Sustainable Mountain Development MSc
Course code 91L7
What is special about this course?
If you want to make a real difference towards the sustainability of mountain regions, this postgraduate course in Sustainable Mountain Development is for you.
You will access the latest thinking on complex mountain issues by studying modules with a focus on advanced theory and practice relating to environmental, social, economic and professional development. By the end of your studies, you will be equipped with the practical skills and knowledge to help you understand and manage the real challenges faced by people living and working in mountainous areas today.
The course is part time; you will study all modules online with support from experts at the Centre for Mountain Studies, based at Perth College UHI, and around the university network. This allows you to fit your studies around your personal and professional commitments. If you are not able to complete the full MSc, you can exit with a PgCert by completing the 3 core modules or a PgDip by also completing 3 optional modules.
There are also two stand-alone CPD modules, water management (starts September) and deer management, (starts end of January).
The MSc Sustainable Mountain Development can be studied online from anywhere in the world.
Special features
- Develop key scientific and policy skills
- Learn from experts in the field of sustainable mountain development at the Centre for Mountain Studies
- Benefit from modules on diverse contemporary topics, delivered by experts across UHI
- Study individual modules for personal or professional development, or work towards the PgCert, PgDip or full Masters degree
- Study online, part-time to suit your lifestyle, from within the UK or internationally
Entry requirements
- Honours degree or ordinary degree in a relevant subject
- Postgraduate diploma or professional qualification in a relevant subject
- Other qualifications will be considered if accompanied by a minimum of three years' relevant professional experience
*Funding support notice*
Postgraduate Loans (SAAS) (Scottish domiciled students)
Loans for tuition fees are available from SAAS for eligible Scotland domiciled students, and loans for living costs for eligible Scottish students.
Access routes
PgCert
Core modules are:
- Environmental and social issues in mountain areas
- Sustainable development
- Policy analysis
PgDip
Optional modules, from which you must choose three, include:
- Biodiversity management
- Communities and nature
- Developing communities
- Developing potential through placement
- Local economic development
- Research methods and techniques*
- Sustainable deer management**
- Sustainable land use and renewable energy
- Sustainable tourism
- Water management***
- An elective from any of the university's masters programmes
* strongly recommended if you plan to continue to MSc level
** available as a stand-alone CPD module for January start
*** available as a stand-alone CPD module for September start
MSc
To achieve the award of MSc Sustainable Mountain Development you must complete a 15,000 word research dissertation on a topic of your own choice
How will I study my course?
- You will study through supported online learning using the university's virtual learning environment (VLE)
- Part-time
- Students on this programme currently have the opportunity to attend the Integrated Land Use Conference
- Assessment methods include evaluation of your online postings on the university's virtual learning environment (VLE) discussion forums, assignments, presentations, plans and a 15,000 dissertation
- You will be supported by the Centre for Mountain Studies, Perth College UHI. For more information on the centre, the course, or CPD modules, please contact info.cms@perth.uhi.ac.uk or +44 (0)1738 877761
- An online induction will be held at the start of your course, which you are strongly encouraged to attend
How long will my course last?
- Part-time (structured): 2 years @ 10-12 hours per week per module
- Part-time (unstructured): 6 years @ 10-12 hours per week per module
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course. This includes time online to view weekly lectures and other online materials, to participate in module discussion boards, and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- Perth - you can study this fully online programme from anywhere in the world. You will be enrolled by staff at the Centre for Mountain Studies, UHI Perth, who will deliver the course with support from staff across the UHI partnership.
Start date
- September
- January
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2022-23 | 2023-24 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £560 | £584 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £1,680 | £1,752 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits) | £3,360 | £3,504 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation) | £5,000 | £5,256 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status, the following fees apply:
| 2022-23 | 2023-24 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £669 | £720 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £2,007 | £2,160 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits) | £4,014 | £4,320 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £6,021 | £6,480 |
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. For 2022-23, students will get an automatic fee scholarship.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2022-23 | With scholarship | 2023-24 | With scholarship | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £1,010 | £760 | £1,080 | £810 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £3,030 | £2,280 | £3,240 | £2,430 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits, 180 credits) | £6,060 | £4,560 | £6,480 | £4,860 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £9,090 | £6,840 | £9,720 | £7,290 |
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union, studying online from their home country, or assessed as international for fee status, the following fees apply:
| 2022-23 | 2023-24 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £1,010 | £1,080 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £3,030 | £3,240 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits, 180 credits) | £5,880 | £6,480 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £9,090 | £9,720 |
This course is not available to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international postgraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
Eligible Scotland-domiciled students studying part-time can apply for a tuition fee loan from SAAS. You must be intending to complete the course in no longer than twice the length of time it would take for a full-time student. For example, if your course is available to full-time students as a one-year programme, you will be funded for a maximum of two years' part-time study. If your course does not have a full-time option, you must complete within three years. You can apply for a tuition fee loan up to £5,500, which will be paid pro-rata for each academic year of study.
Full details can be found on the SAAS website. Applications for loans open in April.
Students from the rest of the UK who meet the eligibility requirements may be able to apply for a loan from the Student Loan Company.
What can I do on completion of my course?
On successful completion of the MSc Sustainable Mountain Development, you will be equipped to pursue or further develop a career in a number of different spheres in mountain management, such as:
- Management positions in the public sector or non-governmental organisations
- Working in mountain areas in the UK, Europe or further afield
- Work with voluntary groups, conservation bodies or the private sector
- Research
Can I progress into further study?
You may wish to progress from this MSc Sustainable Mountain Development to PhD study.
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
I wanted to integrate my BSc in Environmental Geoscience and Biology with more social and research-based study. I’ve gained irreplaceable knowledge in a number of fields including mountain-based economy, environment and population-specific issues, policy development and sustainable development.
I would recommend this university to anyone. It is an affordable, effective learning facility that has granted me so much in my years of study. The lecturers and programme leaders continue to amaze me with their efforts and publications. I have been so impressed with my experience here.
Christine studied our MSc Sustainable Mountain Development online from Canada while running her own consultancy business.
Apply for Sustainable Mountain Development MSc
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.