BSc Earth Sciences
About this course
A BSc (Hons) in Earth Sciences is an undergraduate degree exploring the planet, its systems, and its evolution. Core topics include Data Analysis and Fieldwork. This course includes a compulsory year abroad. The first year introduces the geosphere and broad geological features through a residential fieldtrip. The second year expands into geophysics, rock materials, and geological fieldwork. The third year covers tectonics, sediment fluxes, igneous and metamorphic processes, and the co-evolution of life and rock processes. The fourth year offers specialised coursework and options to take advanced courses in subjects from across the University.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: from ABB to BBB in one set of exams (required: Biology at B, Chemistry at B, Geography at B, Geology at B, Mathematics at B, Physics at B) IB: from 32 points with 655 at HL to 30 points with 555 at HL
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What students say
Based on about 25 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 72%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 72%
- Learning resources: 79%
- Student voice: 71%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 15 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 50 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 10%
- London: 15%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 55%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
Modules
- develop an idea of what you might want to do as an Earth science graduate
- go on a residential fieldtrip to introduce broad geological features and field techniques
- be introduced to the geosphere around us, how it affects us, and how we use it responsibly
- learn to use important tools to interact with scientific data and build confidence in your data skills
- expand your data analysis and computational skills
- be introduced to geophysics to learn how we image the Earth
- learn about the materials and rocks that make up the geosphere
- take a field course to start advancing your skills in geological fieldwork
- apply your skills
- integrate your knowledge
- discover the limits of our knowledge about the Earth
- tectonics
- sediment fluxes
- igneous and metamorphic processes
- the co-evolution of life and rock processes
- advance your practical field skills in Earth sciences, or
- practice subsurface investigation for sustainable energy, or
- take an outside option course in line with the curriculum
- Your coursework can focus on specialised aspects of your degree. Our School offers tailored pathways for you to learn at the cutting edge of various Earth science disciplines
- You can expand your learning through coursework in another subject. You can take advanced courses in subjects from across the University. For example, you could choose engineering, law or other sciences
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Earth Sciences at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 3 years, £32,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £38,000. The £32,500 median after five years is £500 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Earth Sciences at University of Edinburgh do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Earth Sciences at University of Edinburgh?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Earth Sciences at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is BBB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 170 UCAS points.
Does BSc Earth Sciences at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Earth Sciences at University of Edinburgh?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.