Soils and Sustainability MSc

This MSc programme (totalling 180 credits) comprises:

• compulsory and option courses (totalling 120 credits)
• dissertation (60 credits)

Topics

You will explore:

• Soil formation, functions and ecosystem services
• Role of soils in mitigating climate change and pollution
• Soil health and causes of degradation
• Management strategies to promote and conserve soil health and sustainable soil systems
• Practical skills in soil analysis and surveying
• Ecological Processes in Soil

You will learn to interpret data and information on soil physics, biology and chemistry for the preservation and maintenance of soil health and gain a greater understanding of soil biodiversity, ecology and ecosystem services, as well as global-scale issues and threats to soil systems.

Dissertation

Your teaching team will work with you throughout the programme to help prepare and develop your dissertation project.

It will be your opportunity to explore a topic of your choice. It will also be designed specifically to develop your skill set for your individual interests and career goals.

For example, your bespoke project can be developed from your own idea and/or in collaboration with external organisations such as government bodies, conservation organisations, or consultants. Alternatively you can collaborate with current ongoing research conducted at SRUC and the University of Edinburgh.

Your dissertation can incorporate desk-based and practical skills and methodologies used within the wide-ranging field of sustainable land management that underpin environmental protection, food security, biodiversity, and climate change issues directly related to current employment opportunities.

How will I learn?

You will experience a range of learning styles while studying, depending on the subject matter and courses you are taking. Teaching for this programme will typically include:

• lectures
• seminars
• workshops and focus groups
• teamwork
• field visits
• laboratory sessions

Courses are delivered by staff who are active researchers in each field. Their expertise is supplemented by selected guest speakers, generally from industry or other research organisations. This means you will benefit from the most up-to-date research-led knowledge on soils and sustainability, as well as links to other organisations and industries. This also provides the opportunity to expand your network for employment opportunities or research projects, and help enhance your knowledge and skillset with valuable real-world experience.

You can view each relevant course for teaching and assessment methods through the ‘Programme Structure’ link under compulsory and option courses below.

Changes to teaching and learning

We are committed to offering high-quality education to all our students. However, please be advised that there may be changes to course options and delivery. All decisions are made to ensure we can provide the highest standards for your educational experience.

Although we endeavour to provide a wide range of optional courses to choose from, these can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Places on optional courses can be limited due to course capacity and timetabling constraints. It may not be possible to guarantee every offer holder their top choice of optional courses.

Part-time study

You may study this programme part-time as we are committed to helping people into education while continuing to work or managing family and personal commitments. Two and three-year part-time options are available. We recommend living within a commutable distance from Edinburgh in order to undertake part-time study, and we encourage you to contact us to discuss part-time study in more detail.

Find out more about compulsory and optional courses

We link to the latest information available. Please note that this may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

By studying the MSc Soils and Sustainability, you will:

• acquire a fundamental understanding of the properties and functions of different soil systems
• evaluate the relationship between soil system properties and sustainable land management
• develop an aptitude for applying soil system knowledge to wider contexts and current issues such as food security and climate change at local and global scales
• have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned experts and researchers across a range of disciplines within soil and environmental sciences
• develop skills in project planning, project management, soil sampling, analytical and laboratory techniques, data interpretation and statistical approaches, as well as presenting and professional writing

The need for sustainable soil systems has gained increasing attention in recent years.

Sustainable soils are rising higher and higher on the political agenda, spanning local and international governmental bodies globally. In addition, there is increased awareness across agricultural communities, land and forestry managers, commercial businesses striving for more sustainable products, food and industrial and construction sectors and other organisations.

As a graduate of the MSc Soils and Sustainability, you will be equipped with the knowledge of effective soil and land management, which is in high demand.

Graduates are sought to contribute to developing future strategies and identifying solutions for the conservation and enhancement of sustainable land-based systems under the mounting pressures of:

• increasing populations
• climate change
• food security needs
• competition for land and resources.

Soil and environmental scientists with an extensive understanding of soil, land and sustainable environmental management have a broad range of careers available to them across both the private and public sectors.

Our graduates

Our graduates have a strong record of finding employment in the environmental sector globally in roles such as:

• graduate agricultural and environmental consultants
• government and regulatory organisations and policymaking, e.g. Senior Land Use Policy Officer
• site reclamation and remediation, e.g. Senior Environmental Analyst
• environmental campaigner
• further research in academia, e.g. PhD studentships both in the UK and overseas
• Environmental Management Manager, e.g. construction

Examples of the organisations our graduates have gained employment with include:

• Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA)
• Scottish Government
• NatureScot
• Land and Forest Scotland
• Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
• SRUC
• SAC Consulting

Networks

Throughout the MSc programme, we will support you in developing professional networks across sectors to foster interdisciplinary relationships and opportunities within the current employment landscape.

British Society of Soil Science

The British Society of Soil Science provides information on soil science-based activities, events and training, as well as links to UK and international soil scientists.

• Visit the British Society of Soil Science website

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:

• tailored advice
• individual guidance and personal assistance
• internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
• access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.

• Careers Service

Field trips

The MSc Soils and Sustainability includes a unique residential field trip. Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation.

You will have the opportunity to conduct primary data collection for soil stability and soil health, as well as wider environmental monitoring skills.

