Geography BSc (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Geography

Year of entry: 2027 (show 2026 entry)

Key facts

UCAS Code

F800

Award

BSc (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 concerned about the impact of climate change, global deforestation, or declining water resources? Are you interested in how landscapes are formed, or how to manage environments from hazards and risks?

Then geography may be for you.

Geography is the study of how our planet works, from the physical forces that shape landscapes to the impact people and climate have on global environments.

You can study geography in two ways:

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
MA Geography
  • as a social science or humanities subject, through human geography
  • address human issues such as sustainability, health and social justice

On the BSc Geography degree, you will explore physical geography, the science of our planet’s surface, while also gaining insight into human and environmental systems.

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 will gain sought-after skills in areas like Geographical Information Systems (GIS), data presentation, and satellite remote sensing of Earth through fieldwork and computer modelling techniques.

Planning for the Earth's future

We asked our undergraduate Geography students to explain why they decided to study geography, and the importance of the subject area to them.

 

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 course options before specialising in areas that inspire you most
  • Edinburgh is your living classroom. From extinct volcanoes to coastal ecosystems, our city provides a backdrop that brings geography to life
  • Get hands-on experience. Connect theory with real-world scenarios through fieldwork - from the Scottish Highlands to international locations
  • Build future-ready skills. From data analysis and GIS to environmental problem-solving, graduate with skills employers and policymakers need to tackle complex global issues
  • Join one of the UK’s largest geography, environmental and Earth science communities. Learn from leading researchers in climate science, hydrology, geomorphology, and sustainability, and access our industry networks

I chose my degree because of the broad variety of courses to explore. I have had the opportunity to study everything from soils, meteorology, glaciers, plants and more. The best bit though has been the fieldtrips [...] the most fantastic opportunity my degree has offered me so far.

Eliza Barrie 4th Year BSc Geography student

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 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 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

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

Our degree teaches you important quantitative skills like:

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

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

You can also study some aspects of human 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 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.

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:

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

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

Half of your courses will be in geography on the BSc 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:

  • ecology
  • natural hazards
  • oceanography
  • atmospheric science
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 physical geography topics. For example:

  • global change
  • environmental geography
  • landscapes and geomorphology

You can also choose human geography courses.

You will also gain research skills in physical 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 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 such as interpreting complex data, working with GIS, and presentation skills

You will also take part in an international field trip. Fieldwork will equip you with analytical skills for higher-level study in 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 physical or human 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:

  • water resources
  • ice sheet change
  • 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:

  • volcanoes
  • landslides
  • sea-level rise
  • deforestation
  • coastal erosion

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.

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)
  • University of Iceland (Iceland)

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:

  • assessing how debris flows can affect a landscape and present hazards to people
  • investigating the impacts of people, climate and volcanism on the Icelandic landscape
  • determining how rivers transport sediment and how this impacts the frequency of flooding
  • conducting project group work on a biogeographical evaluation of local woodland in Scotland

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.

You will also gain skills working with data that you have collected in the field using GIS, programming in languages including R and python, and comparing the field data with information observed by satellites.

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.

What do you do on a geography field trip?

The answer is - a lot! You can explore how our planet works with activities like measuring streams or testing water biodiversity. Just make sure you're okay picking up insects!

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

Assessment can be through a mix of:

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

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

Monday

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

Tuesday

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

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

Wednesday

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

12:10 to 13:00: Natural Hazards - 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: Natural Hazards - lecture

14:10 to 16:00: Natural Hazards - laboratory 

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:

  • 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:

  • government
  • planning and surveying
  • charitable organisations
  • geospatial data analysis
  • natural science research
  • environmental consultancy
  • the financial services sector
  • corporate environmental management
  • 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

Erin Mills

Erin Mills, BSc (Hons) Geography graduate

Degree: BSc (Hons) Geography

Year of graduation: 2022

Current work: Master's student

Getting the hands-on experience put learning about my degree into a unique perspective. It’s not just coming to university and reading all these textbooks and doing an exam, you must do the action to learn.

Read Erin'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 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

There are a number of societies and clubs related to geosciences. Here are 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