كان بروس قد درس الطب في الأصل في جامعة إدنبرة، ولكنه حول دراساته إلى العلوم الطبيعية، ومن خلال خبراته المتنوعة، كون شهرةً كعالم في شئون القطبين.
Bruce had originally studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, but had transferred his studies to the natural sciences and, through his varied experiences, had established a reputation as a polar scientist.