You may also take part in a short field tour during induction week to give you a chance to get to know your fellow students and staff. We will explore some of the soils and land use examples close to Edinburgh City, and you will have the opportunity to speak to land managers about current practices.

Through specific courses, you can attend further field study sites to collect your study samples and further consider land management implications for soils in Scotland. The skills you learn on these visits are transferrable and recognised globally.

Changes to field trips Field course locations may change for a variety of reasons, including the health and safety of our students, staff and communities, and to ensure we can maintain the highest standards for your educational experience. Where suitable, fieldwork will be relocated or rescheduled. We will also look at alternative arrangements that will ensure you achieve the quality learning outcomes of your degree. We will announce any changes as soon as possible.

Accessibility on field trips We are committed to making our degree as accessible and inclusive as possible. In the event that you cannot attend a fieldwork trip, we will provide alternatives with comparable learning outcomes where necessary.

Where you will study

This programme is delivered in collaboration with Scotland's Rural College (SRUC).

You will have access to student facilities at both:

• Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)
• University of Edinburgh

Many of your courses will be delivered at the King's Buildings Campus.

Laboratory work will be undertaken at the SRUC Building, where you will have access to the bespoke soils laboratory and new teaching laboratory.

As a student of this MSc, you will also have access to the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) Masters Hub.

University of Edinburgh

You will have access to the University's facilities across all University sites.

For example:

• laboratories
• libraries
• study spaces (some of which are open 24 hours)
• computing facilities
• social spaces
• leisure facilities

Depending on the option courses you choose, you may study at various campus locations in Edinburgh.

King's Buildings campus

The King's Buildings (KB) is the main campus of the College of Science and Engineering.

The King's Buildings campus is around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh. It is easily accessible by bus. You can also cycle (10 minutes) or walk (25 minutes) from the central area.

Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)

You will have access to SRUC's student facilities. These include facilities at SRUC Edinburgh, which is located within the University of Edinburgh's King's Buildings campus.

• SRUC Edinburgh campus

Masters Hub and Edinburgh Climate Change Institute

As a student of this MSc, you will also have access to the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (ECCI) Masters Hub. You will have access to the shared 'Masters Hub' study space in ECCI as well as the café and shared working spaces on the ground and first floors. Some of your teaching may take place in the ECCI.

ECCI is also close to many teaching spaces and facilities within the Central Area campus. For example, the Main Library and gym.

• Visit the ECCI website

Take a virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the School of GeoSciences and explore our facilities and campus on the University's Virtual Visit site. Discover our city's landmarks, our campuses, accommodation and get video tours - all in one place.

• Take a virtual tour
• SRUC Edinburgh King's Building Campus Tour

These entry requirements are for the 2025/26 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2026/27 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2025.

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in biological science, environmental science, physical science, geography, engineering, economics or other relevant subject.

We may also consider a UK 2:2 honours degree, or its international equivalent, with relevant industry experience.

Students from China

This degree is Band C.

• Postgraduate entry requirements for students from China

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

• Entry requirements by country

English language requirements

Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency which will enable you to succeed in your studies.

English language tests

We accept the following English language qualifications at the grades specified:

• IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component. We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
• TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
• C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
• PTE Academic: total 73 with at least 59 in each component. We do not accept PTE Academic Online.
• Oxford ELLT: 8 overall with at least 6 in each component.

Your English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the programme you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, Trinity ISE or PTE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We also accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration:

• UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English speaking countries (non-MESC).

• Approved universities in non-MESC

If you are not a national of a majority English speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old at the beginning of your programme of study.

Find out more about our language requirements:

• English language requirements

Deposit

If you receive an offer of admission you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place.

• £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

Find out more about tuition fee deposits:

• Tuition fee deposits

Field trips and field courses

We do not charge extra fees for compulsory field trips or field courses.

The programme fees will cover costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence on compulsory field trips. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses.This may include suitable outdoor clothing and footwear.

Lab costs and dissertation

All laboratory costs will be covered by your programme fees.

You will have a budget allocated for your dissertation and therefore will not have any associated costs.

Living costs

You will be responsible for covering living costs for the duration of your studies.

Tuition fees

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

• borrowing money

  • taking out a loan

  • family support

• personal savings

• income from work

• employer sponsorship

• scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Featured funding

• ScottishPower Master Scholarships

School of GeoSciences scholarships

• See potential funding for GeoSciences students

Scholarships and student funding

You can find funding opportunities, tuition fees and costs of living for prospective UK and international postgraduate students on the University website.

• Postgraduate scholarships and student funding

You are also encouraged to undertake your own research into the range of potential scholarships and other funding outside the University for which you may be eligible.

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) alumni discount

The SRUC alumni discount aims to encourage SRUC graduates to take up opportunities to study taught masters (MSc). SRUC may provide a financial contribution towards tuition fees for eligible applicants for SRUC programmes delivered in conjunction with the University of Edinburgh.

SRUC will notify you if you are eligible to receive the discount on tuition fees during the application and admissions process. Please tell us on your application if you are a SRUC graduate, as this will help speed up the process. For further information, please get in touch with the Programme Administrator.

• Visit the SRUC website

Search for scholarships and funding opportunities:

• Search for funding