MA Geography
About this course
MA (Hons) in Geography, a geography degree focused on human geography, social science perspectives, and the relations between people and their environments. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, and Communication & Writing. The programme emphasises human issues such as sustainability, health, and social justice within a social science and humanities framework. The first year introduces foundational themes through modules such as urban processes, environmental change, and social and environmental justice, alongside related subjects like politics and economics. The second year builds upon this with study in public health, mobilities and migration, and social and cultural geography. The third year prepares students for independent study by covering geographical research design, data collection, and data analysis in field settings. The final year allows students to explore advanced topics including urban change, development and sustainability, and indigenous rights and struggles, culminating in a dissertation.
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 A*AA to ABB in one set of exams (required: no specific A level subjects required) IB: from 38 points with 766 at HL to 32 points with 655 at HL
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 2 UCAS decisions for MA Geography (L700) at the University of Edinburgh for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is ABB at A level.
What students say
Based on about 26 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 86%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 91%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 85%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 25%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 20%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 195 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 27%
- South East: 9%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 39%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 45 students who started
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
Modules
- urban processes
- environmental change
- social and environmental justice
- cultural and political geographies
- politics
- economics
- social anthropology
- international development
- public health
- mobilities and migration
- social and cultural geography
- economic and political geography
- guide you through the process of planning independent research for your dissertation in Year 4
- teach you important transferable skills such as qualitative and quantitative research design, interpreting complex data, and presentation skills
- data collection
- data analysis in field settings
- geographical research design
- urban change
- migration and mobility
- development and sustainability
- public health
- transportation
- landscapes and culture
- indigenous rights and struggles
- its practical applications to your future career
- the breadth and value of geographical research
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Geography at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,000 and £44,000. The £34,500 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Physical geographical sciences.
What do graduates of MA Geography at University of Edinburgh do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Geography at University of Edinburgh?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Geography at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 38 points in the IB. The average entrant had 190 UCAS points.
Does MA Geography at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Geography at University of Edinburgh?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.