BA (Hons) Geography, Culture and Heritage at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Geography, Culture and Heritage is a four-year online joint degree that studies people, place and environment alongside the culture and heritage of Scotland. It can be studied from anywhere in the world, full or part time, with an optional field trip to Iceland and student society residential trips.

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

What you will study

Year 1 core modules are introduction to human geography and understanding sustainable development, plus two culture and heritage options such as Scotland: the brand, Scotland's music and what is culture? Year 2 covers atmosphere, weather and climate, introduction to GIS and options such as museum studies and tradition, custom and belief. Year 3 combines geography options with culture and heritage options such as Celtic art in Scotland and Scotland in film, plus advanced social research methods or an interdisciplinary project. Year 4 is a dissertation in geography or culture and heritage with further options in both.

Career pathways

Government departments and development agencies, local authority economic development and planning, renewable energy and waste management, natural and rural heritage organisations, tourism, agriculture, postgraduate study or research, teaching, journalism and media, community enterprises, voluntary sector and international NGOs.

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. 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: January; September

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

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