Geography BSc (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Geography

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

F800

Award

BSc (Hons)

Duration of study

4 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

Central Area

Start date

September 2026

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

If you:

  • love the environment
  • are eager to understand how our planet works
  • have a keen interest in cultures and societies
  • are concerned about the impact of climate change

Then geography may be for you.

What is geography?

Geography is the study of the way the world works. As a result, understanding geography is very important in this day and age.

You can study geography in two ways:

  • as a natural science through physical geography
  • as a social science or humanities subject, through human geography

You can explore the physical processes of our planet, such as:

  • volcanoes
  • flooding
  • climate change

You can also address human issues such as:

  • sustainability
  • health
  • social justice

This programme is focused on physical geography.

Geography - planning for the Earth's future

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

  • 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 groupings of geographers, and Earth and environmental scientists.
  • Enjoy access to a world of experience with our research and industry networks.
  • Get advice and guidance with our dedicated Careers Service.

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 BSc (Hons) Geography

View the tuition fees for one academic year of BSc (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 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.

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

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) Geography is an environmental geography degree. It specialises in physical geography. Using natural science, you will learn about the Earth's surface processes and their complex interactions.

You will also study some human geography. We believe it is important to understand the ways we live in the world, as well as our impact on it.

We will study the changes happening to our planet caused by both natural processes and people's actions around the world.

Discover and study the forces that shape our ever-changing world, including:

  • volcanoes
  • glaciers and ice sheets
  • environmental degradation
  • natural hazards such as flooding
  • landscape geomorphology
  • climate change

Our degree teaches you important quantitative skills like:

  • computer modelling
  • mapping
  • data presentation
  • using Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  • coding and programming languages

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

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 discussing climate change and activism in a lecture one day, or splashing in rivers measuring water flow 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.

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.

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

  • environmental issues
  • climate change
  • Earth surface processes
  • global economic and societal problems

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

About half of your courses will be in geography on the BSc programme. The other half will be your chosen option courses. You can still choose to focus on environmental courses on topics offered by the School of GeoSciences such as:

  • ecology
  • oceanography
  • atmospheric science
Find Year 1 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

From Year 2, you will focus on physical geography topics. For example:

  • global change
  • environmental geography
  • geomorphology

You can also choose human geography courses.

You will also gain research skills in physical geography and take part in field trips. As in Year 1, you will have flexibility in your option course choices.

Find Year 2 courses (2024-2025 academic year)

In Year 3, you will focus on specialised aspects of physical 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

You will also take part in fieldwork opportunities. Fieldwork will equip you with analytical skills for higher-level study in geography and more opportunities to develop your oral presentation skills.

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

Find Year 3 courses (2024-2025 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:

  • ice sheet change
  • water resources
  • ecological landscape degradation

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
  • landslides
  • volcanoes
  • deforestation

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 physical or human geography that can involve fieldwork.

Fieldwork in Year 4 can be in a range of locations and depend on student interest and demand.

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

  • the breadth and value of geographical research
  • its practical applications to your future career
Find Year 4 courses (2024-2025 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:

  • Universidad de Cantabria (Santander, Spain)
  • Université Grenoble Alpes (France)
  • University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg, South Africa)
  • 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:

  • conducting project group work on a biogeographical evaluation of local woodland in Scotland
  • investigating the impacts of people, climate and volcanism on the Icelandic landscape
  • meeting with community groups about the impacts of urban racial segregation
  • exploring approaches to mental health in rural areas

You will gain relevant skills by using field equipment. We will introduce you to a range of tools and methods, and help you develop skills in landscape and data interpretation.

Applying geography techniques in the field is rewarding and brings your subject to life. You will also gain experience presenting your findings to your peers and research staff.

Geography - what do you do on a field trip?

 

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.

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

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
  • practical classes
  • workshops
  • field trips and field courses
  • project work

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 different ways, depending on the courses you choose and the nature of the topics explored.

Assessment can be through a mix of:

  • computer modelling exercises
  • mapping or data presentation using Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  • written or practical exams, including multiple-choice exercises
  • practical evaluation in the field or field notebooks
  • coursework such as essays
  • individual or group projects and presentations

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, Earth and environmental scientists 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:

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

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.

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.

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:
    • image processing
    • geographical information science
    • coding
    • 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:

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

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
  • 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:

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

You can also move into areas such as:

  • marketing
  • law
  • communications
  • media
  • teaching

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:

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

Our graduates work in a variety of organisations, including:

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

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:

  • climate change
  • environment
  • water
  • food inequality
  • 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

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 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

Other degrees in Geography

You may also be interested in

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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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