The University of Edinburgh - Postgraduate Online Learning Open Days
21 May 2025, 09:00
Edinburgh, Scotland
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Course summary
If you want to:
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learn more about how our planet works
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help protect the planet
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tackle the greatest challenges facing society and the natural world
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find out how we can live sustainably on our planet
Then this degree is for you.
Why Earth sciences?
The world needs Earth scientists now more than ever before.
For example, we need them to:
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help us address the climate crisis
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adapt to environmental changes
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secure the energy and materials society needs
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live more safely and sustainably on our dynamic Earth
With our (MEarthSci) Earth Sciences, you will:
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study our Earth's past to prepare for its future
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learn about the structure and composition of the Earth
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develop a deep understanding of the processes that shape the Earth and life on it
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learn how these processes interact and depend on each other
Our degree will help you play a valuable role in our transition to a fair and sustainable society.
What will I learn?
Our Earth Sciences programme is a new degree that prepares you for advanced careers in the Earth sciences and beyond.
The degree covers:
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data science, programming, and computing skills
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traditional field and laboratory skills
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knowledge of Earth sciences
We will train you in the skills needed to answer the important questions in the Earth sciences, including:
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How can we reduce the effects of global change?
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What tools can we use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere?
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Why is our planet able to sustain life?
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How does the Earth's interior work, and how do these processes affect the surface?
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How can we sustainably manage the Earth's resources to meet our energy, mineral, and water needs?
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How can we improve our understanding of natural hazards such as earthquakes and volcanoes to reduce their risk and save lives?
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.
You will also learn computational analysis and quantitative skills.
You will learn from leading national and international Earth scientists across a range of fields. We help make sure your degree has real-world relevance and improves your employability.
Our links offer you valuable networking and potential employment opportunities. You can meet and interact with professionals from different sectors during your studies. This will give you the opportunity to gain insight into working environments, where Earth scientists make contributions to our everyday lives.
This degree also offers you flexibility in your studies. You will be able to build your degree around topics you are interested in. Our staff can also help you design an interdisciplinary curriculum by choosing option courses from other subjects.
An extraordinary reputation
We are one of the largest and most successful groupings of geographers, Earth and environmental scientists in the UK, many of whom are world experts in their field.
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We have pioneered research proving human-caused greenhouse gases are warming our planet, which helped underpin the 2015 Paris Agreement.
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We are working with major space agencies to monitor the environment using satellite data.
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We are 22nd in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
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We are also in the world's top 50 and the UK's top 10 universities for natural sciences, environmental sciences, geology, geophysics, 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.
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How to apply
Apply by
29 January
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:
- F640
- Institution code:
- E56
- Campus name:
- Central area campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification requirements
A level - ABB - BBB
ABB - BBB in one set of exams. These grades should be achieved in one set of exams. Required subjects: A levels: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, or Physics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4 and Mathematics at A or 7. We will accept combinations of Mathematics and Physics both at grade B, or Mathematics, Science plus Additional Science all at grade B to meet this requirement.
Scottish Higher - BBBB
BBBB by end of S5 or AABB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, or Physics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C and Mathematics at A. We will accept combinations of Mathematics and Physics both at grade B to meet this requirement.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 - 30 points
32 points with 655 at HL - 30 points with 555 at HL. Required subjects: HL: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) or Physics at 5. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 5 (if not at HL).
Direct entry to second year is available; see our website for entry requirements.
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.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
A level - BBB
Required subjects: A levels: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, or Physics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4 and Mathematics at A or 7. We will accept combinations of Mathematics and Physics both at grade B, or Mathematics, Science plus Additional Science all at grade B to meet this requirement.
Scottish Higher - BBBB
BBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, or Physics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C and Mathematics at A. We will accept combinations of Mathematics and Physics both at grade B to meet this requirement.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points
30 points with 555 at HL. Required subjects: HL: two of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) or Physics at 5. SL: English at 5 and Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 5 (if not at HL).
Find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 92 | Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. 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. | |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Total 62 with at least 54 in each component. |
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies. For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher: SQA National 5 at C; SQA Standard Grade at 3; SQA Intermediate 1 at A; SQA Intermediate 2 at C; GCSE/IGSCE at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate Grade C or IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). Unless you are a national of a majority English speaking country, your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start of the month in which the degree you are applying to study begins. If you are using an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL or Trinity ISE test, it must be no more than two years old on the first of the month in which the degree begins, regardless of your nationality.
Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/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.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades students were previously accepted 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.
- Data from:
- This course and 9 other earth sciences courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- A*AA
- Highest grades
- BBB
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £36800 | Year 1 |
| International | £36800 | Year 1 |
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
Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.
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.
The University of Edinburgh
Student Recruitment and Admissions
33 Buccleuch Place
Edinburgh
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Course contact details
Student Recruitment & Admissions
Email:futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
Phone:0131 650 4360
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