Information for applicants to our Earth Sciences and Environment programmes. Our Earth Sciences and Environment programmes enable you to examine all aspects of our planet, from its formation and the evolution of life through to present-day surface and environmental processes.The information on this page is relevant to applicants for degrees in the following subject areas:Environmental Geoscience Earth Sciences Earth Sciences and Physical Geography Geophysics Programme details Need a refresher of the details of your programme? Our Degree Finder provides information, including what you will study, how you will learn and career opportunities, as well as fees and funding. Our Degree Programme Tables (DPTs) provide detailed information about the structure of the Earth Sciences and Environment programmes, including course content. The detailed programme content for 2025-26 will be available in April. Until then, you can view the 2024-25 DPTs. Please note these may be subject to change. Find out more about Earth Sciences programmes in the Degree Finder Find out more about the courses you will study in the DPT Sample timetableListed below are two sample timetables for a Year 1, Semester 1 Earth Sciences and Environment student. It is intended to give you an idea of how your time might be spent in your first year. Year 1 sample timetable Year 1, Semester 1 students studying: Earth Sciences, Earth Science and Physical Geography, and Environmental Geoscience Monday 16:00 – 18:00: Accounting for Business – Lecture (optional course) Tuesday 09:00 – 10:00: The Dynamic Earth – Lecture 11:00 – 12:00: Earth Sciences for Society – Lecture Wednesday 09:00 – 10:00: The Dynamic Earth – Lecture 11:00 – 12:00: Earth Sciences for Society – Lecture 13:00 – 14:00: Accounting for Business – Tutorial (optional course) 14:00 – 16:00: Earth Sciences for Society – Practical Thursday 09:00 – 10:00: The Dynamic Earth – Lecture 11:00 – 14:00: The Dynamic Earth – Laboratory practical Friday No events Year 1, Semester 1 students studying: Geophysics Monday 10:00 – 11:00: Physics 1A: Foundations – Lecture 12:00 – 13:00: Mathematics for Physics 1 – Lecture 14:00 – 16:00: Mathematics for Physics 1 – Tutorial 16:00 – 17:00: Mathematics for Physics 1 – Activity Tuesday 09:00 – 10:00: The Dynamic Earth – Lecture 13:00 – 15:00: The Dynamic Earth – Laboratory practical Wednesday 09:00 – 10:00: The Dynamic Earth – Lecture 10:00 – 11:00: Physics 1A: Foundations – Lecture 16:00 – 17:00: Mathematics for Physics 1 – Activity Thursday 09:00 – 10:00: The Dynamic Earth – Lecture 11:00 – 13:00: Mathematics for Physics 1 – Workshop 16:00 – 18:00: Physics 1A: Foundations – Workshop Friday 10:00 – 11:00: Physics 1A: Foundations – Lecture 11:00 – 12:00: Mathematics for Physics 1 – Activity 12:00 – 13:00: Mathematics for Physics 1 – Lecture 13:00 – 14:00: Mathematics for Physics 1 – Activity Why study Earth Sciences and Environment?We are facing uncertain times with growing environmental challenges. To prepare for an unpredictable future, studying Earth Sciences is essential.Our degree programmes explore Earth’s 4.6-billion-year evolution alongside modern topics like data handling in natural sciences, society’s response to environmental and climate changes, sustainable resource management, and what future solutions will be needed to meet our current challenges on a global scale.At the School of GeoSciences, you’ll gain diverse expertise, equipping you to become academically capable and employable for a range of future career paths.You’ll also be studying in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, surrounded by its interesting and varied geology.In a nutshell, join us for an exciting and fulfilling learning experience with a dynamic blend of modern and classical Earth Science subjects. Together, we’ll help you become a leader - addressing the most pressing environmental challenges we face today.Dr Tetsuya Komabayashi Academic Advisor for Earth Sciences and Environment World leaders We rank in the world's top 40 and the UK's top 10 universities for Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Geophysics, Earth and Marine sciences. (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024)Field trips Field trips are at the heart of our degrees. Our hands-on approach to learning put theory into practice, giving you real-world experience and practical skills valued by employers.Global career opportunities Your degree has real-world relevance, sought-after by employers. Our graduates go on to work in high-demand sectors such as energy, environmental consultancy, and climate research, with a strong global alumni network to support your career. What’s it like studying Earth Sciences and Environment?Hear from students and academic staff about what it’s like to study with us. Watch our Earth Sciences and Environment playlist Field TripsField trips are integral to your learning, helping you gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. All costs for compulsory field trips (travel, accommodation, and subsistence) are covered by the programme. You’ll gain valuable skills in data collection, interpretation, and collaboration.Learn more about our Field Trips Watch our Earth Sciences and Environment field trip playlist What do our students and alumni think? We have a thriving global network of alumni living and working around the world. Vojta Hybl, who graduated in 2023 with a BSc Geology and Physical Geography, shares his Edinburgh experience with us.Learn about Vojta’s experienceRead more undergraduate alumni profiles Meet your lecturers You’ll learn from leading geoscientists at the forefront of their field, undertaking world-leading research in a range of areas – from seismology to palaeontology, geomorphology to natural hazards. Explore our staff profiles to learn more about the experts who will guide you through the fascinating world of geosciences.Explore Geosciences staff profiles Student Life Chat to students with Unibuddy Read our student blog Follow us on social School of Geosciences Instagram School of Geosciences TikTok School of Geosciences YouTube This article was published on 2025-02-04
