BA (Hons) Geography and Archaeology at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Geography and Archaeology is a four-year, mainly online joint degree examining the present through geography and the past through archaeology from a humanities and social science perspective. It offers optional archaeological fieldwork, a work placement, residential trips and an optional field trip to Iceland, and can be studied from anywhere in the world.

Duration: Full time: 4 years; part time: 8 years; part time modular: 12-14 weeks per module | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules are introduction to archaeology: approaches and methods, introduction to human geography and understanding sustainable development. Year 2 covers atmosphere, weather and climate, being an archaeologist in Scotland and introduction to GIS. Year 3 covers archaeological theory and interpretation and understanding archaeological science, with geography options and either advanced social research methods or an archaeology project. Year 4 is a dissertation in geography or archaeology with options such as biomolecular archaeology, Vikings and Norse archaeology in the North Atlantic and geo-political development issues.

Career pathways

Government departments and development agencies, local authority planning, renewable energy and waste management, cultural heritage management, commercial archaeology, natural and rural heritage organisations, tourism, agriculture, postgraduate study and teaching.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or 2 A levels at grade BC or above, with at least two from the published list of relevant academic subjects. Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience are considered individually. Advanced entry to year 2: HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits plus 3 additional SQA credits at level 7 and at least grade C in the Graded Unit) or NextGen HNC Social Sciences (15 SQA credits at SCQF level 7). Advanced entry to year 3: HND Social Sciences (30 SQA credits with at least grades AB in the level 8 graded units) or NextGen HND Social Sciences (achieved with Distinction), considered case by case. Access routes: SWAP Access courses or the CPD Award Archaeology and Local Studies (SCQF Level 7). International applicants: IELTS Academic overall 6.0 with no component below 5.5 (or an approved equivalent); applicants from majority English-speaking countries or with a recent UK degree or GCSE/A-level English may not need a test. Open to international applicants studying online from overseas.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Students normally domiciled in Scotland; full-time, 120 credits per year Source

International applicants: GBP 7,505 a year (2026/27). Full-time online, 120 credits per year; fully online study from outside the UK, not eligible for a Student Route Visa Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full time: 4 years; part time: 8 years; part time modular: 12-14 weeks per module

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