Subject area: Geography

Why choose Geography at the University of Edinburgh?

We are 22nd in the world and 7th in the UK for geography in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
Field trips are at the heart of our degrees.

Our hands-on approach to learning takes you beyond the classroom to develop real-world experience and practical skills valued by employers.

While your field experiences will challenge you at times, they are rewarding, fun and also free.
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. We keep your degree up-to-date, diverse, and exciting by sharing our discoveries with you.

With our research and industry networks, we open up a world of opportunities and empower your degree with real-world relevance.
Edinburgh is ranked 2nd in the UK and 16th in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2024.

Our vibrant capital is a blend of history and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it is also the perfect location to study geography. Ancient volcanoes, rugged coastlines, misty mountains and forest glens are right on your doorstep.
Our geography degrees are accredited by the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers.

Study abroad

After visiting Edinburgh in my final years of secondary school, I knew the BSc Geography would be my cup of tea. It offers an array of learning opportunities and is particularly accommodating to different learning styles. During my studies, I have acquired a detailed and well-rounded skill set regarding the physical components of our world. This was facilitated by the high standards of teaching throughout the vast range of courses on offer. All in all, I couldn’t recommend this degree enough.

Erin Mills BSc (Hons) Geography

Introducing Geography

If you:

love the environment
are eager to understand how our planet works
have a keen interest in cultures and societies
are concerned about the impact of climate change
are curious about the relationship between politics and the environment

Then geography may be for you.

Understanding geography is becoming more important in today's world.

Geography is the study of the way the world works. You can explore the forces that drive our ever-changing planet including:

volcanoes
flooding
climate change

You will also investigate human issues such as:

sustainability
social justice
health

Our degrees

You can explore geography:

as a natural science through physical geography
through the social sciences and humanities as human geography

Our geography programmes are interdisciplinary. This means they include aspects of both human and physical geography. We believe it is important to understand our impact on the world and our ways of living within it.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) Geography

The BSc is an environmental geography degree. It specialises in physical geography. Using natural science, you will learn about the Earth's surface processes.

You will explore our world, from volcanoes and glaciers to environmental degradation and climate change.

Master of Arts (MA) Geography

You will specialise in human geography, which is key to understanding and resolving many of society's biggest problems.

Learn about the relationships between people and their social, cultural, political, and economic worlds.

Life-changing field trips

Field trips are at the heart of our degrees.

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

Our field courses and day excursions are challenging and fun. Often they will provide some of your most memorable moments.

You could be:

investigating the impacts of people, climate and volcanism on the Icelandic landscape
meeting with community groups about the impacts of urban racial segregation

Our hands-on approach to learning will build your confidence and give you practical skills valued by employers.

The locations and experiences of each trip will vary. We want to give you a broad understanding of how the world works. Our goal is to reduce our carbon footprint while providing you with the best training opportunities.

Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation. To make sure our degrees are accessible and inclusive, we offer alternative learning experiences where necessary.

Edinburgh is your ideal base

Our vibrant capital is the perfect location to study geography.

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.

We will also take you on day trips during your studies to help you make the most of our local surroundings.

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

Take a virtual tour of Edinburgh and the University

What is it really like to study with us?

No one knows what it's like to study here better than the students themselves.

Our students are sharing their experiences, from studying to living in Edinburgh and everything in-between.