Undergraduate degrees

Study the world through natural, physical and social sciences and understand the environmental challenges we face today with our flexible and interdisciplinary undergraduate degree programmes.

 

  • Explore natural and physical science subjects such as maths, physics, chemistry, biology and geography in order to understand the changes that are happening to our planet, whether that be naturally or as a direct result of the actions of people across the world.

 

  • Study the world through the social sciences to understand the relationships between people and their social, cultural, political and economic worlds, and our interactions with the Earth.

Our undergraduate degrees

Open your mind to the options available and find a degree that is perfectly suited to your personal interests and career aspirations. 

Geography is an incredibly diverse subject, spanning the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to address environmental, social and political issues.

You can explore geography:

  • as a natural science that examines the Earth's surface processes through 'physical geography' (BSc)
  • through the social sciences and humanities as 'human geography' (MA)

Our undergraduate Geography degrees are accredited by the Royal Geographical Society.

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The world is suffering problems of rapid climate change, the over-exploitation of our natural resources, and the degradation of natural habitats.

Our degrees provide you with the skills vital for understanding and managing changing environments for a more sustainable future. Join us and tackle some of the greatest environmental challenges facing our planet.

Person standing in front of iceberg

Our planet is rapidly approaching a critical state, and the need for Earth and environmental scientists has never been greater.  

A range of career opportunities are available to you. You could be monitoring the impacts of climate change, helping industries transition to sustainable solutions, solving the water crisis or reducing the devastating effects of natural hazards on vulnerable communities.

An extraordinary future awaits...

View of Edinburgh from Calton Hill

Learn from world-leading academics, conducting ground-breaking research that directly informs the teaching you receive, as they share their discoveries with you. 

Through hands-on and innovative approaches to learning, we'll equip you with the skills, insights and perspectives to enhance your employability and career prospects.

Why study with us?

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Flexibility

Our flexible and interdisciplinary degree programmes, world-class facilities and award-winning support services combine to ensure your experience at University is exceptional and unique. 

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Four-year degrees

Our four-year degrees let you explore various subjects before specialising in your honours years, adding depth to your education. Graduates leave with broad knowledge, valued by employers for career success.

photo of students on earth sciences field trip

Field trips and fieldwork are at the heart of our programmes. We know that getting out into the world is essential for understanding how it works.

We are one of the largest and most successful interdisciplinary groupings of geographers, Earth and environmental scientists in the UK. 

Many of our researchers are pioneers in their field, with their work underpinning some of the most important international policy decisions in history.

Extraordinary people, place and practice*

  • Our university is ranked 27th in the world 
  • We rank in the world's top 40 and the UK's top 10 universities for:
    • natural sciences
    • environmental sciences
    • geology
    • geophysics
    • Earth and marine sciences
  • Rank 15th in the world and 3rd in the UK for sustainability 

*(QS World University Rankings 2025, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, QS Sustainability University Rankings 2024)

Edinburgh is your ideal base

Edinburgh is ranked 2nd in the UK and 13th in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2025.

Our vibrant capital is an irresistible blend of history and modern city life.

Edinburgh is not only a fantastic city to live in; it is also the perfect location to explore the subjects you are studying.

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

Immerse yourself among rugged coastlines, misty mountains, forest glens and sparkling freshwater lochs.

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

Laughing ladies

The School of GeoSciences has an agreement with several Chinese universities which allows students to study a degree for two years in China, and then transfer to the University of Edinburgh to complete a further two years of study.

Find out what it's like to study and live in Edinburgh.

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