Earth Sciences

Earth sciences is the integrated study of the planet we inhabit, drawing on geology, geochemistry, geophysics, oceanography, atmospheric science, and environmental science to understand the processes that have shaped the Earth over billions of years and that continue to drive change today. It is a discipline that combines deep time with present urgency, because many of the most pressing environmental challenges of our era, from climate change and sea level rise to volcanic hazards, earthquake risk, and resource scarcity, are fundamentally Earth science problems.

At the University of Edinburgh, this four-year programme takes advantage of Edinburgh's exceptional strength in the earth and environmental sciences, with departments that are active at the research frontier in areas including climate, volcanology, geochemistry, and sedimentary geology. You will develop a broad foundation across the earth sciences before developing depth in the areas that most interest you. The four-year Scottish structure gives the programme the breadth to cover both physical processes and the environmental and societal dimensions of Earth science, and fieldwork is an integral part of the training, taking you to geological sites where the processes you study can be seen and measured directly.

Earth sciences graduates are employed in oil and gas exploration and production, geotechnical consultancy, environmental consultancy, hydrogeology, mining and minerals, natural hazard assessment, government geological surveys, climate research, and academic science. The energy transition is creating new opportunities for earth scientists with expertise in subsurface characterisation, geothermal energy, carbon capture, and critical mineral supply. Further study at master's or PhD level is common among those who wish to pursue research careers or specialist professional roles in the earth and energy sciences.