Earth Sciences and Physical Geography

UCAS code: FF6V

Here's what University of Edinburgh says about its Earth Sciences and Physical Geography course.

If you want to help tackle the greatest challenges facing society and the natural world, this degree is for you.

The world needs geographers and Earth scientists now more than ever before.

For example, we need them to:

• help us address the climate crisis

• adapt to environmental changes

• live more safely and sustainably on our dynamic Earth

Our degree will help you play a valuable role in addressing global challenges facing our planet and society.

What will I learn?

Our (MEarthSci) Earth Science and Physical Geography allows you to combine your understanding of both physical geography and Earth processes to address global challenges.

It balances data science, programming, and computing skills with traditional field and laboratory skills, along with a knowledge of geography and Earth science.

You will learn about:

• the structure and composition of the Earth

• the deep-Earth processes that shape the Earth's surface and impact the landscape

• the associated hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and landslides

We will build on this knowledge to explore how oceans, rivers, glaciers, and human impact define the modern and ancient landscape. We will also explore how these processes, impact society.

This understanding is important for leading research on global change and many of the world's physical environmental challenges.

We have a hands-on approach to learning, so you can develop valuable practical skills. Many of your activities are similar to what professionals do in the real world. We will also teach you computational analysis and quantitative skills.

You will learn from leading national and international geographers and Earth scientists across a range of fields. We help make sure your degree has real-world relevance and makes you highly employable.

Our links also give you valuable networking and potential employment opportunities. You will be able to meet and interact with professionals from different sectors throughout your studies. You will also have the opportunity to work with practitioners and industry experts to gain valuable experience.

This degree offers you flexibility in your studies of a wide range of interests across geography and the Earth sciences. You will be able to build your degree around topics you are curious or passionate about.

For example, you may enjoy:

• studying the Earth sciences but want greater flexibility in your honours years, or

• studying physical geography, but also want a deeper understanding of how the Earth works

An extraordinary reputation

We are one of the largest and most successful groupings of geographers, Earth and environmental scientists in the UK. Many of us are world experts in our field.

• We have pioneered research proving human-caused greenhouse gasses are warming our planet, which helped underpin the 2015 Paris Agreement.

• We are working with major space agencies to monitor the environment using satellite data.

• We are 22nd in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

• We are also in the world's top 50 and the UK's top 10 universities for natural sciences, environmental sciences, geology, geophysics, geography, Earth and marine sciences, (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).

Our staff will include the latest research in your teaching, and share our discoveries with you.