Study Plant and Soil Science at University of Aberdeen in the UK, School of Biological Sciences

About this course

About this course
- Overview
- Department
Study options
Entry requirements
- International

What will I learn?

Are you interested in the complexity, fragility and potential of plants and soil? Together, plants and soil provide an essential resource for all terrestrial life. This is the only degree programme in the UK that focuses on this important and fascinating world. Doing a Plant and Soil Science degree at the University of Aberdeen will provide you with both core and advanced understanding of this exciting subject area. The knowledge and skills that you gain could open up a world of career opportunities for you, for instance in playing a vital role in informing the debate on climate change and global food security.The Plant and Soil Science degree provides many opportunities:- Fundamental understanding of biology, how organisms work- Specialist training in plant science, soil science and its applications- Examining the interactions and interface- Multi-disciplinary working- Role of plants in the ecosystem- Applications of plant biology- Manipulating plant genomes relates to tolerance and pollutants- Studying soils across agricultural systemsThis degree combines the disciplines of plants and soils, with opportunities to specialise in plant biology at different levels from genes to ecosystems, and in soils from chemistry, microbes to global geography. The University of Aberdeen has a long and, in many ways, unique tradition for teaching and research in Plant and Soil Science, and is home to a large and active group of award-winning staff in this subject.The degree is taught by a wide range of staff who are active in plant and soil research from the tropics to the Arctic our teaching is research-led, relevant and exciting. You will have opportunity to collaborate with groups at the James Hutton Institute and SFSA who undertake applied research and policy development work informing national priorities.Plant and soil students attend at least two residential field courses selected from our range of courses in the Cairngorms and Spain. You will have the opportunity to get involved in our research through summer research assistantships, project work and a compulsory final year research project

Which department am I in?

School of Biological Sciences

Study options

Full Time (4 Years)

Tuition fees

£24,800.00 (US$ 32,027) per year

This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2026

Venue

Main Site

University Office,

Regent Walk, King's College,

Aberdeen,

AB24 3FX, Scotland, United Kingdom

Full Time (4 Years)

Tuition fees

£24,800.00 (US$ 32,027) per year

Living costs - Students budget £1171 per month to cover their living costs.

This is a fixed fee

*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution

Start date

September 2026

Venue

Old Aberdeen Campus

King's College,

Aberdeen,

AB24 3FX, Scotland, United Kingdom

Entry requirements

For international students

SQA Highers Standard: BBBB Applicants that present with BBBB will usually receive an unconditional offer. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. Where we have more applicants than places we may need to ask for more than the minimum so continued engagement in school is Recommended. Widening Access: BBC Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBC, are guaranteed an unconditional offer. Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects. Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher. National 5 at C or above is also required in English and Mathematics. A LEVELS Standard: BBC. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. Widening Access: CCC GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science. BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA DMM. Main subjects to be Science or Mathematics. (Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B). GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science. IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE Five subjects at Higher at H3. Two Science/Mathematics subjects are required. O4 in English and Mathematics is also required. INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL with at least two Mathematics/Science subjects. SL or HL in English and Mathematics are also required.

*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.