Course contact details
Student Recruitment & Admissions
Email:futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:0131 650 1000
The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh
Old College
South Bridge
Edinburgh
EH8 9YL
Earth Sciences and Physical Geography
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 13 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Central area campus
Course summary
Are you fascinated by how the Earth works, from its deep interior to the landscapes we live in?
Do you want to understand how physical processes, climate, and human activity have affected our past, so we can measure its present and predict its future?
If so, then this degree is for you.
Earth Science and Physical Geography offers you flexibility in your studies to pursue a wide range of interests across geography and the Earth sciences, giving you a holistic understanding of our planet.
On this degree, you will explore:
Earth sciences
Our planet and its evolution, from its formation and the evolution of life to present-day surface and environmental processes, encompassing rocks, minerals, fossils, oceans, the atmosphere, and weather.
Physical geography
The geographical processes of our planet, such as volcanoes and glaciers, flooding and climate change.
This degree helps you investigate how Earth systems interact, and how we can use this knowledge to tackle major global challenges, such as:
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climate change and sustainable resource use
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natural hazards and environmental management
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understanding the links between the Earth’s structure, surface and atmosphere
By combining the strengths of Earth sciences and geography, you will gain a broad scientific foundation and the flexibility to specialise in areas that interest you most.
You will also benefit from the wide range of research interests of our academics – many at the forefront of their field – making it easy for you to tailor your studies and research dissertation to suit your interests.
By the end of this degree, you will also gain sought-after analytical, field and computational skills that employers value, including science communication, programming and data science, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
These skills prepare you for careers in sustainability, environmental consultancy, Earth science research and beyond.
Our students on the importance of the Earth sciences
Our Earth Science and Physical Geography programme allows you to combine your understanding of both physical geography and Earth processes to address global challenges.
Free Earth Sciences taster course
Earth Sciences Subject Spotlight | Springpod
Explore Earth Sciences in action with our Springpod Subject Spotlight. Led by volcanologist Professor Eliza Calder, this is a free taster of what studying Earth Sciences could look like.
Travel to Guatemala and dive into natural hazards, volcanoes and disaster risk reduction. Learn how volcanic activity shapes communities, and how science can improve forecasting, resilience, and real-world decision-making.
Programme benefits
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Study a degree with real-world relevance that enhances your employability
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Flexible first and second years. Explore a range of courses before specialising in areas that inspire you most
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Gain networking and placement opportunities through our connections with industry, research, and government sectors
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Develop field and laboratory experience that prepares you to address global environmental and sustainability challenges
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Join one of the UK's largest groups of geographers and Earth and environmental scientists. Learn from world-leading researchers across fields such as volcanology, glaciology, geohazards and resources, palaeontology, climate change and sustainability
How to apply
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- FF68
- Institution code:
- E56
- Campus name:
- Central area campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelABB-BBB
Required subjects: A levels: two from Biology at B; Chemistry at B; Geography at B; Geology at B; Mathematics at B; Physics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4; Mathematics at A or 7. We accept combinations of Mathematics and Physics, both at B, or Mathematics, Science and Additional Science, all at B, in place of Mathematics at A. Standard A level requirements must be achieved in one set of exams.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish HigherBBBB
BBBB by end of S5 or AABB by end of S6 (Standard). BBBB by end of S6 (Minimum). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: two from Biology at B; Chemistry at B; Geography at B; Mathematics at B; Physics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C; Mathematics at A. We accept combinations of Mathematics and Physics, both at B, in place of Mathematics at A.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme32-30
from 32 points with 655 at HL to 30 points with 555 at HL (Standard). 30 points with 555 at HL (Minimum). Required subjects: HL: two from Biology at 5; Chemistry at 5; Geography at 5; Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 5; Physics at 5. SL: English at 5; Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 5 (if not at HL).
Direct entry to second year is available; see our website for entry requirements.
We normally make offers to the highest qualified applicants. If competition for places is high this may mean that offers will only be made to applicants who are predicted, or who have achieved, above the single set of grades or the upper grade level in a range. Therefore, achieving the top of our standard entry requirements does not guarantee a place on the relevant degree.
Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference. https://study.ed.ac.uk/programmes/undergraduate/2027/54-earth-science-and-physical-geography?utm_source=ucas&utm_medium=programme&utm_campaign=ug_institution_profiles&utm_content=listing
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A level BBB
Required subjects: A levels: two from Biology at B; Chemistry at B; Geography at B; Geology at B; Mathematics at B; Physics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4; Mathematics at A or 7. We accept combinations of Mathematics and Physics, both at B, or Mathematics, Science and Additional Science, all at B, in place of Mathematics at A. Standard A level requirements must be achieved in one set of exams.
Scottish Higher BBBB
BBBB by end of S5 or AABB by end of S6 (Standard). BBBB by end of S6 (Minimum). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: two from Biology at B; Chemistry at B; Geography at B; Mathematics at B; Physics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C; Mathematics at A. We accept combinations of Mathematics and Physics, both at B, in place of Mathematics at A.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Offer: 30
from 32 points with 655 at HL to 30 points with 555 at HL (Standard). 30 points with 555 at HL (Minimum). Required subjects: HL: two from Biology at 5; Chemistry at 5; Geography at 5; Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 5; Physics at 5. SL: English at 5; Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 5 (if not at HL).
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | total 92 with at least 20 in each component (before 21 Jan 2026); total 4.5 with at least 4.0 in each component (from 21 Jan 2026). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
| Trinity ISE | ISE II with distinctions in all four components. |
You must prove that you can read, write, listen and speak in the English language at a level that will allow you to succeed in your studies. This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals. You can meet our English language requirements with qualifications from school or an English language test. We accept any of the following, at the specified grade or higher: National 5: English at C; GCSE: English at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate: English at C; International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level: English at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). Before you apply, check the required subjects for this programme, as you may need a higher English grade to meet the academic requirements. If you don’t have school qualifications that meet our requirements, we accept any of the English language tests, at the specified grade or higher, as detailed above. We also accept other English language tests and qualifications from around the world. Qualifications from the following English language tests must be no more than two years old from the start date of your programme, regardless of your nationality: IELTS, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, Oxford Test of English Advanced, Trinity ISE. All other types of English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of your programme. If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or region, as defined by UKVI, there is no time limit on how old these other types of English language qualifications can be.https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
The University of Edinburgh welcomes students from the UK and all over the world. We accept a wide range of qualifications and our policies support students with diverse backgrounds and experience. UCAS entry grade data is currently not available for our degrees but we publish admissions statistics on our website. We also provide information on widening access offers and entry requirements.
International entry requirements
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/international-qualifications
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for The University of Edinburgh - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Historical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1820 | |
| England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland | £10050 | |
| EU & International | £40900 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Scotland - Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.
England/Wales/Northern Ireland - The Rest of UK (RUK) students commencing or continuing their studies in September 2027, the tuition fees will be £10,050.
EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.
Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme
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