Soils and Sustainability MSc

This MSc is a collaboration between Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) and the University of Edinburgh's School of GeoSciences.

• Soil Protection and Management
• Soils Science Concepts and Application

Other courses are selected from the School of Geosciences, College of Science and Engineering list of courses. The following courses are recommended:

• Principles of Geographical Information Science
• Project Appraisal
• Principles of Environmental Sustainability
• International Development
• Human Dimensions of Environmental Change and Sustainability
• Culture, Ethics and Environment
• Ecosystem Dynamics and Functions
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Land Use/Environmental Interactions
• Participation in Policy and Planning
• Management of Sustainable Development
• Sustainability of Food Production
• Environmental and Natural Resource Economics
• Ecosystem Values and Management

The taught component of each course, leading to the Postgraduate Diploma, comprises 6 modules studied over a period of 9 months, starting in October. Each course is made up of core modules, together with recommended and elective modules chosen with the approval of the Director of the programme.

The MSc in Soils and Sustainability involves two semesters of classes followed by an individual research project. The curriculum consists of taught courses (September to April) worth a total of 120 credit points (including both core and elective courses) followed by a period of individual dissertation project work (May to August) worth 60 credit points. The study tour, which takes place in the Spring, is also an integral part of the programme. If you are a part-time student, you can discuss your individual programme of study with the Programme Director.

The purpose of the dissertation is to allow students to focus on an aspect relevant to the Soils and Sustainability degree programme and by completing a piece of research and presenting it in dissertation form to enhance their knowledge and skills to a professional level in the discipline.

A week long field tour forms an integral part of the study programme. The purpose of the study tour is to refresh the skills, tools and techniques that are likely to be useful during the dissertation process.