Geography BSc (Hons)
Course code F820
What is special about this course?
Are you inspired by understanding the world around you? Would you like the opportunity to explore your interests against the incredible backdrop of the Highlands and Islands?
Join our BSc (Hons) Geography and discover how, 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 may also be interested in our BSc (Hons) Geography (with a year in industry), BSc (Hons) Environmental Science, or BA (Hons) Sustainable Development courses.
*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
- Geography graduates have high levels of employability and there is a strong focus on onward progression within the curriculum
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
- Geology
- 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:
- 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*
- Applied marine ecology
- Conservation of biodiversity*
- Environmental science in practice
- Investigating human impacts on freshwater ecosystems
- 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
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- This course is mainly delivered face to face with scheduled sessions and tutorials
- You will mainly study in-person, on campus and via field trips and practical sessions
- Any online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will take part in a mandatory in-person induction in September in Inverness
- There is a mandatory work placement in year 3; hours are flexible and negotiated by you
- You will also undertake mandatory field trips across each year, and may choose to take part in an optional 5-day field trip in Iceland in year 2
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years @ 35 hours per week
Each semester is 12 weeks long with 6 modules each academic year.
For each module you will spend approximately two hours each week reading the online lecture material, plus 1-2 hours a week with module leader-led work and up to 2 hours a week in face-to-face tutorials. A typical week could consist of up to 18 hours of structured study time and the remaining 17 hours a week would be spent in self-directed study. In some weeks there may also be field trips.
Where can I study my course?
- Inverness
Start date
- September
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.
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £915 | £915 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £305 | £305 |
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:
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | 2025-26 Full-time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year 4 | Honours | Free | Free |
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.
| Year | Level | 2024-25 Full-time | With scholarship | 2025-26 Full-time | With scholarship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £15,996 | £11,996 | £16,950 | £12,950 |
| Year 4 | Honours | £15,996 | Free | £16,950 | Free |
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:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credits) per year | £15,996 | £16,950 |
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 residentials and an optional international field trip module to Iceland. You will be required to pay a contribution towards the cost of the residentials and international trips. The module option for Iceland trip may also require a visa; it will be your responsibility to research and secure your visa to travel to Iceland if necessary.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have completed your BSc (Hons) Geography course, you could progress to a career in:
- Government departments and agencies e.g. Scottish Environment Protection Agency; Environment Agency; Scottish Natural Heritage; English Natural Heritage
- Planning departments of local authorities
- Natural resource industries, such as oil, gas, coal, aggregates
- Water industry and flood management
- Environmental consultancy
- Waste and recycling
- Travel and tourism
- Public policy
- Urban regeneration
- Retail and business
- Teaching
Can I progress into further study?
You can progress from the BSc (Hons) Geography to:
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I chose UHI as it offered the best environment to study geography. My lecturers could not have been more helpful, they were passionate about their subjects and keen to assist in any way – always going the extra mile. UHI’s unparalleled experience in flexible and blended learning worked really well with my circumstances.
As part of my studies, I undertook a month’s work placement with RSPB Scotland, giving me the opportunity to practice and enhance my GIS skills in a real-world environment. UHI will equip you with everything you need for your career, and continue to support you as a graduate too.
My favourite thing about UHI is studying surrounded by the beautiful countryside, and all of the outdoor opportunities the Highlands and Islands have to offer. UHI is so much more than a university, it is a family where everyone is interested and invested in your success.
George studied BSc (Hons) Geography at UHI Inverness.
Apply for Geography BSc (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.