Geography BSc (Hons)

What is special about this course?

If you are inspired by understanding the world around you then joining our BSc (Hons) Geography is your next step. At both local and global levels, many of the main challenges facing the world in the 21st century are related to geography. Studying an exciting mix of physical, environmental and human geography, this course will equip you with the wide range of knowledge and skills needed for the modern workplace.

You won’t find a better classroom in which to study than the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. With outstanding locations such as the newly inscribed Flow Country World Heritage Site (the first peatland World Heritage Site), Cairngorms National Park, and many more, we have, undeniably, one of the world’s best ‘living laboratories’, all set in the spectacular natural habitat of the Scottish Highlands.  

Field trips are a valuable and memorable part of studying geography. This course includes several day trips in the local area, as well as residential field trips in Scotland* and an international fieldtrip in Iceland*.

*you will be required to pay a contribution towards the costs of these trips. Further information is available upon request.

Special features

• Located in one of the world’s best ‘living laboratories’ between the Cairngorms National Park and Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage site
• Join a course which has achieved 100% overall satisfaction ratings in the National Student Survey
• Field trips locally, in the Scottish Highlands and a module choice for Iceland
• Mix of online timetabled learning and face-to-face teaching, with small group study on campus and in the field
• Online learning materials available 24/7 via laptops, tablets or mobiles
• Strong focus on employability within the curriculum: geography graduates have high levels of employability
   

(You may also be interested in our BSc (Hons) Environmental Science or BSc (Hons) Sustainable Development course).

Accommodation

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

Entry requirements

• 3 Highers at grade BCC or above OR
• 2 A levels at grade BC or above
• These must include two science subjects*
• PLUS National 5, GCSE, Standard Grade Credit or Intermediate 2 at grade C or above, or equivalent, in a science subject
• Alternatively, SCQF Level 6 PLUS SCQF Level 5 Literacy and Numeracy PLUS an additional Scottish Higher at Grade C or above and National 5 at Grade C or above (or equivalent)
• International students whose first language is not English must also meet relevant language competency standards
• Applicants with other qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
• This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage
• Advance entry to years two/three may be possible with a relevant HNC/D or with recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

*Recommended science subjects (Highers/A levels):

• Applications of Mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Cruinn-eolas
• Computing science
• Design and Manufacture
• Engineering Science
• Environmental Science
• Geography
• Gniomhachas Matamataigs
• Human Biology
• Matamataig
• Mathematics
• Physics

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study the following core modules:

• GIS for scientists
• Introduction to environmental science
• Introduction to physical geography
• Tree and forest science 

You will also study 2 of the following optional modules:

• Climate, land and people*
• Exploring economics in a changing world*
• Fundamental chemistry
• Introduction to global environmental issues*
• Introduction to human geography*
• Introduction to land reform and community land ownership*
• Overview of energy use*
• Understanding sustainable development
• Urban forest practice

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Atmosphere, weather and climate
• Earth surface processes
• Employability skills for geographers
• GIS for scientists**
• Natural capital and ecosystem services

You will also study 2 of the following optional modules:

• Aquatic environments
• Community energy*
• Environmental conservation
• Exploring the urban and rural places, people and policies
• Sustainable development approaches in an international context (field trip)
• Woodland ecology and conservation

Year 3 - BSc

You will study the following core modules:

• Assessment of the environmental impact of development
• Climate science
• Remote sensing principles and practice
• Sustainable land management

You will also study 2 of the following optional modules:

• Community-based economic development*
• Environmental monitoring
• Geomorphology; reading the landscapes of outdoor practice*
• Peatland ecology
• Sustainable tourism and the environment*

Year 4 - BSc (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:

• Dissertation
• Glaciation
• Natural hazards and mitigation

You will also study 2 of the following optional modules:

• Agroecology - regenerative food systems*
• Animal behaviour
• Applied marine ecology
• Conservation of biodiversity*
• Environmental science in practice
• Freshwater conservation science
• Managing biodiversity in upland woodlands

*Not available to international students requiring a visa to study in the UK
**Core for direct entrant in year 2 only

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 living in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) studying this course full time, the following fees apply:

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 £4,000 per annum and the 4th 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:

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

This course includes several field trips, including day trips in the local area, longer residential trips and an optional international trip to Iceland. You will be required to  pay a contribution towards the cost of the residential and international trips. Further information is available upon request.