BSc Earth Sciences

The exciting nature of Earth sciences means you will have a diverse learning experience during your years with us.

What (and how) you learn will depend on the courses you take, and the nature of the topics explored.

Your programme begins with a broad grounding of topics across Earth sciences and the environment.

You will:

• build on this foundation while exploring new and varied topics in the following years
• develop independence and confidence as you progress through your studies

You can find details for compulsory and option courses through the 'Programme Structure' link.

Study pathways

The information on this page is for our BSc Earth Sciences degree.

Most of the courses in your first and second years are shared with our range of Earth science and environment degrees.

This gives you the flexibility to switch between degrees as you discover the subjects you like best.

You will then specialise in the subjects of your choice in later years.

• Explore our Earth science and environment degrees

Second year entry option

You have the opportunity to shorten the length of your studies by one full year.

This option may be for you if you know exactly what you want to do and are ready to study your chosen field right away. You can also fast-track your career by graduating earlier.

However, this means that during your first year, you will have fewer course options and flexibility.

But, you can:

• graduate with a BSc in three years, or
• graduate with an integrated masters (MEarthSci) in four years, or
• graduate with a BSc, followed by a separate one-year postgraduate degree within four years

In your first year through this route, you will:

• join the cohort of students entering their second year of study (Year 2)
• take the same number of courses as your Year 2 peers, so there is no extra increase in your study workload
• have fewer option courses and flexibility than your Year 2 peers. Instead, you will need to complete the compulsory courses of Year 1 and Year 2 within your first year.

Please note: You must be suitably qualified if you want to shorten your studies. Make sure you view the entry requirements under 'Second Year Entry' below.

Switching degrees

Our Earth science and environment degrees offer the flexibility to switch between degrees in your early years. However, some later courses may not be available if you have not taken the necessary pre-requisite courses. You should discuss your interests with your Cohort Lead to ensure that these options are still available to you.

Option courses

One of the most exciting things about a Scottish undergraduate degree is option courses. You have the opportunity to take a significant number of courses outside your degree in Years 1 and 2, and in some later years.

You can choose courses related to your degree, or try something completely different and new to you.

Changes to teaching and learning

We are committed to offering high-quality education to all our students. However, please be advised that there may be changes to course options and delivery. All decisions are made to ensure we can provide the highest standards for your educational experience.

Optional courses can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice. In addition, places on optional courses can be limited due to course capacity and timetabling constraints. It may not be possible to guarantee every offer holder their top choice of optional courses.

Changes to field trips

Field course locations may change for a variety of reasons, including due to Covid-19. Where necessary, fieldwork will be relocated, rescheduled or alternative arrangements provided. Decisions will be made to safeguard the health and safety of our students, staff and community, and to ensure the highest standards of educational experience.

Accessibility on field trips

We are committed to making our degree as accessible and inclusive as possible. In the event that you cannot attend all trips or only some of them, we will provide alternatives with comparable learning outcomes where necessary.

My time in Edinburgh has been one of the most eye-opening experiences I've ever had. When I chose to study here, I had decided to take a risk. Now I know that risk has paid off. I have never been more grateful to have met wonderful and interesting people. The numerous opportunities helped me see the world with a new perspective as a budding geologist. I feel very privileged to have been exposed to such a rapidly-evolving field of study and if I could, I would do it all again.

Maryam Helmi, BSc Geology

Year 1

Your programme begins with a broad grounding of topics across Earth sciences and the environment.

You will:

• be introduced to the geosphere around us - how it affects us, and how we use it responsibly
• learn to use important tools to interact with scientific data and build confidence in your data skills
• develop a strong sense of purpose and an initial idea of what you might want to do as an Earth science graduate

Approximately half of your courses will be in Earth science and environment on the BSc programme. Most of your compulsory subjects will be the same across our Earth sciences and environment degrees. The other half will be your chosen option courses.

Year 2

You will learn about the Earth's building blocks, their properties and how they form our planet.

We will also:

• expand your data analysis and computational skills
• teach you about the materials and rocks that make up the geosphere
• introduce you to geophysics to learn how we image the Earth
• take a field course to start building your skills in geological fieldwork

As in Year 1, you will have significant flexibility in your option course choices.

Second year entry

If you have direct entry to Year 2, you will take a specially tailored set of courses in the first semester, but you will join the standard programme in the second semester.

Year 3

You will begin to:

• map the bigger picture
• integrate your knowledge
• apply your skills
• discover the frontiers of our knowledge about the Earth

We will complete your basic training, so you can start integrating your knowledge in a range of areas. For example, topics can include tectonics, sediment fluxes, the co-evolution of life and rock processes.

