Geography, Society and Environment MA (Hons)

The Geography, Society and Environment degree is designed for students who are interested in human geography and related topics in urban design, social policy, cities and modern studies. Overall, this degree explores the ways in which people shape and are shaped by the places and environments in which they live. How do cities change and how do the people involved shape those cities and neighbourhoods? How does the built environment shape our behaviour? What makes some places healthier or happier or more resilient?<br/><br/>You will develop field work skills in surveying, mapping and site assessment with field work and site visits as a key strand in your learning. You will develop important research skills through core modules in statistics, data analysis and research methods which you will apply to your final Year research dissertation. Cross-disciplinary and problem-based working helps students acquire the skills needed to work in multi-disciplinary teams and solve real-world problems. <br/><br/>We are ranked 9th in the UK for Town and Country Planning and Landscape Design in the Complete University Guide 2022.<br/><br/>You can participate in residential field trips in Years 1, 2 and 3, visiting locations in Scotland, the UK and beyond; plus shorter one day trips and site visits. These trips provide important opportunities to deepen practical skills in field survey, site observation, data collection and analysis.<br/><br/>You can experience links to practice and industry – hearing from visiting speakers and professionals working as chartered geographers, surveyors and planners.<br/><br/>In Year 3, all students are given the opportunity for mentoring by a practitioner, someone working in industry who can discuss career choices, graduate job opportunities and professional membership routes.

Heriot-Watt is ranked 256th in the world and 32nd in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2025). They have been producing future-ready graduates for over 200 years and are placed 1st in Scotland and 4th in the UK for graduate employability (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023).<br/> <br/>The university’s Edinburgh campus is situated on 380 acres of parkland, located just outside of the city centre, with great travel links to the rest of Scotland and the UK. Plus, you’ll get a £1,500 no-strings-attached bursary that you can spend on travelling home or whatever you like.<br/> <br/>Register today for your Heriot-Watt Priority Pass to make sure you are first in line when Clearing opens, or to chat with their friendly team.