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Why choose Earth Sciences and Environment at the University of Edinburgh?

We are 15th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2023.

We are also in the world's top 50 and the UK's top 10 universities for natural sciences, environmental sciences, geology, geophysics, Earth and marine sciences, (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).
A world of career opportunities is open to you.

Our extensive network ensures your degree has real-world relevance and that you are sought-after by employers. You will also have many networking, project, and work opportunities with us.
Learn from one of the UK's largest and most successful groupings of Earth and environmental scientists. Many of them are world experts in their field. We offer a wide choice of topics and can help tailor your degree to meet your specific needs.

Our degrees also give you valuable in-demand practical skills. You will have plenty of access to our cutting-edge facilities, specialist laboratories, supercomputers, and high-tech field equipment.
Field trips are at the heart of our degrees.

Our hands-on approach to learning takes you beyond the classroom to develop real-world experience and skills prized by employers.

While your field experiences will challenge you at times, they are rewarding and loads of fun. Oh – and they're free.
Edinburgh is ranked 2nd in the UK and 10th in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2023.

Our vibrant capital is an irresistible blend of history and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it’s also the perfect location to study Earth and environmental sciences. Ancient volcanoes, rugged coastlines, misty mountains and forest glens are right on your doorstep.

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I could not have chosen a better place for Earth science than Edinburgh. I have been able to study topics that most interest me and been supported every step of the way. There is a great mix of fieldwork, lab and class activities delivered by staff who are passionate about their subject. We also have an extinct volcano in the middle of the city, so what's not to love!

Vojtech Hybl BSc (Hons) Geology and Physical Geography

Introducing Earth Sciences and Environment

The world needs Earth scientists now more than ever before.

Every day, Earth scientists make significant contributions to the planet and our everyday lives.

They are helping us:

tackle the climate crisis
adapt to Earth and environmental changes
live more safely and sustainably on our dynamic Earth

Are you interested in learning more about these challenges and helping to solve them?

Then our degrees are for you.

Join us as we explore the amazing planet Earth, from its hot core to its crust, oceans, atmosphere, and everything in between.

Play a vital role in the climate crisis

The evidence is undeniable – human activity is responsible for warming the atmosphere, oceans and land in ways unprecedented in hundreds and even hundreds of thousands of years.

All regions of the world are already experiencing the impact, including:

rapid changes in climate
widespread loss of glaciers and sea ice
rising global sea-levels
increasing heatwaves, floods and droughts
oxygen levels dropping in ocean regions and acidification increasing
rising frequency and severity of extreme weather events

Sustainable Development Goals

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.

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

By studying with us, you will join one of the largest and most successful groups of researchers delivering crucial work on:

the science of climate change
its impact and risks
options for adaption and mitigation
the transition to a low-carbon economy

Many of our researchers are pioneers in their fields, helping shape some of the most important international policy decisions in history. For example, our seminal work helped prove human-caused greenhouse gases are warming our planet, which underpinned the Paris Agreement. Our method has become one of the central pillars of climate science.

We also host national and international knowledge exchange centres, including:

Making a difference starts here. Are you ready?

Life-changing field trips

Field trips are at the heart of our degrees.

We know that getting out in the world is essential for understanding how it works.

Our field courses and day excursions will challenge you at times, but are good fun. Often they will provide some of your most memorable moments from your degree. You will have many opportunities to get your hands dirty!

You could be:

surrounded by Scotland's glorious mountains, gathering evidence to unravel its unique geological history
visiting worksites to meet Earth science professionals and find out what they do
hunting for fossils and chatting with your professor about their work on the latest Jurassic World film
on a remote and windswept island using instruments to study weather systems
swimming among tropical coral reefs, collecting samples to measure environmental pollution
using geophysical instruments to conduct gravity and seismic surveys, or exploring the landscape using airborne drones
exploring the impact of climate, tectonics and sea-level change on the landscape

The locations and experiences of each trip will vary. We want to enrich you with a broad understanding of how the world works. Our goal is to minimise our carbon footprint while providing you with the best training opportunities.

Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation. To ensure our degrees are accessible and inclusive, we offer alternative learning experiences where necessary.

Want to know more?

You can access our blog posts and videos about fieldwork experiences on the School of GeoSciences website.

School of GeoSciences website: field trips

Our degrees

The exciting nature of Earth sciences means you will have a diverse learning experience and a vast range of career opportunities available to you.

Our Earth sciences and environment degrees share most compulsory courses in Years 1 and 2.

This gives you:

a solid foundation in Earth sciences and environmental topics
flexibility to switch between degrees as you discover the subjects you like best

Our degrees then become more specialised for their particular fields.

This means you do not have to worry about deciding which degree is right for you just yet. You also won't need to choose more than one Earth sciences degree when submitting your application.

What is it really like to study with us?

No one knows what it's like to study here better than the students themselves.

Our students are sharing their experiences - from studying to living in Edinburgh and everything in-between.

Get social with us:

Edinburgh is your ideal base

Did you know that Edinburgh is the 'birthplace' of modern geology and Earth sciences?

An ancient volcano known as 'Arthur's Seat' forms part of a magnificent park in the middle of our city. Superb geological locations are right on our doorstep, providing you with world-class outdoor training grounds. Many of these sites are of scientific importance. For example, the world-famous "Hutton's Unconformity" at Siccar Point is just a short trip away.

We will help you make the most of our local surroundings throughout your studies.

It is no surprise we are regularly voted one of the most desirable places to live in the world!

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.

Subject area: Earth Sciences and Environment