • exploring approaches to mental health in rural areas
  • meeting with community groups about the impacts of urban racial segregation
  • investigating the impact of urban change in migrant communities in Athens, Greece
  • learning about the changing social relations between peat, coal, oil and wind in Scotland

You will gain relevant skills by conducting field research. We will introduce you to a range of quantitative and qualitative methods, such as interviews, and help you develop skills in data collection. 

You will also gain skills in analysing data you have collected in the field through a range of quantitative and qualitative tools, and have the opportunity to learn how to present and communicate your findings.

Learning geography research methods and techniques in the field is a key way to bring your subject to life and develop the skills you need for your degree and beyond.

Writing Landscapes - Fala Moor fieldtrip

I think going on field trips is probably the best kind of learning for me - the most effective... particularly for a subject like geography, where it's all about the landscape, and being in that environment is so crucial.
 
Grace, MA Geography student
 

A dynamic learning experience

Field experiences will deepen your sense of community within your group. You will engage in a dynamic learning experience through peer learning where knowledge, ideas, and discoveries thrive.

Working on multidisciplinary problems prepares you for the real world, where collaborative solutions help to solve local and global challenges.

Your field training will prepare you for the opportunity to carry out your independent project in Year 4. We will support you with the supervision of an experienced academic in your chosen topic.

You can also find our blog posts and videos about fieldwork experiences on the School of GeoSciences website.

School of GeoSciences field trips

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.

Disclaimer

We are currently reviewing our fieldwork courses. This review focuses on improving the inclusivity and accessibility of our fieldwork courses, whilst delivering sustainable and low-carbon experiences, and maintaining pedagogical excellence. 

As a result, our field course locations may vary year to year, but will always align with your course learning outcomes.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will learn from a wide range of experienced academics at the forefront of their field. Our research-led, industry-informed teaching draws on the latest developments.

The types of teaching styles depend on the courses you choose and the nature of the topics explored.

Teaching can be through a mix of:

  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • workshops
  • project work
  • practical classes
  • day field trips and residential field courses

You will also design and carry out your project dissertation in Year 4 and will present your findings at our annual dissertation conference.

Assessment

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, depending on the courses you choose and the nature of the topics explored.

Assessment can be through a mix of:

  • policy briefings
  • essays and blogs
  • creative writing and reflective journals
  • individual or group projects and presentations
  • written or practical exams, including multiple-choice exercises

Below is a sample timetable for a Year 1, Semester 1 MA Geography student. It is intended to give you an idea of how your time might be spent in your first year.

In this example, we have chosen the optional course, International Development, Aid and Humanitarianism, offered by the School of Social and Political Science.

Monday

16:10 to 17:00: Human Geography - tutorial

Tuesday

09:00 to 09:50: Fundamental Methods in Geography - lecture

11:10 to 12:00: International Development, Aid and Humanitarianism - lecture (optional course)

13:10 to 14:00: Human Geography - lecture

Wednesday

10:00 to 10:50: International Development, Aid and Humanitarianism - lecture (optional course)

11:10 to 12:00: Human Geography - lecture

Thursday

09:00 to 09:50: Fundamental Methods in Geography - lecture

14:10 to 16:00: Fundamental Methods in Geography - practical

Friday

11:10 to 12:00: International Development, Aid and Humanitarianism - tutorial (optional course)

Support for your studies

We want to help you make the most of your studies with us.

Student Adviser

You will have access to a range of resources and activities to support you during your studies. You will be assigned a Student Adviser for the duration of your degree, who will be your main contact if you have any questions related to academic or pastoral support.

The Student Adviser works closely with academics in your degree and the wider University support services. They can also help you with a wide range of administrative and practical issues, and can direct you to relevant resources or people.

Find out more about student support

Cohort Lead

You will also be assigned a Cohort Lead who will organise activities to help you get to know the other students on your degree.

They will also advise and support you on a range of topics including:

  • course choices
  • how to develop and improve your academic skills
  • how to effectively use feedback
  • advice on your future career opportunities

Our academic staff

We are one of the largest and most successful groupings of Geographers in the UK. Many of us are world experts in our field.

Our staff will include the latest research in your teaching, and share our discoveries with you.

Our experts

Our teaching draws on different external experts, leaders and thinkers who can give insights into the application of geographical ideas in professional and community contexts.

They may:

  • deliver guest lectures
  • contribute to discussions
  • provide possible dissertation opportunities
  • be invited as external speakers on our field courses
  • highlight links between in-class materials and real-world projects

Where you will study

Study location

Institute of Geography

The Institute of Geography building is part of our Central Area campus. It is on Drummond Street, bounded by the 16th Century Flodden Wall.

View the Institute of Geography location in Google Maps

The Institute is also close to many teaching spaces and facilities within the Central Area campus, such as the Main Library and Pleasance gym.

Depending on the option courses you choose, you may also study at various campus locations in Edinburgh, such as the King's Buildings Campus.

The King's Buildings campus is around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh by bus (there is a regular free shuttle bus between both locations). You can also cycle (15 minutes) or walk (35 minutes) to the campus from the central area.

