Applied Geography MSci
Course code: F821
Study mode: You study most days of the week and complete all course units /modules in the standard time.
Course type: MSci
International: Not eligible for international students
Study at: Inverness
Start in: September
Learning mode: You attend classes in person at your local campus or learning centre., You access classes and/or materials digitally., You complete a work-based activity to gain industry experience., You will come together with other students for short, intensive periods (e.g., a day, week or longer)., You will learn off campus, including at industry partner locations.
Duration: Full time: 5 years
How: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable., You complete course tasks independently. These may be set by your lecturer or chosen by you.
What is special about this course?
Are you inspired by understanding the world around you? Would you like the opportunity to gain industry experience as you learn?
Join our 5-year MSci Applied 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. This course also allows you to spend a year working in industry to gain invaluable skills and improve your CV, giving you greater career potential upon graduating from university.
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) Environmental Science (with a year in industry or our BSc (Hons) Geography.
*subject to approval
**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
- Take the opportunity to gain invaluable experience by spending a year working in industry
- Field trips locally, in the Scottish Highlands, and in 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
- Have the opportunity to gain invaluable experience by spending a year working in industry
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
Advanced entry to year 2 may be available with:
- HNC Applied Sciences**
- HNC Bioscience**
- HNC Forestry**
- HNC Horticulture**
- HNC Wildlife and Conservation Management**
- CertHE Introduction to Marine Biology, Environmental Science and Sustainability
*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
**120 credits/15 HN credits
You will study the following core modules:
- GIS for scientists
- Introduction to physical geography
- Tree and forest science
You will also study 3 of the following optional modules:
- Climate, land and people*
- Drone flying and theory
- Exploring economics in a changing world*
- Fundamental chemistry
- Introduction to environmental science
- Introduction to global environmental issues*
- Introduction to human geography*
- Introduction to land reform and community land ownership*
- Overview of energy use*
- Urban forest practice
- Understanding sustainable development
* these modules are delivered through online learning. Students on a Visa Route can only enrol on one online delivered module in an academic year.
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:
- Environmental conservation
- Exploring the urban and rural places, people and policies*
- Sustainable development approaches in an international context (field trip)
- Woodland ecology and conservation
*core for those entering year 2 directly
You will study the following core modules:
- Assessment of the environmental impact of development
- Climate science
- Intro to data modelling
- Remote sensing principles and practice
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 land management
- Sustainable tourism and the environment*
*Not available to international students requiring a visa to study in the UK
You will study the following core modules:
- Dissertation
- Glaciation
- Natural hazards
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
- Investigating human impacts on freshwater ecosystems
- Managing biodiversity in upland woodlands
*Not available to international students requiring a visa to study in the UK
You will study the following core module:
- Work placement module
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- This course is mainly delivered in-person, on campus, via practical laboratory work, field trips, and face-to-face video conference lectures and tutorials
- You will also study online with scheduled sessions and tutorials, although online modules are limited and mainly available as options
- 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 induction in Inverness in the August before your course starts
- You will undertake a mandatory 12 month work placement based in the UK in your MSci year
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 5 years @ 40 hours per week
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
- 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 (6 x 20 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Year in industry | £910 | £910 |
Scottish students can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to be assessed for eligibility to have their tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government.
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, the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (6 x 20 credit modules) per year (years 1 to 3) | £9,250 | £9,250 |
| Year in industry | £1,850 | £1,850 |
| Honours year | Free | Free |
Honours year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
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.
This course is not currently available for international students (including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled status in the UK) requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study here. For students living in the UK and assessed as international for fee status, the following fees will apply:
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time per year (120 credit modules) per year | £15,996 | £16,950 |
| Year in industry | £3,200 | £3,390 |
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 successfully completed your MSci Applied Geography, you may wish to pursue a career in:
- Government departments and agencies such as:
- 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 may wish to progress from this MSci Applied Geography to the following courses:
Course cannot be studied by international students either on-campus or online from outside the UK
Please see eligible courses for international applicants
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.
Being exposed to real-world projects has broadened my experience and has changed the way I approach my university work. I have been taught to think a different way when tackling a problem. Having a year in industry gave me a foot in the door and will give me an advantage when applying for jobs. It also helped me confirm the career I want to pursue.
If you are considering a year in industry, I would say jump at it! You gain invaluable experience in your field of study while getting paid. It is a chance to show what you are capable of and if you can impress the company, you may get invited back after your degree.
Darren is an engineering student who completed a year in industry with SSEN Transmission, where he has been offered a job after he graduates.
Apply for Applied Geography MSci
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.