Marine and Coastal Tourism BA (Hons)

What is special about this course?

How do we use our seas and coastlines to generate sustainable income? What impact does tourism have and what are the challenges of developing it sustainably within the wider context of the marine sector? 

Learn all of this and more in this amazing interactive course, with activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing (dinghy and yacht), power boating, paddle sports (sea kayak and stand up paddle boarding), surfing, and coasteering. Develop excellent personal and leadership skills, with a focus on activity development, response to climate change, environmental and conservation objectives, the role of coastal communities in the development of tourism, management of customer expectations, and behaviours and analysis of marine sector legislation, from both a UK and international perspective. 

Special features

• Strong links with many marine and coastal-based businesses in Scotland and throughout the UK
• Apply cutting edge theory and research to the exciting and dynamic tourism sector
• Excellent, optional work-based placement and exchange opportunities around the UK and abroad
• Integrated practical programme to enhance your skills and experience in marine and coastal activities
• Possibility to gain instructor qualifications endorsed by National Governing Bodies
• Be part of a vibrant and active student community of outdoor enthusiasts based in Fort William – within the Outdoor Capital of the UK and with access to the Argyll Coast and Islands Hope Spot
• Easy transfer options available between adventure programmes within the School of Adventure Studies: BA (Hons) Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning; BSc (Hons) Adventure Performance and Coaching; and BA (Hons) Adventure Tourism Management
• UHI North, West and Hebrides, Fort William campus, is now a British Sub Aqua Club snorkel centre and our snorkel instructors are accredited by BSAC
• Opportunity to plan and carry out a significant expedition, with a discovery and research focus (previous destinations include the Lofoten Islands Norway 2017, Iceland and Sicily 2018, and Malta 2019). Fundraising and gaining sponsorship are part of this process
• Access to outstanding facilities set amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK
• Involvement in Adopt a Business, leading to opportunities for student work placements within the marine and coastal tourism sector 
• Optional context classes to enhance the programme 

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

For September 2025, entry to this course is only available in year 4. 

• Entry to year 4 may be possible with a closely aligned* foundation or Honours degree with relevant experience. Applicants will be considered on an individual basis and may be required to attend an interview
• This is a Category 1 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve target qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage

*Applicants with experience or qualifications in areas such as marine environment, responsible tourism, and the rural and coastal economy of Scotland, will be considered on an individual basis, providing they can demonstrate the ability to work at the relevant academic level

For International students requiring Student Route sponsorship

• Please note that international students with a Student Route visa can only take part in sports activities or as part of a work placement, as an amateur and not as a professional or semi-professional. You will not be allowed to become a member of a professional sports association while a student. This is due to ‘professional sportsperson’ restrictions imposed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as outlined in their Student Route Policy Guidance.

Year 1 - CertHE

For September 2025, entry to this course is only available in year 4.

Year 2 - DipHE

For September 2025, entry to this course is only available in year 4.

Year 3 - BA

For September 2025, entry to this course is only available in year 4. 

Year 4 - BA (Hons)

Core modules are:

• Critical perspectives of marine and coastal tourism
• Emergent tourism trends

You will also choose two option modules which may include:

• Cold island tourism
• Sustainability, past and present
• Inclusive adventure
• Work placement, professional practice

You must also complete one of the following: dissertation; research and plan a new business; or a professional project

Fees

For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

This includes

• EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
• EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
• EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland studying this course full time, the following fees apply:

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £3,000 per annum and the 4^th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

Students will need Student Route visa sponsorship to study on the UK.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Part-time study is not open to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Further information on international course fees.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.

Additional costs

• We have an extensive equipment stores for use by students on session, but do not provide personal clothing, excepting wetsuits

• For some field trips, we may expect you to cover your own food while away. Transport, instruction and entry fees are usually covered

• The optional International Expeditions module is a major undertaking, and will usually involve either fundraising, or personal contribution, over and above funding provided by UHI. Cost will depend largely on your destination and ambitions. How to finance an expedition is part of the taught content, and you will be supported through the process

• Essential personal protective equipment (PPE) and specialist equipment can be accessed from our comprehensive stores but you will need to purchase your own personal clothing and footwear for most activities, with the exception of wetsuits. If you choose to join an international expedition you should budget up to £1000 to ensure you have sufficient funds. Please check our website for further details and costs relating to the course.