BSc (Hons) Geography at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

BSc (Hons) Geography is a four-year, full-time, mainly face-to-face degree in Inverness combining physical, environmental and human geography. It is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and includes local day trips, residential field trips in Scotland, an optional international field trip to Iceland and a mandatory work placement in year 3.

Duration: Full time: 4 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules are GIS for scientists, introduction to physical geography and tree and forest science. Year 2 covers atmosphere, weather and climate, earth surface processes, employability skills, and natural capital and ecosystem services. Year 3 covers environmental impact assessment, climate science, introduction to data modelling and remote sensing. Year 4 covers a dissertation, glaciation and natural hazards and mitigation, plus options such as applied marine ecology and conservation of biodiversity.

Career pathways

Government agencies such as SEPA and natural heritage bodies, local authority planning, natural resource industries, water and flood management, environmental consultancy, waste and recycling, travel and tourism, public policy, urban regeneration, retail and business, and teaching. Progression to MSc Applied Data Analytics, Sustainable Energy Solutions, Net Zero Communities, Sustainability and Rural Regeneration, Sustainable Mountain Development, MLitt Archaeological Studies, MSc Leadership and Management and MA Health and Wellbeing.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

3 Highers at grade BCC or above, or 2 A levels at grade BC or above, including two science subjects (such as Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science or Human Biology), plus National 5, GCSE, Standard Grade Credit or Intermediate 2 at grade C or above in a science subject. Alternative: SCQF Level 6 plus SCQF Level 5 Literacy and Numeracy plus an additional Higher at grade C or above and National 5 at grade C or above. Other qualifications or experience are considered individually. Advanced entry to year 2 may be available with HNC Applied Sciences, Bioscience, Forestry, Horticulture or Wildlife and Conservation Management (120 credits/15 HN credits), or CertHE Introduction to Marine Biology, Environmental Science and Sustainability. Category 2 PVG course. 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.

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

International applicants: GBP 17,970 a year (2026/27). Full-time per year, years 1-3; year 4 free for those who have paid for the previous three years Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full time: 4 years

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