During this year, you can further your knowledge and skills in one of three ways:

• advance your practical field skills in Earth sciences, or
• practice subsurface investigation for sustainable energy, or
• take an outside option course in line with the curriculum

In addition, you will gain expertise in specific topics through your option course choices.

Year 4

You will integrate the skills and knowledge you have learned during the first three years. We will guide you to become an independent, expert Earth scientist.

We will help you design the year around your personal goals, allowing you to become a specialist in the field of your choice.

Your year will cover three main areas:

1. Your independent research project

This is an independent, original piece of research in your chosen specialist field. Your project can be inspired by your area of interest, aided by our world-class facilities and individual supervision from an academic with experience in your chosen subject area.

2. Integrating your learning

You will advance from principles to practice to become an expert Earth scientist.

A combination of teaching and excursions will help you further integrate your knowledge and skills.

You will also meet Earth science practitioners at their workplace and learn about their jobs first-hand.

3. Your future pathway

You can further your knowledge and skills in one of two ways:

• Your coursework can focus on specialised aspects of your degree. Our School offers tailored pathways for you to learn at the cutting-edge of various Earth science disciplines.
• You can expand your learning through coursework in another discipline. You can take advanced courses in other disciplines from across the University. For example, you could choose economics, engineering, law or other sciences.

Year 5

Optional year

You can choose to add another year to this BSc degree to complete an integrated masters (MEarthSci).

You will complete an additional independent research project during Year 5.

Our integrated masters degree involves a research focus, which is useful if you want to continue your education into research, such as a PhD.

Are you unsure if you are interested in research yet? Don't worry, you can decide to change from the BSc programme to the MEarthSci programme up until your fourth year of study on the BSc.

• MEarthSci Earth Sciences

Programme structure

Find out more about the compulsory and optional courses in this degree programme.

To give you an idea of what you will study on this programme, we publish the latest available information. However, please note this may not be for your year of entry, but for a different academic year.

Programme structure (2023/24)

Our facilities

You will have access to the University's facilities across all University sites.

For example:

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

Depending on the option courses you choose, you may also study at various campus locations in Edinburgh.

King's Buildings campus

Most teaching occurs within the School of GeoSciences, located at the University's King's Buildings campus. The King's Buildings (KB) is the main campus of the College of Science and Engineering.

The King's Buildings campus is around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh. It is easily accessible by bus. You can also cycle (10 minutes) or walk (25 minutes) from the central area.

The School of GeoSciences houses a wide range of cutting-edge facilities and services. We also host several collaborative centres of research excellence.

You will attend lectures, tutorials and practicals in our state-of-the-art theatres and classrooms.

We embrace a hands-on approach to learning, so you will also have plenty of access to our specialist research facilities, laboratories, supercomputers and field equipment. And yes, we have drones!

You will:

• have access to a range of high-tech facilities, letting you analyse various types of samples
• collect some of these samples during field excursions and for your independent research project
• conduct field measurements using various techniques used in Earth and environmental sciences
• have access to digital field equipment and UAV unoccupied aerial vehicles (drones) to conduct measurements using various techniques

You will also be given a dedicated undergraduate student learning space during your honours years. You can use this space for your independent work, to study with others and socialise with your peers.

• Visit the School of GeoSciences Research Facilities

Computing facilities

We also have advanced computing facilities, where you will be able to:

• perform advanced geographic information systems (GIS) analysis
• run cutting-edge meteorological and geophysical computer models
• make the most out of digital field mapping tools

College of Science and Engineering

The College and University's central units provide many essential services at the King's Buildings campus.

For example:

• library and study facilities
• catering outlets and shops
• our Careers Service

You can find out more about King's Buildings campus on the College of Science and Engineering website:

• Visit the College of Science and Engineering website

A cluster of science and technology companies are also located on the campus. Many of these companies are spin-out companies based on College research. There are also start-ups which have located here to build close ties with the College.

Take a virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the School of GeoSciences and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site.

Discover our city's landmarks, our campuses, accommodation and get video tours - all in one place.

• Take a virtual tour of the School of GeoSciences

Study abroad

There are exciting opportunities to study abroad as part of the University's exchange programmes.

Many of our students spend their third year in Europe or further afield. A year abroad can give you invaluable academic and life skills.

In addition to University-wide exchanges, the School of GeoSciences has several subject-specific exchanges. We have partner universities in:

• Europe
• Canada

• New Zealand

• Visit: What are my options for going abroad?

How will I learn?

