BSc Geography

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

For example, you could be discussing climate change and activism in a lecture one day - or splashing in rivers measuring water flow the next.

You can find details for individual courses through the 'Programme Structure' link.

Switching degrees

Our geography degrees provide opportunities to switch between degrees in your early years. 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.

Additionally, 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 suitable, 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.

The course offers an array of learning opportunities and is particularly accommodating to different learning styles. Now in my third year, I have acquired a detailed and well-rounded skill set regarding the physical components of our world – which was facilitated by the high standards of teaching throughout the vast range of compulsory and optional courses on offer. All in all, I couldn’t recommend this degree enough.

Erin Mills, BSc Geography

Year 1

Your programme begins with a broad grounding across geographical topics. For example:

• environmental issues
• climate change
• Earth surface processes
• global economic and societal problems

In Year 1, all geography students take the same foundational courses in physical and human geography.

Approximately half of your courses will be in geography on the BSc programme. The other half will be your chosen option courses.

Year 2

From Year 2, you will focus on physical geography topics. For example:

• global change
• environmental geography
• geomorphology

In addition, you can also choose human geography courses.

You will also gain research skills in physical geography and take part in field trips.

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

Year 3

In Year 3, you will focus on specialised aspects of physical geography that interest you the most.

There will be courses in geographical research skills and research design, which will:

• guide you through the process of planning independent research for your dissertation in Year 4
• teach you important transferable skills

You will also take part in fieldwork opportunities. Fieldwork will equip you with additional analytical skills for higher-level study in geography.

You can also choose from a wide range of option courses in physical or human geography. You will have opportunities to specialise in either or both disciplines.

Year 4

A significant focus will be on your dissertation. This is an independent, original piece of geographical research in your chosen specialist field. You will receive individual supervision from an academic with experience in your chosen subject area.

You will also take additional geography courses. These include options in physical or human geography that can involve fieldwork.

Fieldwork opportunities in Year 4 can be in a variety of locations and are subject to student interest and demand.

There is a compulsory course at the end of your programme. It will summarise:

• the breadth and value of geographical research
• its practical applications to your future career

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:

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

Institute of Geography

The Institute of Geography building is part of our Central Area campus. It is on Drummond Street, bounded by the 16th Century Flodden Wall.

You will have access to:

• well-equipped lecture, seminar and tutorial rooms
• a state-of-the-art IT laboratory with software for image processing, geographical information science and modelling
• labs for physical geography, including soil, pollen and sediment analysis

The Institute is also close to many teaching spaces and facilities within the Central Area campus. For example, the Main Library and gym.

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

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

Placements

We can help you with self-arranged internships or summer work placements.

Your research dissertation project provides the opportunity to collaborate with an external partner.

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 abroad in Europe or further afield. A year abroad can give you invaluable academic and life skills.

• Visit: What are my options for going abroad?

How will I learn?

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

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. Our staff will ensure the latest research in your teaching and share our discoveries with you - keeping your degree up-to-date, diverse, and exciting.

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 project 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'.

Our experts

Our teaching draws on various external experts, leaders and thinkers who can give us insights into the application of geographical ideas in professional, community and activist spheres.

They may:

• be invited as external speakers on our field courses
• deliver guest lectures
• contribute to discussions
• highlight links between in-class materials and real-world projects
• provide possible dissertation opportunities

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.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed in a variety of ways. The types of assessment depend on the courses you choose and the nature of the topics explored.

Assessment can be through a mix of:

• computer modelling exercises
• mapping or data presentation using Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• written or practical exams, including multiple-choice exercises
• practical evaluation in the field or field notebooks
• coursework such as essays
• individual or group projects and presentations

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

Our geography graduates are highly prized for their:

• independent research skills
• ability to assess quantitative and qualitative data
• analytical understanding of environmental and societal challenges

By studying with us, a range of career opportunities are open to you. Our students have embarked on a diverse range of occupations after graduation.

For example, you could work in:

• environmental consultancy
• conservation and natural heritage management
• environmental and social justice advocacy
• natural science, social science and humanities research
• planning and surveying
• government
• the financial services sector
• charitable organisations
• corporate environmental management
• geospatial data analysis

You can also move into areas such as:

• marketing
• law
• communications
• media
• teaching

Where do our graduates find employment?

Our graduates have gained employment in roles such as:

• Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP)
• Advisor to the COP26 President
• Head of transport
• Documentary Filmmaker
• Data Journalist
• Political Advisor
• University Academic
• Carbon Management Project Officer
• United Nations Refugee Partnerships Officer
• GIS Technologist
• Science Engagement Officer
• Land Use Advisor

Our graduates work in a variety of organisations, including the:

• UK civil service, local government and the Scottish Government
• United Nations
• BBC, CNN and other broadcasters
• Ecometrica Space Programme
• Centre for Sustainable Energy
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
• Barclays Bank
• Nestle
• Accenture
• NatureScot
• National Museums of Scotland
• satellite and mapping organisations like Geocento, esriUK, and MapAction
• several world-leading universities

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.

They address challenges such as:

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

Changes are taking place in every sector, including government, civil society, and the private sector.

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

Networks

By studying geography with us, you will join one of the largest groupings of geographers in the UK.

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

They can help you gain valuable real-world experience to effect meaningful change. Our links also provide you with valuable networking and potential employment opportunities.

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

Learn about our research

You can also participate in the research life of the programme by attending seminars and reading groups of our various research groups within our Geography and Lived Environment Institute:

• Cultural and Historical Research Group
• Geographies of Social Justice Research Group
• Environmental Change and Societal Transitions

• Population, Health and Place

• Visit the Geography and Lived Environment Institute

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.

• Explore School of GeoSciences postgraduate degrees

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 Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics/Applications of Mathematics, or Physics at B. National 5s: Mathematics at B and English at C.
• A Levels: two of Geography, Biology, Chemistry, Electronics, Environmental Science, Geology, Mathematics, or Physics at B. GCSEs: Mathematics at B or 6 and English at C or 4.
• IB: HL: two of Geography, Biology, Chemistry, 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

(Revised 04 September 2023 to remove second year entry requirements as second year entry is not available for this degree.)

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 Geography

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.

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