Sustainable Architectural Studies BSc (Hons)

What is special about this course?

Are you passionate about architecture and the technology that surrounds design in the built environment? If so, our innovative BSc (Hons) Sustainable Architectural Studies is the course for you.

Gain the theoretical and project-based skills required within a modern architectural practice, including an excellent understanding of managing projects from conception through to completion. Combine simulated design office practice, site visits and regular project work to ensure that you gain the skills demanded by the architectural industry, from building information modelling to technical design. Work with professionally qualified tutors to develop essential knowledge, understanding and proficiency that will make you highly employable as an architectural technologist.

Graduate with an excellent understanding of the design and technical process of projects, and the ability to enter industry as an effective contributor to an architectural practice from day one, as reflected in the positive feedback from our employer partners who regularly recruit from our programme.

Join this tailor-made degree, building on the industry-recognised HNC in the first year, and set yourself up for success in this challenging and stimulating field.

Special features

• An innovative course with unique opportunities to work on live projects during your studies
• Study 2D and 3D Computer Aided Design in the most advanced design suite of any built by a university in Scotland
• Dynamic interactive lectures with site visits and architectural tours
• Project-based workshops and design studio work with visiting professionals
• Study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances

Accommodation

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

Entry requirements

• 3 Scottish Highers at grades BBC or above, preferably in Graphic communications, Design and manufacture, Art and design, Physics, Geography, English, or Maths OR
• 2 A levels at grades BC or above, with a B in Graphic communications

Alternatively: 

• NC in a construction-related subject such as NC Built Environment or Civil Engineering; Foundation Apprenticeship Civil Engineering
• Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis and may be asked to attend an interview
• You must have regular and reliable access to the internet and a computer for any online degree at UHI in order to take advantage of our full range of online learning services, which include support from your tutors and fellow UHI students as well as access to UHI’s Virtual Learning Environment and vast online learning library. Click here for more information on the minimum requirements

Direct entry to year two may be possible with:

• HNC in Architectural Technology, Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology, or equivalent, with B or above in the Graded Unit for HNC Architectural Technology OR
• 2 Advanced Highers at BC or above OR
• Modern Apprenticeship in Architectural Technology 

From September 2025, direct entry to year three may be possible with: 

• HND in Architectural Technology, Computer Aided Architectural Design and Technology, or equivalent 

Access routes

SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study five core modules, which may include:

• Architectural studio 1 (S1)
• Digital studio (SC)
• Project 1 (S2)
• Sustainability and cultural studies 1 (S2)
• Technology 1 (S2)

You will also pick one option module from the following three choices:

• Introduction to global environmental issues (S1)
• Introduction to sustainable development (S1)
• Practical design skills (S1)

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study five core modules, which may include:

• Architectural studio 2 (S1)
• Digital studio 2 (SC)
• Project 2 (S2)
• Sustainability and cultural studies 2 (S2)
• Technology 2 (S2)

You will also pick one option module from the following three choices:

• Atmosphere, weather, and climate (S1)
• Introduction to geographic information systems (S1)
• Management in the built environment (S1)

Year 3 - BSc

You will study five core modules, which may include:

• Architectural studio 3 (S1)
• Digital studio 3 (SC)
• Professional practice (S2)
• Sustainability and cultural studies 3 (S2)
• Technology 3 (S2)

You will also pick one option module from the following three choices:

• Energy heat in buildings (S1)
• Renewable energy generation (S1)
• Research methods (S1)

Year 4 - BSc (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:

• Architectural dissertation (SC)*
• Architectural studio 4 (SC)*
• Sustainability and cultural studies 4 (S2)
• Technology 4 (S1)

*40 credit module (all other modules are 20 credit)

Key
S1: Semester 1
S2: Semester 2
SC: Semester Continuous (held across both semesters)

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 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 and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying (see the Funding section opposite).

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 in 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 student 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

Students may be able to apply to the UHI Scholarship Fund.  For all the information and how to apply please use the following link Funding - Scholarships, Bursaries, Awards and Discretionary Funds - UHI Scholarship Fund.

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.