Earth Sciences and Geography

Earth sciences and geography together provide one of the most comprehensive frameworks available for understanding the planet we live on. Earth sciences examine the geological, geochemical, and geophysical processes that have shaped the Earth over billions of years: plate tectonics, volcanism, sedimentation, the evolution of the atmosphere and oceans, and the mineral and energy resources that underlie modern civilisation. Geography connects these physical systems to the human world, examining how people interact with their environments, how landscapes are shaped by both natural processes and human activity, and how environmental change affects societies.

At the University of St Andrews, this four-year full-time programme combines aspects of climate science, oceanography, geology, biology, and geography to consider how the oceans, atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere interact to drive environmental change from early Earth history to the modern era. The programme also addresses the main challenges facing society today, including climate change, environmental degradation, and societal response to these pressures. The programme includes a year abroad, offering the opportunity to study these themes in a different academic and geographical environment.

A typical entry tariff of 216 points reflects the scientific demands of a programme at a leading research university.

You will develop field and laboratory skills alongside quantitative and qualitative methods for studying Earth systems and human geography, building a versatile toolkit applicable across environmental and scientific careers.

Graduates go on to careers in environmental consultancy, energy, mining and minerals, conservation, planning, government agencies, research, and education. Postgraduate study in earth sciences, environmental science, geography, or climate science supports those seeking specialist or research roles.