As a BSc Environmental Geoscience student, I often found myself needing to classify soil and it was always a bit confusing! So, here’s a quick overview of how to classify soil. Stay tuned for more 'How-To' videos! - Sarah
University of Edinburgh, School of GeoSciences
Join one of the largest groupings of geographers and geoscientists in the UK, as we address the most
The Edinburgh University Geographical Society was founded in 1935 and is Scotland's largest Geographical Society.
Voted UK Society of the Year for Community Outreach the Geographical Annual Ball is always a hit.
Come with Ellis, the Undergraduate Geography Community Champion for a sneak peak!
In December, I explored 12 study spaces at the University of Edinburgh and compiled them all into this summary video! 📚 If you have any questions about these spaces or want to learn more, drop a comment below or check out: https://information-services.ed.ac.uk/students/study-space

New alumni blog! 💻
Our latest post is from Xu, an alumnus of the MSc in Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management.
After graduation, Xu went on to gain professional experiences within various satellite technology companies, developing commercial and technical skills before returning to geospatial data analytics.
Read the full post here: https://ow.ly/uz8i50VeVKN

New alumni blog! 💻
Our latest post is from Amy, who graduated with an MSc in Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management in 2019.
Since then, she has worked as an early career researcher for the European Space Agency, completed a PhD utilising Earth Observation datasets to understand dynamics of water-borne pathogens, and secured a position as a Research Fellow in Disease Forecasting.
Her work highlights the impactful use of Earth Observation data in climate science and public health, including innovations in disease forecasting and climate change research.
Read the full post: https://ow.ly/b9Uo50Vi7OE

Looking for an internship this summer? ☀️
We're hiring a Communications Intern to support ongoing work on the School of GeoSciences website, primarily focusing on content related to research, industry engagement and alumni.
Are you:
- A great verbal and written communicator?
- Good at working independently?
- Experienced in project planning and working to timescales?
- A fast learner?
- Experienced in researching and collating information?
Then this role is for you!
This is a full-time position (35hrs per week) for 10-weeks. It is open to 2nd, 3rd and penultimate year undergraduate students.
Applications close 19th March. Find out more and apply: https://ow.ly/gMFw50Vgt44

Join us for the upcoming Wreford Watson Lecture with Dr Noreen Masud, Senior Lecturer in Twentieth Century Literature at the University of Bristol, and an AHRC/BBC New Generation Thinker:
"Painting Flat Landscapes: Repetition and Imagination from Koninck to O’Keeffe"
📍 G.07 Meadows Lecture Theatre, Medical School, Teviot Place
📅 19th March
🕔 15:15-17:00
A drinks reception will follow at the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute from 17:00-19:00.
Register here: https://ow.ly/vQae50Vfxlx
The Wreford Watson Lecture Series commemorates the life and work of James Wreford Watson (1915-1990) a geographer and poet who formerly held the chair in the Geography Department at Edinburgh. The Lecture is given every other year by a prominent intellectual from out-with or inside the academic discipline of Geography, that is offered the opportunity to speak to a geographical topic of their choice. It is funded by the Edinburgh University Club of Toronto.

Our latest alumni testimonial is by Gary Chan, a graduate of the BSc Ecological and Environmental Sciences programme.
Gary shares how studying this programme led him to the field of environmental consultancy.
Read the full testimonial here: https://ow.ly/FCbX50Vai9p

New student blog! 💻
Reason describes his journey from MSc Geographical Information Science to PhD student, including the academic and professional skills developed along the way.
Read the full blog post here: https://ow.ly/6eVM50V5Z1S

New student blog!💻
Brandon, a BSc Geology student, shares his top tips to keep in mind when preparing for your dissertation project.
Read the full blog here: https://ow.ly/OiyE50V5X69
Did you know that the Dissertation and Thesis Festival takes place this week (24-28 Feb)? There a range of events taking place to support you with your dissertation prep. Visit this page for further information: https://ow.ly/t8ec50V5YyL

