Learn about your Programme

Find key information about your programme structure and content, and optional courses.

Pre-arrival reading

Please find below a PDF containing suggested pre-arrival reading for your programme if it has been provided by your Programme Director. 

Degree structure

The detailed content for a degree programme is known as Degree Programme Tables (DPT).

The DPTs give you an in-depth insight into the compulsory courses and optional courses available on your degree programme.  DPTs are updated in April of each year, so details may change for future years of your programme.

DPTs also have detailed information about each course that includes:

  • the syllabus
  • methods of assessment
  • modes of feedback
  • learning outcomes

You can view the DPTs for 2024-25 below, which will give you an indication of how your programme will be structured.

Selecting your optional courses 

Unconditional offer holders will be contacted by email in August and asked to select their optional courses. Optional courses are not distributed on a first-come-first-served basis. 

Conditional offer holders will be asked to select their optional courses in Welcome Week. Your Student Advisor will support you through your course selection. 

You can view the DPTs for 2024-25 below, which will give you an indication of the optional courses available on your programme.

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)

At The School of GeoSciences, there are four MSc programmes delivered in collaboration with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).

  • Ecological Economics
  • Environmental Protection and Management
  • Food Security
  • Soils and Sustainability

You will not only benefit from being a fully matriculated student at the University of Edinburgh, but also have access to all of the complementary staff, expertise, and resources at SRUC.

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be awarded your degree by the University of Edinburgh.

Find out more about Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)