Earth Science and Physical Geography MEarthSci

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Earth Sciences and Environment

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

FF6V

Award

MEarthSci

Duration of study

4 years, 5 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

Multiple campuses

Start date

September 2026

School

School of GeoSciences

College

College of Science and Engineering

Study abroad

Available

Placement

No

Second year entry

Available

Open days and events

About the degree programme

If you want to help tackle the greatest challenges facing society and the natural world, this degree is for you.

The world needs geographers and Earth scientists now more than ever before.

For example, we need them to help us:

  • address the climate crisis
  • adapt to environmental changes
  • live more safely and sustainably on our dynamic Earth

Our degree will help you play a valuable role in addressing global challenges facing our planet and society.

This degree offers you flexibility in your studies of a wide range of interests across geography and the Earth sciences. You can build your degree around topics you are curious or passionate about.

For example, you may enjoy:

  • studying the Earth sciences but want greater flexibility in your honours years, or
  • studying physical geography, but also want a deeper understanding of how the Earth works

MEarthSci

Our 5-year Earth Sciences and Physical Geography (MEarthSci) degree follows the 4-year BSc Earth Science and Physical Geography degree until the end of Year 4. The degree then requires you to take an extra year of study. You will complete an additional independent research project in Year 5.

Studying Earth sciences and physical geography at The University of Edinburgh

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is typically studied over five years. This allows you to study other option courses in Years 1 and 2, and pursue other interests.

Well-qualified students may be eligible to enter this programme in Year 2, and complete the programme in four years. Due to the increase in compulsory courses second year entry requires, it is not possible to take additional option courses.

Programme rankings

  • Top 10 in the UK across Earth and marine sciences, geology and geophysics in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
  • 8th in the UK, and 21st in the world for geography in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
  • 5th in the UK, and world's top 30 universities for natural sciences subjects in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Programme benefits

  • Learn from one of the UK's largest and most successful groups of geographers, and Earth and environmental scientists.
  • Be taught by leading national and international Earth scientists across a range of fields.
  • Study a degree that has real-world relevance and enhances your employability.
  • Gain valuable networking and potential employment opportunities through our connections. You can meet and interact with professionals from different sectors, and work with practitioners and industry experts to gain valuable experience during your studies.
  • Conduct your own advanced independent research project on a topic of your choice, supported by a supervisor, in Year 5.
  • An integrated masters programme offers a deeper focus on research and provides useful preparation for further studies, such as a PhD.

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

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

Tuition fees for MEarthSci (Hons) Earth Science and Physical Geography

View the tuition fees for one academic year of MEarthSci (Hons) Earth Science and Physical 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 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.

The School of GeoSciences also provides a £200 allowance for using facilities to support your dissertation project in Year 4, and again for your advanced research project in Year 5.

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 a maximum of £920 to £2,257 on living costs each month, 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 MEarthSci Earth Science and Physical Geography allows you to combine your understanding of both physical geography and Earth processes to address global challenges.

It balances data science, programming, and computing skills with traditional field and laboratory skills, along with a knowledge of geography and Earth science.

You will learn about:

  • the structure and composition of the Earth
  • the deep-Earth processes that shape the Earth's surface and impact the landscape
  • the associated hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides

We will build on this knowledge to explore how oceans, rivers, glaciers, and human impact define the modern and ancient landscape. We will also explore how these processes impact society.

This understanding is important for leading research on global change and many of the world's physical environmental challenges.

The exciting nature of Earth science and geography means you will have a diverse learning experience during your years with us.

You will:

  • build on your foundation of knowledge while exploring new and varied topics in later years
  • develop independence and confidence as you progress through your studies

You can find details for compulsory and option courses through the 'Programme Structure' link below.

Switching degrees

Most of the courses in Years 1 and 2 are shared with our range of Earth science and environment degrees. You will then specialise in the subjects of your choice in later years.

As a result, you may have the opportunity 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.

We also offer a four-year BSc Earth Science and Physical Geography degree. Typically, you can switch between the MEarthSci and BSc Earth Science and Physical Geography until Year 4 of your programme.

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 a significant number of 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.

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 option courses to choose from but these can be changed or cancelled at short notice. Course capacity and timetabling constraints can limit places on option courses. Therefore, we cannot guarantee every offer holder their top choice of option courses.

Data innovation

A key feature of our programme is a focus on developing your skills around the generation and analysis of scientific data, aided by a range of computational techniques. Demand is growing for these data skills across a range of employment sectors.

Along with your subject-specific skills, you will develop valuable transferable skills, for example:

  • advanced computing and data skills
  • the ability to think in 3D and 4D
  • model building from limited datasets
  • the capability to integrate spatial and temporal information
  • understanding processes on a range of scales
  • extrapolating hypotheses based on small data sets
  • extracting key information from complex sets of observations
  • assessing large data sets and pattern recognition in complex data
  • dealing with complex systems and uncertainties

Second year entry

If you join the programme in Year 2, all of your courses will be from Earth science and geography, with no time for option courses.

You will study the same Year 2 compulsory courses as other Year 2 students. You will also study a Year 2 course in geomorphology, as well as a further compulsory course from Year 1 of the programme.

