MSci Applied Geography at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

MSci Applied Geography is a five-year integrated master's covering physical, environmental and human geography with a year working in industry. It is accredited by the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) and includes local day trips, residential field trips in Scotland and an international field trip to Iceland. A four-year alternative without the placement is BSc (Hons) Geography.

Duration: 5 years full-time (including 12 month work placement) | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time (integrated) | 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. Later years include Atmosphere, weather and climate, Earth surface processes, Climate science, Remote sensing principles and practice, Glaciation, Natural hazards and a dissertation. The MSci year is a mandatory 12 month UK work placement.

Career pathways

Government agencies (SEPA, Environment Agency, Natural Heritage), local authority planning, natural resource industries, water and flood management, environmental consultancy, waste and recycling, travel and tourism, public policy, urban regeneration, retail and teaching; progression to MSc Applied Data Analytics, MSc Net Zero Communities and other postgraduate courses.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

3 Highers at grade BBC or above or 2 A levels at grade BC or above, including two science subjects, plus National 5, GCSE, Standard Grade Credit or Intermediate 2 at grade C or above in a science subject. Alternatively SCQF level 6 plus SCQF level 5 Literacy and Numeracy plus an additional Higher at C and National 5 at C. Category 2 PVG course. Advanced entry to year 2 may be available with HNC Applied Sciences, Bioscience, Forestry, Horticulture, Wildlife and Conservation Management or CertHE Introduction to Marine Biology, Environmental Science and Sustainability. Applicants with other qualifications are considered individually. International applicants: IELTS Academic overall 6.0 with no element below 5.5 (or equivalent approved test).

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Full-time, Scotland-domiciled students Source

International applicants: GBP 17,970 a year (2026/27). Full-time per year (years 1 to 3), for students living in the UK assessed as international; not available to those requiring Student Route visa sponsorship Source

Intake: September

Duration: 5 years full-time (including 12 month work placement)

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