Geography

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.

What is geography?

The mountainous landscape of Snowdonia, Wales

Do you have a love of the outdoors, the environment, and a hunger to understand how our planet works? Are you concerned about how climate change impacts our atmosphere, oceans, and environment?

Geography may be for you.

Geography is the study of the way the world works.

  • Physical geography (BSc) - explore the physical processes of our planet, such as volcanoes, flooding and climate change
  • Human geography (MA) - address human issues such as sustainability, health and social justice

Understanding geography is becoming increasingly important in today's world. Our planet, and humanity, face some of the biggest challenges we have ever known.

List of all Geography degrees

Degree

UCAS code

BSc GeographyF800
MA GeographyL700

Degrees at The University of Edinburgh

Our geography programmes are:

  • Interdisciplinary - this means they include aspects of both human and physical geography. We believe it's important to understand our impact on the world and our ways of living within it
  • Flexible - build your degree around topics you are curious or passionate about

Group of students on Snowdonia field trip writing in their notebooks

BSc Geography

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) Geography is an environmental geography degree. It specialises in physical geography.

Using natural science, we will examine the changes happening to our planet. These changes can occur naturally or as a direct result of people's actions around the world.

Discover and study the forces that shape our ever-changing world, including:

  • volcanoes
  • glaciers and ice sheets
  • environmental degradation
  • natural hazards such as flooding
  • landscape geomorphology
  • climate change

Our degree enables you to learn sought-after quantitative skills including mapping, computer modelling, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and data presentation.

MA Geography students

MA Geography

The Master of Arts (MA) Geography enables you to specialise in human geography.

It is key to understanding and resolving many of society's most pressing problems.

Human geographers study many different aspects of the modern world, including:

  • public health
  • deprivation
  • urban justice
  • indigenous struggles
  • land rights
  • migration
  • mobility
  • climate emergency

We will learn about the relationships between people and their social, cultural, political, and economic worlds.

World leading reputation

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

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

Why study Geography at The University of Edinburgh?

Group of students chatting while walking around campus

Accredited

Our geography degrees are accredited by the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers.

Extensive networks

Learn from one of the UK's largest and most successful groupings of geographers, Earth and environmental scientists. Many of them are world experts in their field.

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

Watch our videos

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

Our geography degrees will take you beyond the classroom so that you can apply your learning to real-life situations.

Through our video playlist, you can watch students on field trips plus hear from our students and staff.

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

You could find yourself in the most remarkable places - researching Scotland’s 7000 miles of coastline, the Gaelic culture of the Highland and Islands, or the challenges of restoring our upland ecology.

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

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