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.

Our undergraduate degrees

Discover the Earth, its systems and people - and how you can help build a sustainable future.

Why study geosciences?

We bring together Geography, Earth Sciences and Environment, and Ecological and Environmental Sciences to explore how the world works, how it’s changing, and how we can create a more sustainable future.

From the deep structure of our planet to the dynamics of societies and ecosystems, you’ll study how natural and human systems interact. You’ll gain in-demand skills and real-world experience to respond to global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable resource management.

Join us for an Open Day

Our Open Days are a great opportunity to find out about studying with us from our staff and students.

Why study with us?

🏆World top 40* for natural sciences, environmental sciences, geology, geophysics, geography
🌍One of the largest geosciences and geography departments in the UK
🎓Flexible degree programmes - specialise in your areas of interest
👥Small group teaching in a friendly and collaborative environment

*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

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. Our field-based learning in Scotland and beyond gives you direct experience of landscapes, ecosystems, and climate in action. As part of the University of Edinburgh, you’ll access our world-class facilities, strong global and industry links, as well as academic and peer support.

Through our undergraduate degrees you will

🧪Explore natural and physical science subjects such as maths, physics, chemistry, biology and geography
🌍Understand changes happening to our planet, naturally or as direct result of actions of people across the world
🏛️Explore the relationships between people, societies and the Earth through the social sciences
🔬Engage in hands-on field work, labs, and real research

Our undergraduate degrees

Geography

A scenic view of a mountain landscape

The core of geography is the study of how our planet works. Our geography degrees span the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities to address environmental, social and political issues.

Ecological and Environmental Sciences

Student identifying a plant

Our Ecological and Environmental Sciences degrees are ideal if you are passionate about interactions between humans and the natural world and our impact on the planet.

Earth Sciences and Environment

Earth Sciences and Environment planet cross section

Earth sciences enable you to examine all aspects of our planet, from its formation and the evolution of life through to present-day surface and environmental processes.

photo of students on earth sciences field trip

Field trips

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

Studying Earth science has completely transformed the way I see the world. I’d encourage anyone - even those with just a passing curiosity - to explore it, because it has the power to reshape how you think. For me, it’s not just about the subject matter, but the mindset it cultivates: learning to think critically, always framing ideas within the immense scale of geological time. That perspective is humbling - it constantly reminds me how small our concerns are compared to the deep history of the Earth.

Why Edinburgh?

🌆Edinburgh is a vibrant, cultural, student city with lots to do and see
🏫Edinburgh is 2nd in the UK and 13th in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2025
🌱We are 7th in the world and 2nd in the UK for sustainability*
🏆We are 34th in the 2026 QS World University rankings

*QS Sustainability University Rankings 2025