Your programme begins with a broad grounding of topics across Earth science, geography and the environment.

Most of your compulsory subjects will be the same across our Earth sciences and environment degrees.

You will:

  • gain an understanding of the processes which shape the Earth
  • develop the skills to recognise the evidence for these processes in rocks
  • learn fundamental concepts and current ideas in physical geography
  • begin to establish fieldwork, computing and quantitative skills

Approximately half of your courses will be compulsory courses in Earth science and geography. The other half will be your chosen option courses.

Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will:

  • learn what the Earth is composed of, its minerals, and the processes that form rocks
  • learn about geomorphology and the physical processes that shape the Earth's surface at a range of scales
  • develop field skills including geological and geomorphological mapping
  • further develop computational and programming skills

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

Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Your coursework will become more focused on specialised aspects of your degree.

You can start integrating your knowledge in a range of areas. For example, you can integrate your knowledge of rock-forming processes with tectonics and sediment fluxes.

During this year, you will:

  • develop the foundation of your study direction for Year 4
  • begin research training by designing your dissertation research project

You will also join geography students on a field course. Your work will develop your field skills and provide experience in interdisciplinary learning.

In addition, you will gain expertise in specific topics through your course choices.

Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will develop expert knowledge in a field of your choice.

The main focus will be on your dissertation project. This is an independent, original piece of research in your chosen specialist field. Your project can be inspired by your area of interest and explored through our world-class facilities. We will support you with individual supervision from an academic with experience in your chosen subject area.

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

  • ice sheet change
  • water resources
  • geological solutions to carbon capture and storage
  • our geological and geomorphological heritage

They have also researched topics that address society’s resilience to increasing natural hazards as a result of global change, for example:

  • coastal erosion
  • sea-level rise
  • ocean acidification
  • landslides
  • volcanoes
  • earthquakes

Through fieldwork, you will apply the skills you have learned during your studies. You will work with practitioners, industry experts and researchers to gain experience in project planning, data collection and report writing.

You will also continue to study courses that further your knowledge in Earth science and physical geography.

We will introduce you to our network of researchers and organisations that employ our graduates. Your real-world experience can be developed further by working on a range of projects relevant to society.

Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

You will become an independent professional capable of critical analysis and understanding of the Earth system at a high level.

The main focus will be on conducting your own advanced research project. This will be on a topic you choose with your supervisor, who will be an academic with experience in your chosen research area. You will be aided by our world-class facilities and top scientists. An aspiration is that the completed work should be of a standard that could be published in the peer-reviewed scientific literature.

Your advanced skills are also developed through independent and taught courses.

There is an emphasis on:

  • surface processes
  • the linked interactions around landscape formation and climate change
  • designing research projects and synthesising literature
  • new methods and concepts at the forefront of geoscientific research
  • honing research methods and transferrable skills
Find Year 5 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

Study abroad

There are exciting opportunities to study abroad as part of the University's exchange programmes.

Many of our students spend Year 3 abroad in Europe or other parts of the world. A year abroad can give you invaluable academic and life skills.

In addition to University-wide exchanges, the School of GeoSciences has several subject-specific exchanges. We have partner universities in:

  • Sweden
  • Canada
  • New Zealand

What are my options for going abroad?

Field trips

Field trips are at the heart of this programme. Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation.

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.

For example, you could be:

  • photographing rugged coastlines and cliffs with airborne drones
  • visiting worksites to meet Earth science professionals and find out what they do
  • hunting for fossils and chatting with your professor about their work on the latest Jurassic World film
  • surrounded by Scotland’s glorious mountains, gathering evidence to unravel its unique geological history
  • exploring the impact of climate, tectonics and sea-level change on the landscape of Spain
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.

Our hands-on approach to learning helps build your confidence and practical experience. It also gives you field skills valued by employers. For example:

  • drawing 3D geological maps
  • documenting and analysing the types of rocks within an outcrop
  • learning to read and map a landscape, to understand the geological and geomorphological history
  • measuring glacier and river erosion and deposition

We work with a wide network of geographers and Earth science professionals in different sectors. We will arrange meetings with them at their work sites during our trips.

Earth sciences and physical geography - geological mapping in the field

A dynamic learning experience

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

We sometimes also combine students from other related degrees. Working on multidisciplinary problems prepares you for the real world, where collaborative solutions are important for solving local and global challenges.

Our trips also help you to experience working with different types of field equipment, which will help you develop practical skills. We have a range of tools and high-tech equipment to take field measurements.

Your training culminates in the opportunity to conduct your own independent research project. An experienced academic will supervise and support you through your work.

The locations and experiences of each trip will vary. We want to give you a broad understanding of how the world works. Our goal is to reduce our carbon footprint while providing you with the best training opportunities.

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

School of GeoSciences field trips

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.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Our research-led, industry-informed teaching incorporates the latest developments in your field. By sharing our discoveries with you, we keep your degree up-to-date, diverse, and exciting.

