Earth Sciences and Environment

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.

Study Earth Sciences and Environment

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.

View all degrees

Students and lecturer talking in a study session

Extensive networks

Your degree has real-world relevance, sought-after by employers. You'll also have many networking, project, and work opportunities with us.

In-demand skills

Learn valuable in-demand practical skills, and access our cutting-edge facilities, specialist laboratories, and high-tech field equipment.

Field work

From urban spaces to Scotland's highlands and coasts, and beyond, field work is at the heart of our programmes.

We rank in the world's top 50 and the UK's top 10 universities for natural sciences, environmental sciences, geology, geophysics, earth and marine sciences

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.

Book your place at an Open Day

Earth Sciences and Environment at The University of Edinburgh

If you have an aptitude for science, a sense of adventure for the great outdoors, and a passion for learning about how our planet works, then a career in Earth sciences may be for you. Earth sciences enable you to examine all aspects of our planet. Explore its formation and the evolution of life through to present-day surface and environmental processes, including the impacts of climate change.

Our Earth Sciences and Environment degrees embrace many natural and physical science subjects, to understand the Earth and its development through time including, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and geography.

We have four degree programmes for you to choose from:

Environmental Geoscience - explore how Earth’s chemistry shapes our environment and how human activity feeds back into it, from soil and water to sustainability.
Earth Sciences - study the Earth from its core to the surface, using rocks, minerals, fossils and structures to uncover the planet’s past, present and future.
Earth Science and Physical Geography - combine geology and geography to understand how physical processes, from atomic-scale minerals to global landforms, shape the world we live in.
Geophysics - use maths and physics to explore how our planet works, from earthquakes and volcanoes to Earth’s deep interior and magnetic field.

Looking at an integrated masters?

Our undergraduate Earth science degrees are four-year Bachelor of Science degrees (BSc) with honours.

For some subjects, you can also undertake an additional year of study to complete an integrated masters (MEarthSci). These integrated masters degrees have a research focus - useful if you anticipate continuing your education into research such as a PhD.

Group of students on the beach posing for a photograph

Environmental geoscience

Environmental geoscience provides a holistic understanding of the factors influencing environmental conditions on Earth.

Not only does it cover the natural processes that have controlled Earth's history, but crucially, how modern human activities are affecting our planet today.

Through this degree, we will explore the physical, chemical and biological processes that control the world’s oceans, atmosphere and ecosystems.

BSc Environmental Geoscience

Earth science and physical geography

Our programme allows you to combine your understanding of both physical geography and Earth processes to address global challenges.

Explore how oceans, rivers, glaciers, and human impact define the modern and ancient landscape.

We will also examine how these processes, in turn, impact society.

We have two degree options for Earth Science and Physical Geography.

BSc Earth Science and Physical Geography

MEarthSci Earth Science and Physical Geography

Group of geology students on a field trip to Stonehaven

Earth sciences

Geologists seek to develop a deep understanding of the structure and composition of the Earth.

This includes the interaction of the many processes that shape the Earth and life on it.

Our new, cutting-edge Earth sciences programme prepares you for advanced careers in the Earth sciences and beyond.

Graduates of our previous geology degree were highly sought-after in various sectors.

We have two degree options for Earth Sciences.

BSc Earth Sciences

MEarthSci Earth Sciences

Geophysics

Geophysics is about understanding the Earth's systems interactions and complexities. We can explore everything from liquid metal in the Earth's core to moving continents on its surface and changes in the atmosphere.

BSc Geophysics

Learning beyond the classroom

Learning doesn't just happen in the classroom.

Join Edinburgh, and you'll:

Join field trips across Scotland, Europe, and beyond.
Develop a global outlook by studying abroad* in Year 3.
Gain access to world-class facilities, labs, and geospatial data resources.
Get involved with student societies, sport clubs, and community projects.

^{*Study abroad available on all degree programmes except BSc Environmental Geoscience}

The importance of hands-on experience

Our students visit Inchnadamph to test out their geological mapping skills.

Exploring geological formations

Our students study some of the oldest rocks in Europe as they explore the shores of Loch Assynt.

Explore more field trip videos

What do our students think?

What's great about the course is that we do lots of field trips... There's a nice mix of local field trips, day trips, and residential field trips abroad, but in Scotland as well.

Vojta, BSc Earth Sciences and Physical Geography

You've got a whole range of lecturers who are the best in their field... And it's like, this is something I could be doing in the future.

Lindsay, MEarthSci Earth Sciences and Physical Geography

Where do our graduates work?

Skilled Earth scientists are critical to our future. Demand for Earth science graduates is strong, and offers a diverse range of career types in various employment sectors.