Walking map from George Square central campus to Grant Institute King's Buildings campus

Shuttle bus route and timetable

Academic facilities

In the Institute of Geography, you will have access to:

  • well-equipped lecture, seminar and tutorial rooms
  • a state-of-the-art IT laboratory with software for:
    • coding
    • modelling
    • image processing
    • geographical information science
  • labs for physical geography, including soil, pollen and sediment analysis
University facilities

You will have access to the facilities across all University sites.

For example:

  • libraries
  • social spaces
  • leisure facilities
  • computing facilities
  • study spaces (some study spaces are open 24 hours)

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers.

This accreditation recognises that the programme delivers the knowledge, skills and other attributes expected of high-quality geography graduates.

Visit the Royal Geographical Society

Career paths

Our geography graduates are valued for their:

  • independent research skills
  • GIS and remote sensing skills
  • ability to assess quantitative and qualitative data
  • analytical understanding of environmental and societal challenges

By studying with us, a range of career opportunities are open to you. Our students have taken up a range of jobs after graduation.

For example, you could work in:

  • journalism
  • government
  • planning and surveying
  • science communication
  • charitable organisations
  • geospatial data analysis
  • international organisations
  • environmental consultancy
  • the financial services sector
  • corporate environmental management
  • social science and humanities research
  • environmental and social justice advocacy
  • conservation and natural heritage management

You can also move into areas such as:

  • law
  • media
  • teaching
  • marketing
  • communications

Many of our students also go on to postgraduate study.

Where do our graduates find employment?

Our graduates have gained employment in roles such as:

  • Data Journalist
  • Political Advisor
  • GIS Technologist
  • Land Use Advisor
  • Head of Transport
  • University Academic
  • Documentary Filmmaker
  • Science Engagement Officer
  • Advisor to the COP26 President
  • Carbon Management Project Officer
  • Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP)
  • United Nations Refugee Partnerships Officer

Our graduates work in a variety of organisations, including:

  • Nestle
  • Accenture
  • NatureScot
  • Barclays Bank
  • United Nations
  • Centre for Sustainable Energy
  • Ecometrica Space Programme
  • National Museums of Scotland
  • many world-leading universities
  • BBC, CNN and other broadcasters
  • Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
  • UK civil service, local government and the Scottish Government
  • satellite and mapping organisations like Geocento, esriUK, and MapAction

A sustainable future

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action to address global challenges of our generation. There are 17 goals with a timeline set to 2030. Nearly all countries in the world have committed to this plan. They address challenges such as:

  • water
  • environment
  • food inequality
  • climate change
  • protecting our planet

Changes are taking place in every sector, including government, civil society, and the private sector. With this degree, you can work in fields that directly contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Careers Service

We support you in recognising the many possibilities ahead.

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your student experience. We also support you after graduation.

We provide:

  • tailored advice
  • individual guidance
  • internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
  • access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying here is about laying the foundations for your future success.

Visit our Careers Service

Further study

Our programmes also prepare you for entry into relevant postgraduate degree programmes. Many of our students progress to further postgraduate study and research.

Explore School of GeoSciences postgraduate degrees

Graduate profiles

Jimmy Paul

Jimmy Paul, MA Geography graduate

Degree: MA (Hons) Geography

Year of graduation: 2012

Current work: Public Sector

I enjoyed the flexibility in the first two years of my degree in terms of choosing courses. It allowed me to explore and figure out what I was interested in. I did modules in maths, health, and sociology because I also cared a lot about those subjects. It was great to have that freedom.

Read Jimmy's alumni profile

Hear directly from our alumni to find out more about the possible careers open to you.

School of GeoSciences undergraduate alumni profiles

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

Guidance on applying through UCAS

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

  • your academic qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)
  • a reference

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

How we select applicants

When to apply

  • 2027 entry UCAS deadline: 13 January 2027 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 13 January 2027, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

Search degrees that are open on the UCAS website

Key application dates and deadlines

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.  

Find out more about applying through UCAS  

Visas and immigration 

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.  

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. 

Applying for a visa  

Agents

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. 

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.  

Find contact details for an education agent

What our students say

What is it really like to study with us?

No one knows what it is like to study here better than the students themselves.

Our students are sharing their experiences, from studying to living in Edinburgh and everything in between.

Get social with us:

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year of your entry to the University.

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies
Sports clubs

There are a number of societies and clubs related to geosciences. Here's just a few you may be interested in:

The city of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is not only a fantastic city to live in, it is the perfect location to study geography. Our vibrant capital is an irresistible blend of history and modern city life.

You could find yourself in the most remarkable places - researching Scotland’s 7000 miles of coastline, the Gaelic culture of the Highland and Islands, or the challenges of restoring our upland ecology.

Explore rugged coastlines, misty mountains, forest glens and sparkling freshwater lochs.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include:

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Open days, events and visits

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

Related degree programmes

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Discover Uni data

This information is part of a government initiative to enhance the material that higher education institutions provide about their degree programmes.

It is one of many sources of information which will enable you to make an informed decision on what and where to study.

Some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.

Source data of all entry requirements for this programme