Earth Sciences - subject information

Why choose Earth Sciences at The University of Edinburgh?

Earth Sciences was rated excellent by the most recent Teaching Quality Assessment. In the most recent RAE, 55% of our research in ‘Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences’, was rated 3*, internationaly excelent, with a further 15% rated 4* world leading, placing the University top in the UK for this subject area.
The course includes overseas field work trips to Cyprus, Jamaica and southern Spain.
The University of Edinburgh has one of the largest university groupings of geoscientists in Europe.

Introduction

Earth Sciences at the University of Edinburgh provide opportunities to study a range of courses related to the formation and evolution of our planet. The earth is the source of both natural resources and of natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and landslides. Graduates of Earth Sciences can pursue careers anywhere in the world and are particularly in demand in areas where people need to make use of natural resources, or need to understand the risk from natural or environmental hazards. Earth Sciences offers you a broad choice of courses and a flexible approach to learning. There is a strong practical element and field work can take you from the Scottish Highlands and Islands to Jamaica. The University has a strong reputation for research in Earth Sciences and collaborates with a number of centres of research excellence. There are a range of high-tech research facilities and services available to students.

What you'll study

Year 1

In Years 1 and 2 you will study your core subject and related courses in Earth Science. You can also choose courses including Natural Hazards, Geography, Archaeology, Astronomy, Oceanography, Meteorology and Computer Science. If you are studying Geophysics, you will take courses in Mathematics and Physics and Meteorology. The programme includes field work trips to Arran and the Scottish Highlands, among other places.

Year 2

Year 3

In your third and fourth years you will start to specialise. You will study courses in your chosen area of interest and carry out independent field work projects. You will also have the opportunity to take part in field work trips which include residential courses in Spain, Mull and Cyprus. If you are studying Environmental Science, you can also take part in a field work project in Jamaica.

Year 4

Year 5

In Year 5 you will complete high level courses and a dissertation. If you choose to carry on to a Masters course, this is an opportunity to advance your research skills and gain a deeper understanding of your subject in preparation.

Learning & assessment

You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, projects and field work. From your third year, you will spend more time on private study and will receive individual supervision for final-year projects.

Careers

Graduates from the School of GeoSciences have lots of career opportunities. The majority of graduates continue studying or move straight into relevant employment. Many work in the resource industries or go on to establish environmental consultancies. Earth Science degrees also equip you for a career in environmental planning, education, engineering or the balance of renewable and non renewable resources.

Our facilities

Teaching takes place within the School of GeoSciences which is a very well equipped facility and has a strong reputation for research. You can access the University’s libraries and computer laboratories and the School’s laboratories provide personal workspace during your honours years.

Study abroad

There are opportunities to study abroad and take part in field trips in the UK and abroad.

In addition to the broad scientific knowledge that I acquired whilst at the University of Edinburgh, the experience gained during my BSc of working to deadlines, continuous learning, multi-tasking, team work and project management have proved invaluable both during my post-graduate studies and in the workplace.

Nicky Holt: Graduate, Geology & Physical Geography

Degree information

See the list of degrees on the right for more detailed information about individual degrees.

Degrees in this subject