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

For example, you could be:

  • discussing how climate and tectonics interact to shape mountain belts one day, or
  • running numerical model simulations of a glacier the next

Teaching can be through a mix of:

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

You will also:

  • design and execute your own research dissertation project in Year 4
  • conduct an advanced, extensive research project in Year 5
Technical training

This degree has a hands-on approach to help you develop a range of practical skills.

We will balance:

  • remote sensing
  • advanced data science
  • programming, computing simulations and modelling
  • use of specialist computer programmes
  • laboratory experience in a range of analytical techniques
  • observational and analytical skills in different field settings
  • geographical information systems (GIS)

Assessment

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

Assessment can be through a mix of:

  • written or practical exams, including multiple-choice exercises
  • laboratory reports and field project reports
  • practical evaluation in the field or field notebooks
  • coursework such as essays
  • posters
  • individual or group projects and presentations

You may also be evaluated in computer programming exercises. Some senior honours courses and projects in Earth sciences and environment involve computational modelling elements.

We will also assess your:

  • presentation and scientific writing skills for your independent research project in Year 4
  • advanced research project in Year 5. Your format may be a professional report or scientific paper, depending on your project.

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

For your honours dissertation project and advanced project, you will also receive individual supervision and guidance from an academic with experience in your chosen subject area.

Our academic staff

We are one of the largest and most successful groupings of geographers, and Earth and environmental scientists in the UK. Many of us are world experts in our field.

  • We have pioneered research proving human-caused greenhouse gasses 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.
  • Our world-leading University is driving efforts to better understand the processes that control environmental change around the globe.
  • Our work aims to mitigate climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.

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

Where you will study

Study location

Earth sciences and environment are based in the King's Buildings campus, primarily in the Grant Insitute and the Crew Building.

Geography is based at the Insitute of Geography in the Central Area campus

You can easily travel between the two campuses. It takes around 15 minutes by bus, and you can also cycle (10 minutes) or walk (25 minutes).

In Year 1, many of your courses are taught in the Central Area campus. Practical classes and some teaching are also at the King's Buildings campus. In later years, your time at either campus will depend on your course choices. Additionally, you may study at other Edinburgh campuses depending on the option courses you choose.

Academic facilities

The School of GeoSciences houses a wide range of cutting-edge facilities and services. We also host several collaborative centres of research excellence.

We embrace a hands-on approach to learning, so you will have access to our:

  • specialist research facilities
  • laboratories
  • supercomputers
  • field equipment
  • drones

You will:

  • have access to a range of high-tech facilities, letting you analyse various types of samples
  • collect some of these samples during field excursions and for your independent research project
  • conduct field measurements using various techniques used in Earth and environmental sciences
  • have access to digital field equipment and UAV unoccupied aerial vehicles (drones) to conduct measurements using various techniques

You will also be given a dedicated undergraduate student learning space during your honours years. You can use this space for your independent work, to study with others and socialise with your peers.

Computing facilities

We also have advanced computing facilities, where you will be able to:

  • perform advanced geographic information systems (GIS) analysis
  • run cutting-edge meteorological and geophysical computer models
  • make the most out of digital field mapping tools
Institute of Geography

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

  • well-equipped lecture, seminar and tutorial rooms
  • a state-of-the-art IT laboratory which has software for image processing, geographical information science and modelling
  • 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:

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

Career paths

Our planet is rapidly approaching a critical state.

As a result, the demand for geographers and Earth scientists has never been greater. With this degree, you can play a vital role in humanity's most ambitious plan for a better world.

We also want you to develop practical skills for future employers. So, many of your learning activities simulate those that professionals perform in the real world.

Our programme equips you with valuable data skills, computational analysis and quantitative skills. Demand is growing for these skills across a range of employment sectors.

Where do our graduates find employment?

Our graduates are highly sought after in a range of sectors.

For example:

  • government
  • energy (including renewables)
  • environmental planning and regulation
  • geographical information systems (GIS)
  • hydrogeology and geomorphology
  • risk and hazard management
  • geotechnical engineering
  • environmental consultancy
  • land and water management
  • carbon capture and storage
  • geoconservation
  • science communication and education

Our graduates have gained employment in roles such as:

  • GIS analyst/consultant
  • geotechnical engineer
  • environmental engineer
  • environmental consultant
  • geo-consultant
  • geological surveyor
  • energy resources manager

The skills you develop with us are also highly transferable. Our graduates are working in fields that seek quantitative science skills, such as management and finance.

A sustainable future

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

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

Earth sciences and geography are at the heart of these efforts. 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.

Graduate profiles

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

  • 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (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 14 January 2026, 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 16 August 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

The city of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is not only a fantastic city to live in, it is also the perfect location to study geography and the Earth sciences. Did you know that Edinburgh is the 'birthplace' of modern geology and Earth sciences?

An ancient volcano known as 'Arthur's Seat' forms part of a magnificent park in the middle of our city. Superb geological locations are right on our doorstep, providing you with world-class outdoor training grounds. Many of these sites are of scientific importance. For example, the world-famous 'Hutton's Unconformity' at Siccar Point is just a short trip away.

We will help you make the most of our local surroundings throughout your studies.

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

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

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