BA (Hons) Sustainable Development at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

A four-year online honours degree in which students study climate change, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, degrowth and wellbeing economies, with a focus on how communities, particularly rural ones, shape sustainable development. Modules draw on geography, economics, politics, sociology and environmental studies.

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

What you will study

Core modules cover economics, land reform and community land ownership, and understanding sustainable development, followed by Approaches to economic development, Empowering communities and urban-rural policy. Later years include Climate science, Community-based economic development, Globalisation and sustainable development, Agroecology, Social enterprise and a sustainable development dissertation. Option modules come from humanities and social science subjects.

Career pathways

Government departments and development agencies, local authority economic development, community enterprises and community energy groups, community land initiatives, natural and rural heritage organisations, the voluntary sector, international NGOs and independent sustainability consultancy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

3 Scottish Highers at BBC or above, or 2 A levels at BC or above, with at least two from the list of relevant academic subjects. Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience are considered individually. Direct entry to year 2: HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits plus 3 additional SQA credits at level 7, with at least grade C in the Graded Unit) or NextGen HNC Social Sciences (15 SQA credits at SCQF level 7). Also HNC Wildlife and Conservation Management (12 SQA credits plus 3 additional level 7 credits, grade C in the Graded Unit). Direct entry to year 3 (case by case): HND Social Sciences (30 SQA credits with at least grades AB in the level 8 Graded Units) or NextGen HND Social Sciences (15 SQA credits at SCQF level 8, achieved with Distinction). Also HND Wildlife and Conservation Management with at least AB in the level 8 Graded Units. If year 3 entry is not appropriate, year 2 entry is offered. International applicants: IELTS Academic overall 6.0 with no element below 5.5 (or an approved equivalent test).

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students with a term-time address in Scotland (includes EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status); full-time Source

International applicants: GBP 7,505 a year (2026/27). Studying online from home country (or in the UK assessed as international for fee status); full-time Source

Intake: January; September

Duration: Full time: 4 years; part time: 8 years

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