You will learn from a wide range of experienced academics at the forefront of their field. Our research-led, industry informed teaching incorporates the latest developments in your field. By sharing our discoveries with you, we keep your degree up-to-date and exciting.

The types of teaching styles depend on the courses you choose and the nature of the topics explored.

For example, you could be:

• discussing the evolution of life in a lecture
• studying fossil earthquakes in hand specimens
• using microscopes to measure the changing chemistry of crystals leading up to the eruption of a volcano
• programming a code to plot scientific data
• solving a set of problems with your peers
• presenting your findings on a website, in a talk or in an essay
• meeting Earth science professionals at their workplace

Teaching can be through a mix of:

• lectures
• tutorials
• practical classes
• laboratory work
• workshops
• field trips and field courses
• project work

You will also design and execute your own research dissertation in your final year.

You can find more information about teaching methods for individual courses by accessing them through the Programme Structure link under 'What you will study'.

Technical training

This degree has a hands-on approach to develop you with a range of specialist and transferable skills.

We will carefully balance:

• data science
• programming and computing simulations
• use of specialist computer programmes
• laboratory experience in a range of analytical techniques
• observational and analytical skills in different field settings
• geographical information systems (GIS)

You will have access to our wide range of specialist research facilities, laboratories, field equipment and cutting-edge computational facilities.

Your training will prepare you to play a vital role in our transition into a more sustainable future.

How will you support me?

We want to help you make the most of your studies with us.

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 for academic or pastoral support. The Student Adviser works closely with academics in your degree, as well as with wider University support services. They are also able to help you with a wide range of administrative and practical issues, and they can direct you to relevant resources or people.

• Find out more about student support

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 and provide advice on your future career opportunities.

For your honours dissertation project, you will also receive individual supervision and guidance from an academic with experience in your chosen subject area.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, depending on the courses you choose and the nature of the topics explored.

Assessment can be through a mix of:

• written or practical exams, including multiple-choice exercises
• laboratory reports and field project reports
• practical evaluation in the field or field notebooks
• coursework such as essays
• posters
• individual or group projects and presentations

You may also be evaluated in computer programming exercises. Some senior honours courses and projects in Earth sciences and environment involve computational modelling elements.

For your independent research project in your final year, we will assess your presentation and scientific writing skills.

You can find more information about assessment methods for individual courses by accessing them through the Programme Structure link under 'What you will study'.

Join the next generation of Earth scientists leading the way in building a sustainable future for all.

By studying the BSc Earth Sciences, you can play a vital role in humanity's most ambitious plan for a better world.

This degree prepares you for an advanced career wherever you choose to go and allows you to make a real impact.

Our courses provide the applied knowledge necessary to get you started in the industry. Many of your learning activities simulate those that professionals perform in the real world.

Where do our graduates find employment?

Graduates of our previous geology degree were highly sought-after in various sectors. The vast majority moved straight into degree-related employment.

For example, you could work in:

• energy (including renewables)
• natural resources
• land and water management
• risk and hazard management
• environmental planning and regulation
• environmental consultancy
• sustainability consultancy
• science communication and education

The skills you develop with us are also highly transferable. You can work in other sectors such as:

• the financial sector
• information technology
• engineering
• business
• consultancy
• government or civil service positions
• industrial management and administration

A sustainable future

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action to address the significant global challenges of our generation.

There are 17 overarching goals with a timeline set to 2030. Nearly all countries in the world have committed to this plan, with societies rapidly adjusting to meet these goals.

They address challenges such as:

• climate change
• environment
• water
• food inequality
• protecting our planet
• sustainable growth and energy supplies

Earth sciences are at the heart of these efforts.

With this degree, you can work in fields that directly contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Additionally, you can work in the energy transition and climate change mitigation sectors.

For example:

• safe and efficient underground storage of CO2 (such as carbon capture and storage)
• hydrogen and energy storage
• harvesting geothermal energy
• contributing to the circular economy
• sustainable management of groundwater

You could also use your skills in areas such as:

• remediation of contaminated sites
• geotechnical sector
• geological hazard and risk management
• urban geology for densely populated areas

Play a vital role in the climate crisis

As a world-leading University, we are driving efforts to mitigate climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.

Our research is internationally renowned in the areas of carbon capture and storage, as well as negative emissions (also known as greenhouse gas removals). We are working within the UK and across the world on the delivery of net-zero emissions targets to meet the UN Paris Agreement.

Read some of our stories:

• We are playing a vital role in the climate crisis
• We are helping decarbonise the energy sector
• We are leading data-driven research in space and satellites
• University of Edinburgh impact

Data innovation

A key feature of our programme is a strong focus on developing your skills around the generation and analysis of scientific data, aided by a wide range of computational techniques. Demand is growing for these data skills across a range of employment sectors.

