Soils and Sustainability

Soil systems are a vital, non-renewable resource. They provide multiple ecosystem services and are an essential component of food production and food security globally. They are crucial in supporting delivery of services such as flood management, resilience to environmental change, and are a source of goods for infrastructure and development together with supporting a vast array of biodiversity both above and below ground.

There is global recognition of the significant and increasing pressure that soils are under, requirement for urgent action needed for sustainable soil and land management has gained increasing international attention in recent years due to both the global climate and biodiversity crisis.

Our Soils and Sustainability MSc has been developed in collaboration with industry and is an interdisciplinary programme, providing you with the essential knowledge and advanced skills to make informed decisions on sustainable land practice and soil management to help tackle some of the pressures on soils and contribute to enhancing resilience in future.

The programme encompasses the fundamentals of soil science and soil's role in wider environmental systems. In addition, you gain skills and experience in monitoring techniques to evaluate soils' role and effective management in various environmental landscapes and socioeconomic contexts.

What will I learn?

The MSc will prepare you for a range of careers in land-based management and environmental protection.

You will explore:

* Soil formation, functions and ecosystem services

* Role of soils in mitigating climate change

* 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

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.

The programme places a strong emphasis on varied teaching approaches for both theoretical understanding and practical skills, such as laboratory and field-based activities.

Is the MSc for me?

If you want to explore the benefits of soils in relation to:

* food security

* climate change

* biodiversity

* human health and well-being

Then this is the programme for you.

Our programme is designed to expand your knowledge and awareness of global soil issues and solutions. While expanding your soil surveying skills, you will consider the benefits of soil management to enhance soil services and meet several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Scotland's Rural College

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

You will benefit from being a fully enrolled student at the University of Edinburgh, as well as 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.

* You can visit the SRUC website for more information.