Applied Earth System Sciences

The MSc in Applied Earth System Science is designed to equip the next generation of Earth and Environmental Science graduates and professionals with the multidisciplinary skills needed to tackle complex global issues associated with climate change and societal challenges. The course provides the highly integrated level of fundamental, applied and communication-based knowledge which is needed to identify, characterise, and effectively communicate these challenges. From a basic understanding of how the planet works as a holistic unit to socio-economic interactions between business and the environment, including the ability to communicate this knowledge to a broad spectrum of academic researchers, policy-makers and the general public. Students will have the opportunity to perform their dissertation projects in collaboration with one of several world-leading research organisations (e.g. British Geological Survey (BGS), Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH)).

The course has seven core courses in multidisciplinary topics, with the potential for the student to widen their studies by choosing an optional course for further specialisation.

Around 11,000 students travel from around 150 countries across the world to study at the university and the International Students Advisors Office or ISAO is available to assist them. They can provide help and support on everything from immigration to welfare as well as having connections across departments such as Student Support and the University Chaplaincy. They are based within the Hugh Nisbet Building on the Edinburgh campus. They can also provide help with practical matters concerning living in the UK as well as assistance for those wanting to bring their families with them to the university and accessing healthcare while here. The Student Association is the student-led organisation representing the students at both local and national level and is a member of the Edinburgh Students Forum and the National Union of Students. It was founded as the Students Representative Council in 1929 and it runs the Student Union as well as operates support for the 50 societies and clubs available to students. It also operates a number of services across the other campuses including catering, a nightclub, an advice centre and a shop. In addition, there are some 30 different sports clubs on offer and a number of annual events relating to the teams. There are also a number of events held during the year including for families and friends to visit the university and groups visits for schools and colleges.