MSc Extreme Weather at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

The MSc Extreme Weather is a fully online masters, the first postgraduate qualification of its kind in Scotland, for future climate scientists and natural hazard experts. It covers predicting, assessing and responding to extreme weather, including weather warning systems and the costs of disasters. It is suited to people in renewables or sustainable development and to those aiming to enter those sectors.

Duration: Full time: 2 years; part time: 3-6 years; part time modular: 15 weeks per module | Intake: September; January | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

The PgCert core modules are extreme weather, understanding sustainability discourses and water resources in a changing climate. The PgDip requires three options from climate and marine resource modelling, energy, climate and carbon, environmental and social issues in mountain areas, net zero society, quantitative research and data analysis, renewable energy technologies, sustainable land use and renewable energy, and tidal, wave and future energy. The MSc is completed with a 15,000-word research dissertation.

Career pathways

The renewables sector, sustainable development implementation and management, and insurance and risk sectors. Graduates may progress to research or a PhD or Postgraduate Doctorate.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An honours or ordinary degree in a relevant subject, or a postgraduate diploma or professional qualification in a relevant subject. Other qualifications are considered with a minimum of three years' relevant professional experience. International applicants (IELTS Academic, online study from overseas or on campus on a Student Route Visa): overall 6.5 with no component below 6.0, or an equivalent approved test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 5,820 for the whole programme (2026/27). Students normally domiciled in Scotland, full MSc (180 credits). Source

International applicants: GBP 11,450 for the whole programme (2026/27). International students studying online from their home country, full MSc (180 credits). Source

Intake: September; January

Duration: Full time: 2 years; part time: 3-6 years; part time modular: 15 weeks per module

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