BSc Environmental Geoscience

The exciting nature of environmental geoscience 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 Environmental Geoscience 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 subject 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 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 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 provide opportunities 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.

You can choose courses related to your degree, or you can 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.

Year 1

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

You will:

• develop an understanding of the large-scale processes that have shaped our planet
• gain an overview of the processes controlling our environment
• learn how to use important tools to interact with scientific data, and build confidence in your data skills
• generate an understanding of the importance of environmental geoscience in the context of a sustainable future

We will help you develop a strong sense of purpose and an initial idea of what you might want to do as an environmental geoscience graduate.

Approximately half of your courses will be on the BSc Environmental Geoscience 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

We will broaden your knowledge in environmental geoscience.

You will:

• further your knowledge of the materials our planet is made of
• discover how crucial elements such as carbon dioxide (CO2) are cycled and how they affect different parts of the Earth
• improve your data analysis and computational skills
• study the importance of the role of the ocean for our environment
• be introduced to environmental chemistry of the Earth’s surface
• take part in field trips which is essential in developing your field skills

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

Year 3 aims to provide you with broad training in a range of crucial areas related to environmental geosciences.

You will:

• study the causes for natural and man-made climate change
• deepen your knowledge of environmental pollution in various settings
• learn about the distribution of gases and particles in the atmosphere
• discover the processes driving groundwater circulation and its importance for the environment
• strengthen your ability to generate and handle environmental geochemical data

In addition, you will take part in a field course to further develop your field skills. Previous trips have included Jamaica, where students were able to apply their understanding of the processes controlling environmental conditions in a tropical environment.

Year 4

You will become an expert in environmental geoscience.

You can further improve your expertise in specific areas of your choice, through your dissertation and option courses.

A significant focus will be on your honours dissertation project.

This is an independent, original piece of research that may well be by your own design, aided by our world-class facilities. You will be supported by academic supervisors who are experts in your chosen subject area.

Option courses enable you to gain additional expert knowledge in areas of your choice.

You will also continue to study compulsory courses that further your knowledge in environmental geosciences.

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 study spaces are open 24 hours)
• computing facilities
• social spaces
• leisure facilities

In Year 1, many of your lectures are taught in our University's Central Area campus in the city centre. Practical classes and other teaching take place within the School of GeoSciences at King's Buildings campus.

In later years you will mainly learn at the King's Buildings campus.

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 Kings 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

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, diverse, and exciting.

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

As part of your training, you could be:

• evaluating the role of CO2 driven climate change as part of an essay
• use geochemical analysis of seawater to assess the degree of environmental pollution
• using microscopes to assess the impact of acidification on life in the ocean
• programming a code to plot scientific data
• teaming up with your peers to solve a set of problems
• showcasing your findings via social media or in a presentation

Teaching can be through a mix of:

• lectures
• tutorials
• practical classes
• 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 practical 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.

You will also develop transferable communication skills, allowing you to communicate about environmental topics to any type of audience.

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 if you have any questions related to 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.

Details about assessment methods for individual courses can be found through the Programme Structure link under 'What you will study'.

Our planet is rapidly approaching a critical state.

As a result, the demand for environmental geoscientists has never been greater.

With this degree, you will play a vital role in our transition into a more sustainable society.

We want you to develop practical skills for future employers. Many of your activities simulate those that professionals perform in the real world.

The BSc Environmental Geoscience equips you with sought-after data skills, computational analysis and quantitative skills. Demand is growing for these skills across a range of employment sectors.

In addition, this degree will equip you with a range of transferable skills that open up additional areas of employment.

Where do our graduates find employment?

Our graduates are highly sought after by:

• government
• energy (including renewables)
• resource companies
• environmental consultancies
• the financial sector

Many also find employment in the areas of:

• environmental consultancy sector
• hydrology
• land and water management
• risk and hazard management
• environmental planning and regulation
• geoconservation
• science communication and education
• engineering
• information technology
• forestry
• military

Our graduates have gained employment in roles such as:

• Geoscientist
• National Park Ranger
• Water Quality Engineer
• Waste Resource Manager
• Hydrogeologist
• Environmental Consultant
• Sustainability Consultant
• Policy Advisor
• Energy Resources Manager

A large number of our graduates are engaged in academic careers around the world.

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.

In connection with the goals, environmental geoscience addresses challenges such as:

• climate change
• environment
• water
• food security
• protecting our planet

With this degree, you can directly contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. As an environmental geoscientist, you can work in a range of areas such as:

• climate change adaptation
• sustainable use of essential raw material
• sustainable innovations in water and groundwater
• remediation of contaminated sites
• environmental monitoring
• environmental hazard and risk management

Play a vital role in the climate crisis

Our world-leading University is driving efforts to better understand the processes that control environmental change around the globe. Our work aims to mitigate climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.

Read some of our stories:

• We are playing a vital role in the climate crisis
• 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 enabling you to:

• use advanced computing and data skills
• think in 3D and 4D
• integrate spatial and temporal information
• understand processes on a range of scales
• extrapolate hypotheses based on small data sets
• extract key information from complex sets of observations
• assess large data sets
• expertly express ideas and arguments via a range of platforms, including social media
• deal with complex systems and uncertainties

Networks

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

We have excellent relationships with many organisations and experts who contribute to this degree. These range from local communities to government, industry, and academia. You will meet and interact with professionals from various sectors throughout your studies, offering valuable networking and potential employment opportunities.

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

Careers Service

We will 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
• MSc Carbon Management
• MSc Environmental Sustainability
• 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: ABBB by end of S5 or AAAB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: AAA - ABB.
• IB: 34 points with 555 at HL - 32 points with 555 at HL.

Minimum entry requirement

The minimum entry requirement for widening access applicants is:

• SQA Highers: ABBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6.
• A Levels: ABB.
• IB: 32 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*, Environmental Science, Geography, Mathematics*, or Physics* (*include at least one) 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, Environmental Science, 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: AAB to include two of Biology, Chemistry*, Geography, Mathematics*, or Physics* (*include at least one).
• A Levels: AAA in one set of exams to include Mathematics, plus two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, or Physics.
• IB: 38 points with 666 at HL to include three of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only), or Physics at 6.

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 Environmental Geoscience

Additional costs

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

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