BA (Hons) Geography with Gaelic Studies at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Geography with Gaelic Studies combines geography with the history and contemporary relevance of the Gaelic language and culture. The first two years give a broad foundation in both subjects, with specialisation in years three and four. It is studied fully online from anywhere in the world, full or part time, with an optional field trip to Iceland.

Duration: Full time: 4 years; part time: 8 years; part time modular: 12 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 climate, land and people, Gaelic for learners 1A and 1B, introduction to human geography and understanding sustainable development. Year 2 covers approaches to economic development, atmosphere, weather and climate, folklore, introduction to Gaelic poetry and introduction to GIS. Year 3 covers ecological restoration for social progress, language policy and planning and traditional Gaelic culture. Year 4 covers a geography dissertation, language policy in the workplace and traditional Gaelic culture in the 21st century, plus a special subject or two options.

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, media and politics, and the creative arts.

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 weeks per module

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