The University of Edinburgh - Undergraduate Open Day
22 Jun 2026, 08:30
Edinburgh
Geography
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 13 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Central area campus
Course summary
Are you concerned about the impact of climate change, global deforestation, or declining water resources? Are you interested in how landscapes are formed, or how to manage environments from hazards and risks?
Then geography may be for you.
Geography is the study of how our planet works, from the physical forces that shape landscapes to the impact people and climate have on global environments.
You can study geography in two ways:
BSc Geography
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as a natural science through physical geography
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explore the physical processes of our planet, such as volcanoes and glaciers, flooding and climate change
MA Geography
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as a social science or humanities subject, through human geography
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address human issues such as sustainability, health and social justice
On the BSc Geography degree, you will explore physical geography, the science of our planet’s surface, while also gaining insight into human and environmental systems.
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 to suit your interests.
By the end of this degree, you will gain sought-after skills in areas like Geographical Information Systems (GIS), data presentation, and satellite remote sensing of Earth through fieldwork and computer modelling techniques.
Planning for the Earth's future
We asked our undergraduate Geography students to explain why they decided to study geography, and the importance of the subject area to them.
Programme benefits
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Flexible first and second years. Explore a range of course options before specialising in areas that inspire you most
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Edinburgh is your living classroom. From extinct volcanoes to coastal ecosystems, our city provides a backdrop that brings geography to life
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Get hands-on experience. Connect theory with real-world scenarios through fieldwork - from the Scottish Highlands to international locations
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Build future-ready skills. From data analysis and GIS to environmental problem-solving, graduate with skills employers and policymakers need to tackle complex global issues
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Join one of the UK’s largest geography, environmental and Earth science communities. Learn from leading researchers in climate science, hydrology, geomorphology, and sustainability, and access our industry networks
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:
- F800
- Institution code:
- E56
- Campus name:
- Central area campus
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelAAA-ABB
Required subjects: A levels: two from Geography at B; Biology at B; Chemistry at B; Electronics at B; Environmental Science at B; Environmental Technology at B; Geology at B; Mathematics at B; Physics at B. GCSEs: Mathematics at B or 6; English at C or 4. Standard A level requirements must be achieved in one set of exams.
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish HigherABBB
ABBB by end of S5 or AAAB by end of S6 (Standard). ABBB by end of S6 (Minimum). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: two from Geography at B; Biology at B; Chemistry at B; Environmental Science at B; Mathematics/Applications of Mathematics at B; Physics at B. National 5s: Mathematics at B; English at C.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme34-32
from 34 points with 655 at HL to 32 points with 655 at HL (Standard). 32 points with 655 at HL (Minimum). Required subjects: HL: two from Geography at 5; Biology at 5; Chemistry at 5; Environmental System and Societies at 5; Mathematics: Analysis and approaches/Applications and interpretation at 5; Physics at 5. SL: English at 5; Mathematics: Analysis and approaches or Mathematics: Applications and interpretation at 5 (if not at HL).
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/50-geography?utm_source=ucas&utm_medium=programme&utm_campaign=ug_institution_profiles&utm_term=&utm_content=listing
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A level ABB
Required subjects: A levels: two from Geography at B; Biology at B; Chemistry at B; Electronics at B; Environmental Science at B; Environmental Technology at B; Geology at B; Mathematics at B; Physics at B. GCSEs: Mathematics at B or 6; English at C or 4. Standard A level requirements must be achieved in one set of exams.
Scottish Higher ABBB
ABBB by end of S5 or AAAB by end of S6 (Standard). ABBB by end of S6 (Minimum). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: two from Geography at B; Biology at B; Chemistry at B; Environmental Science at B; Mathematics/Applications of Mathematics at B; Physics at B. National 5s: Mathematics at B; English at C.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Offer: 32
from 34 points with 655 at HL to 32 points with 655 at HL (Standard). 32 points with 655 at HL (Minimum). Required subjects: HL: two from Geography at 5; Biology at 5; Chemistry at 5; Environmental System and Societies at 5; Mathematics: Analysis and approaches/Applications and interpretation at 5; Physics at 5. SL: English at 5; Mathematics: Analysis and approaches or Mathematics: Applications and interpretation 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.
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
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
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