Along with your subject-specific skills, you will develop valuable transferable skills.

For example:

• advanced computing and data skills
• the ability to think in 3D and 4D
• model building from limited datasets
• the capability to integrate spatial and temporal information
• understanding processes on a range of scales
• extrapolating hypotheses based on small data sets
• extracting key information from complex sets of observations
• assessing large data sets and pattern recognition in complex data
• dealing with complex systems and uncertainties

Networks

By studying with us, you'll join one of the largest and most successful groupings of Earth and environmental scientists in the UK.

This means you will have access to our wide range of research and industry networks. We have excellent relationships with many organisations and external practitioners. These range from local communities to government, industry, and academia.

Our connections provide you with valuable networking and potential employment opportunities. You will be able to meet and interact with professionals from various sectors throughout your studies. This will provide you with opportunities to gain insights into real working environments.

All of this ensures your degree has real-world relevance.

In a world where we are to radically reduce emissions and progress towards a low carbon economy, geology aids the transition to developing climate solutions. Through my studies, I have gained significant geological expertise, with exposure to industry. The unique combinations of topics, an array of learning styles, and the use of planet Earth as a natural laboratory together hold an irresistible appeal.

Bethan Payne, BSc Geology

Careers Service

We support you to recognise the wealth of possibilities ahead.

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider 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. Whatever shape that takes.

• Visit our Careers Service

Further study

Our programmes also prepare you for competitive entry into relevant postgraduate degree programmes. A significant proportion of our students progress to further postgraduate study and research.

• MSc Applied Environmental Hydrogeology
• MSc GeoEnergy
• Explore School of GeoSciences postgraduate taught degrees
• Explore School of GeoSciences Masters by Research (MScR) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes
• Edinburgh Earth, Ecology and Environment Doctoral Training Partnership (E4 DTP)
• Satellite Data in Environmental Science – Centre for Doctoral Training (SENSE)

Standard entry requirement

The standard entry requirement is:

• SQA Highers: BBBB by end of S5 or AABB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB - BBB.
• IB: 32 points with 555 at HL - 30 points with 555 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: BBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: BBB.
• IB: 30 points with 555 at HL.

More information for widening access applicants

Required subjects

The grades used to meet our entry requirements must include:

• SQA: Highers: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, or Physics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C and Mathematics at A. We will accept combinations of Mathematics and Physics both at grade B to meet this requirement.
• A Levels: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, or Physics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4 and Mathematics at A or 7. We will accept combinations of Mathematics and Physics both at grade B, or Mathematics, Science plus Additional Science all at grade B to meet this requirement.
• IB: HL: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) or Physics at 5. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 5 (if not at HL).

Find out more about entry requirements

International applicants

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.

Entry requirements by country

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from mature students and accept a range of qualifications.

Mature applicant qualifications

For direct entry to second year the standard requirements must be exceeded, including the following:

• SQA Advanced Highers: Highers at AABBB to include three of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics or Physics. Plus Advanced Highers at BB to include Biology, Chemistry*, Geography, Mathematics* or Physics* (*include at least one). Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics.
• A Levels: ABB in one set of exams to include three of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics* or Physics* (* include at least one).
• IB: 32 points with 555 at HL to include three of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only), or Physics at 5.

Other entry pathways

Entry to many degrees in Science & Engineering is possible via other qualifications (eg HNC/D, Access, SWAP).

• Science & Engineering applications

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies.

SQA, GCSE and IB

For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher:

• SQA National 5 at C
• GCSE at C or 4
• Level 2 Certificate at C
• IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry)

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 176 with at least 162 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE II with distinctions in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 62 with at least 54 in each component.

(Revised 29 August 2023 to remove PTE Academic Online)

We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests.

English language qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the degree you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

English language requirements

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.

Please note that some programmes do not have Discover Uni data available.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for BSc Earth Sciences

Additional costs

The School of GeoSciences does not charge extra fees for compulsory field trips or field courses.

This degree involves a significant element of field study. We are proud to be able to support you as you learn practical and highly prized skills.

Costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence 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
• excursions as part of optional courses entail extra fees, which vary depending on the nature of the field trip

Dissertation costs

There may be some costs associated with your dissertation research project, including field costs.

You can design your dissertation project to minimise costs. The School of GeoSciences also provides a £200 allowance for using facilities to support your dissertation project.

Funding

For more information on how much it will cost to study with us and the financial support available see our fees and funding information.

Fees and funding

• Have a query about undergraduate study?
• Send an enquiry