Geography

Are you inspired by understanding the world around you? Would you like the opportunity to explore your interests against the incredible backdrop of the Highlands and Islands?

Join our BSc (Hons) Geography and discover how, at both local and global levels, many of the main challenges facing the world in the 21st century are related to geography. Studying an exciting mix of physical, environmental and human geography, this course will equip you with the wide range of knowledge and skills needed for the modern workplace.

You won’t find a better classroom in which to study than the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. With outstanding locations such as the newly inscribed Flow Country World Heritage Site (the first peatland World Heritage Site), Cairngorms National Park, and many more, we have, undeniably, one of the world’s best ‘living laboratories’, all set in the spectacular natural habitat of the Scottish Highlands.

Field trips are a valuable and memorable part of studying geography. This course includes several day trips in the local area, as well as residential field trips in Scotland* and an international fieldtrip in Iceland*.

You may also be interested in our 5-year MSci Applied Geography.

*you will be required to pay a contribution towards the costs of these trips. Further information is available upon request.

Module outline

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study the following core modules:

• GIS for scientists

• Introduction to physical geography

• Tree and forest science

You will also study 3 of the following optional modules:

• Climate, land and people*

• Drone flying and theory

• Exploring economics in a changing world*

• Fundamental chemistry

• Introduction to environmental science

• Introduction to global environmental issues*

• Introduction to human geography*

• Introduction to land reform and community land ownership*

• Overview of energy use*

• Urban forest practice

*these modules are delivered through online learning. Students on a Visa Route can only enrol on one online delivered module in an academic year

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Atmosphere, weather and climate

• Earth surface processes

• Employability skills for a changing world

• Natural capital and ecosystem services

You will also study 2 of the following optional modules:

• Environmental conservation

• Exploring the urban and rural places, people and policies

• GIS for scientists*

• Sustainable development approaches in an international context (field trip)

• Woodland ecology and conservation

*core for those entering year 2 directly

Year 3 - BSc

You will study the following core modules:

• Assessment of the environmental impact of development

• Climate science

• Intro to data modelling

• Remote sensing principles and practice

You will also study 2 of the following optional modules:

• Community-based economic development*

• Environmental monitoring

• Geomorphology; reading the landscapes of outdoor practice*

• Peatland ecology

• Sustainable land management

• Sustainable tourism and the environment*

*not available to international students requiring a visa to study in the UK

Year 4 - BSc (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:

• Dissertation

• Glaciation

• Natural hazards and mitigation

You will also study 2 of the following optional modules:

• Agroecology - regenerative food systems*

• Applied marine ecology

• Conservation of biodiversity*

• Environmental science in practice

• Investigating human impacts on freshwater ecosystems

• Managing biodiversity in upland woodlands

*Not available to international students requiring a visa to study in the UK

This outline reflects the modules as currently delivered and is subject to change.