Ecological and Environmental Sciences

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.

What is ecological and environmental science?

geos-school-fieldtrip-EES6

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.

A combination of both ecological science and environmental science is vital for understanding and tackling environmental challenges.

  • Ecology is the scientific study of the interaction of organisms with each other and their physical, chemical and biological environment
  • Environmental sciences integrates biological, chemical and physical sciences to understand our changing environment

Studying ecological and environmental science will provide you with the skills and knowledge to:

  • understand environmental issues
  • design robust strategies for sample collection
  • make ecological and environmental measurements
  • manage conservation and environmental protection projects

List of all Ecological and Environmental Sciences degrees

Degrees at the University of Edinburgh

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

geos-school-fieldtrip-EES1

Ecological and Environmental Sciences

The world's growing population means we now face problems of rapid climate change, the over-exploitation of our natural resources, and the degradation of natural habitats.

Our degree will help you understand these issues, uniquely positioning you to address some of the biggest environmental challenges that face our planet.

geos-school-fieldtrip-EES4

Ecological and Environmental Sciences with Management

Through this programme, you can combine your interest in the environment with an understanding of business and management.

This is a great choice if you are looking for a career in policy, consulting or natural resource management.

World leading reputation

We rank in the world's top 40 and the UK's top 10 universities for natural sciences, environmental sciences & earth and marine sciences.

Why study with us?

Group of students chatting while walking around campus

Integrated programme

Edinburgh is the only place in the UK where you can study ecological and environmental sciences together in an integrated programme.

In-demand skills

Our hands-on learning, research, and industry networks equip you with real-world skills, experiences, and opportunities, giving your degree the relevance employers value.

Field trips

Field trips are at the heart of our degrees. Your field experiences will be challenging, rewarding and loads of fun. Oh – and they're free.

Play a role in the vital 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.

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 impacts and risks
  • options for adaption and mitigation
  • the transition to a low-carbon economy

What happens on an ecological and environmental sciences field trip?

So what do you actually do on an Ecological and Environmental Sciences field trip?

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

You could be splashing through rivers counting insects one day, or trekking through the forest measuring trees and taking leaf samples the next. 

Find out more by watching our field trip videos.

What's it really like to study here?

No one knows what it is really like to be a student at the University of Edinburgh better than the students themselves.

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

You can read blog posts about:

  • Local and international field trips
  • Getting involved in societies at university 
  • Student life in Edinburgh 
  • Study advice and tips

Edinburgh is your ideal base

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

Edinburgh is not only a fantastic city to live in - it is the perfect location to study Ecological and Environmental Sciences.

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