Geography

Our interdisciplinary Geography programmes enable to you to understand our impact on the world and our ways of living within it.

The information here is relevant for applicants to both our BSc Geography and MA Geography degree programmes.

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 Geography 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 Geography programmes in Degree Finder

Find out more about the courses you will study in the DPT

Sample timetable

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

At present, compulsory courses in Year 1, Semester 1 are Fundamental Methods in Geography and Human Geography for both BSc Geography and MA Geography. In this sample timetable, the student has selected Literary Studies 1A as their additional optional course for Semester 1.

Monday

11:00 – 12:00: Human Geography – Lecture

13:00 – 14:00: Human Geography – Tutorial

16:00 – 17:00: Literary Studies 1A – Lecture (optional course)

Tuesday

09:00 – 10:00: Fundamental Methods in Geography – Lecture

14:00 – 16:00: Fundamental Methods in Geography – Practical

Wednesday

11:00 – 12:00: Human Geography – Lecture

14:00 – 16:00: Fundamental Methods in Geography – Practical

Thursday

09:00 – 10:00: Fundamental Methods in Geography – Lecture

14:00 – 16:00: Fundamental Methods in Geography – Practical

Friday

11:00 – 12:00: Literary Studies 1A – Lecture (optional course)

14:00 – 15:00: Literary Studies 1A – Tutorial (optional course)

Why study Geography

Why study Geography at Edinburgh?

World leaders: We’re in the world's top 40 and the UK's top 10 universities for geography, natural sciences, environmental sciences and geology (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024)
Our interdisciplinary approach: Study geography through the lens of global challenges such as climate change, urbanisation, and sustainable development, with access to world-leading research at Edinburgh.
Strong career pathways: Our graduates find success in diverse industries such as environmental consultancy, government, geospatial data analysis, with access to our extensive industry networks.

Study geography with us, and you’ll live in a beautiful city with uniquely rich human and physical geography that we integrate into our teaching through all four years of your degree.
Your main base will be the Geography Institute in central Edinburgh close to the city centre and Holyrood Park, a vibrant student and city community.
You’ll receive teaching from and make connections with leading scientists and scholars addressing today’s major climate, environmental and social challenges.
Our residential field courses, based in UK and European locations, will provide you with core geography experiences while being mindful to balance carbon costs.
I am confident that you will immensely enjoy your four years of university studies, become uniquely well-trained in practical skills highly valued by employers, and go on to pursue a highly successful career.

Robert Bingham

Degree Programme Convenor for Geography

What do our students and alumni think?

Student stories

Sheela Steele, BSc Geography, shares the highlights of studying Geography and graduating at Edinburgh Castle.

Read Sheela’s story

Alumni stories

Take a look at our alumni profiles for an insight into student experience, life after graduation and careers.

Read our undergraduate alumni profiles

Listen to more on Multi Story Podcast – GeoSciences special

Field trips

Field 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.

Read the blog on Soundscapes and Connections on Fala Moor

Learn more about our field trips

Watch our Geography field trip playlist

Career Opportunities

Graduates pursue careers in geospatial data analysis, environmental consultancy, planning and surveying, and more. Past roles include Carbon Management Project Officer, Science Engagement Officer and Government Liaison Officer. Our Careers Service offers tailored advice, networking, and internship opportunities.

Careers Service