UHI launches sustainability short courses

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) has launched flexible Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses and Professional Certificates, aimed at businesses and individuals in the region that are passionate about making a difference to their community.

These new short courses are ideal for anyone aiming to enhance the sustainability of their business. They are also perfect for those looking to upskill or considering a career in sustainability.

Courses are delivered online from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, a region intrinsically linked with its natural environment and sustainable futures. Focussing on sustainable communities and development, these courses focus on key economic areas including Just Transition and Net Zero, while advancing thriving communities, central to the Highlands and Islands economy.

Taught by world-class researchers with industry expertise, the courses can be completed fully online, from anywhere in the world, and are designed to be completed between 6 and 12 weeks. However, they offer flexibility for those with work or personal commitments to work at their own pace.

There is a wide variety of courses available that explore the social, environmental, and economic changes which can contribute to a more sustainable future. These themes have significant implications for policy and practice across societies worldwide.

Dr Michael Smith who has led the development of these upskilling products for UHI, said, "I am delighted we can offer these postgraduate short online courses to businesses and individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in particular areas of importance to rural economies. Unlike many of our other programmes, these short courses are available for enrolment at any time of the year, allowing participants to study at their convenience and earn credits towards future postgraduate-level qualifications."  

This is just one part of UHI’s broader effort to support skills and training needs in our regions. They are also supporting future career pathways through skills mapping, industry collaborations and STEM outreach work in local schools.

Dr Su Bryan, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Health and the Environment at UHI said, "At UHI, we recognise that the employment landscape is changing. Many people want to access learning through shorter courses, with flexible delivery, in order to support their professional development or changing career needs. We are passionate about empowering people to make a difference to challenges such as climate change. In fact, Sustainable Development was UHI’s first-ever degree and our first fully online programme."

"These professional development courses are designed to address current and future issues. Our lecturers are involved in different ways in their own local communities, and we bring these experiences, as well as our academic skills in climate change, geography, economics, rural development, politics and public policy, to our teaching and research. Our team is highly experienced in delivering high quality online education, with most staff teaching online for over 10 years."

For more information, please visit the webpage: www.uhi.ac.uk/sustainabilitycourses.