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
Ecological and Environmental Sciences
- Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 13 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Central area campus
Course summary
If you are passionate about the environment, curious about the relationship between humans and nature, and concerned about our impact on the planet, then Ecological and Environmental Sciences may be for you.
Our world is suffering from:
-
rapid climate change
-
the degradation of natural habitats
-
the over-exploitation of natural resources
To address these challenges, we need ecological and environmental scientists who understand both living systems and the physical environments they depend on.
What is Ecological and Environmental Sciences?
Ecological and Environmental Sciences combines two complementary areas of study that help us understand and manage the natural world. On this degree, you will explore:
Ecological sciences
Ecological sciences is the study of how organisms interact with each other and their physical, chemical and biological environments.
Environmental sciences
An integrated science which applies biological, chemical and physical sciences to understand the natural environment and how it is changing.
Together, these disciplines provide a complete picture of how natural and managed ecosystems function, so we can learn from the past, understand the present and how we can protect them for a sustainable future.
Throughout your degree, 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 gain sought-after analytical, field and computational skills that employers value, including how to conduct environmental impact assessments, collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data, and develop advanced critical thinking skills.
These skills prepare you for careers in sustainability, ecological and environmental consultancy, environmental research and beyond.
Why study Ecological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Edinburgh?
We are living in a rapidly changing world with a growing population. This is putting pressure on our ecosystems. With a BSc in Ecological and Environmental Sciences, you can discover how we can be sustainable in our interactions with the environment. Dr. Sebastian Hennige discusses what you will study, our field trips and the career paths you can take.
Programme benefits
-
Flexible first and second years. Explore a range of courses before specialising in areas that inspire you most
-
Get hands-on experience. Connect theory with real-world scenarios through fieldwork throughout each year of study
-
Build future-ready skills. From data analysis to environmental impact assessments, graduate with skills employers and policymakers need to tackle complex global issues
-
Edinburgh and Scotland are your living classroom. From coastal ecosystems to Scottish highlands, our programme provides access to unique landscapes
-
Join one of the UK’s largest communities of geoscientists. Learn from leading ecologists and environmental scientists working in the fields of conservation, data science, sustainability and ecosystems science - from the tropics to the poles
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:
- CF17
- 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 Biology* at B; Chemistry* at B; Environmental Science at B; Environmental Technology at B; Geography at B; Geology at B; Mathematics* at B; Physics* at B. *include at least one of these subjects 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 Biology* at B; Chemistry* at B; Environmental Science at B; Geography at B; Mathematics/Applications of Mathematics* at B; Physics* at B. *include at least one of these subjects. National 5s: Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics at B; English at C.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme34-32
from 34 points with 666 at HL to 32 points with 655 at HL (Standard). 32 points with 655 at HL (Minimum). Required subjects: HL: two from Biology at 5; Chemistry at 5; Geography at 5; Mathematics: Analysis and approaches at 5; Mathematics: 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/2027/16-ecological-and-environmental-sciences?utm_source=ucas&utm_medium=programme&utm_campaign=ug_institution_profiles&utm_content=listing
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A level ABB
Required subjects: A levels: two from Biology* at B; Chemistry* at B; Environmental Science at B; Environmental Technology at B; Geography at B; Geology at B; Mathematics* at B; Physics* at B. *include at least one of these subjects 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 Biology* at B; Chemistry* at B; Environmental Science at B; Geography at B; Mathematics/Applications of Mathematics* at B; Physics* at B. *include at least one of these subjects. National 5s: Mathematics or Applications of Mathematics at B; English at C.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Offer: 32
from 34 points with 666 at HL to 32 points with 655 at HL (Standard). 32 points with 655 at HL (Minimum). Required subjects: HL: two from Biology at 5; Chemistry at 5; Geography at 5; Mathematics: Analysis and approaches at 5; Mathematics: 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
Related courses
At The University of Edinburgh
Like this page