Congratulations to School of GeoSciences staff member Kay Douglas, who has been nominated for the 2025 Teaching Awards in the Outstanding Course category!
Kay teaches on the GeoScience Outreach and Engagement course, in which students are tasked with designing outreach projects to communicate GeoSciences knowledge to the public.
Do you want to thank a member of staff for their teaching or the support they’ve given you? Nominations are now open for the Students’ Association’s annual Teaching Awards! With categories for every type of staff member, we hope you’ll take a moment to recognise those who have really gone the extra mile for you this semester. Each year, staff tell us how much it means to them when they receive your nominations. The deadline for semester two is Friday 28 March.
Nominate here: https://ow.ly/X2X550V5acW

Join us at the Postgraduate Discovery Day on 19th February!
As well as attending general information sessions about postgraduate study, you can also book onto programme-specific online sessions hosted by our School💻:
- MSc GeoEnergy (11:00-12:00 GMT)
- MSc Earth Observation and Geoinformation Management (12:00-13:00 GMT)
- MSc Climate Change Management (12:00-13:00 GMT)
- MSc Environmental Protection and Management (13:00-14:00 GMT)
- MSc Geographical Information Science (13:00-14:00 GMT)
- MSc Ecological Economics (14:00-15:00 GMT)
Click the link for further information and to book your place: https://ow.ly/Ckis50V0kEP
Have you ever wondered how to put your lived environment into words? 🍃✍
As part of National Storytelling Week, take a look at this short clip featuring Dr Fraser MacDonald discussing the Writing Landscape course, where geography students learn about the art of geographical writing.
Students also visit Fala Moor and spend a week learning about Karine Polwart and Pippa Murphy's album, 'A Pocket of Wind Resistance'.
Watch the full video here: https://ow.ly/Pzgb50UUI8j
It's National Storytelling Week!
This annual event runs from the 1st to 9th February this year, with the theme 'Reimagine your world' 🌍
Take a look at this short clip from our field trip to Fala Moor, where MA Geography students were taught how to connect with nature through sound and tell stories about our environment.
Watch the full video here: https://ow.ly/IsMQ50UT8c7
Happy World Wetlands Day! Wetlands are incredibly important ecosystems that provide countless environmental, economic, and social benefits. Want to learn more about their importance and how we can protect them? Check out our degrees that explore wetlands and sustainability:
- BSc Ecological and Environmental Sciences
- BSc Ecological and Environmental Sciences with Management
- MSc Environmental Sustainability
- MSc Environmental Protection and Management
- MSc Soils and Sustainability

📷✨You’re invited to share your unique views of the city and beyond in the ‘Edinburgh in Focus’ photo competition. From stunning green spaces and iconic buildings to hidden gems and cherished moments, let your photos reflect your personal connection with Edinburgh! 🌍🏙️
📅 Enter by 10th February: https://ow.ly/ofhb50UNAm9
Check out some of the 2023 entries from GeoSciences students below!
Photo credits:
1. Filip Jarzynksi, First prize winner
2. Kana Wakaumi, Community category winner
3. Katerina Marku
4. Natalia Okanikova
Photography competition

Severe weather warning: University closure on Friday 24 January A weather warning has been issued for Scotland ahead of Storm Éowyn. This includes a rare red alert for Scotland's central belt, including Edinburgh, from 10am - 5pm on Friday 24 January.

⚠️ Adverse Weather Update ⚠️
In response to the MET Office's red weather warning, SRUC has made the decision to close our Edinburgh, Barony, Elmwood, Oatridge, Aberdeen, Ayr and Glasgow campuses on Friday, 24th January, to ensure the safety of staff and students. In-person teaching will be suspended for the day and moved online. Staff are advised to work from home during the closure.
Contact your local faculty office if you have any questions about teaching or classes.
All SRUC campus and teaching locations will reopen following Friday 24th January, according to their usual opening hours.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
A sustainable future starts here
Join one of the largest and most successful groupings of geoscientists and geographers in the UK, as we address the most compelling issues of our time.
We seek to understand the interconnected processes that shape our planet, share our understanding with others and strive to help humanity find a path for a sustainable future in a changing world.
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