Courses
The MSc Sustainable Mountain Development is an online, part-time interdisciplinary programme with exit awards at Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), and MSc levels.
View the course leaflet and read comments from former students.
2018/19 Academic Year
If you are interested in applying for the course starting on 10 September 2018, please contact us for more information. Online applications are now open.
Scholarship
A scholarship towards the costs of studying for the course is available for one student starting in September 2018. It is available to candidates anywhere in the world, with a preference for those working in a UNESCO biosphere reserve in a mountain area. The Scholarship application deadline is 31 May 2018. Full details and how to apply
Fees and Funding
Students who meet the Scottish residence eligibility can apply through the Scottish Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for a tuition fee loan (part-time students must complete the course in within two years.
Individual Modules
All of the course modules are available as standalone modules for Continuing Professional Development. Please contact us for more information. Experts from across the UHI help equip you with a qualification tailored for working in mountain areas.
Three core modules for the Pg Cert/Pg Dip/MSc:
- Environmental and social issues in mountain areas (semester 1)
- Policy analysis (semester 1)
- Sustainable development (semester 2)
A range of optional modules are available online, some of these are for skills development; others will help to develop a deeper understanding of the key issues. Some optional modules do not run every year.
- Biodiversity management (semester 2)
- Developing communities (semester 2)
- Developing potential through placement
- Local economic development (semester 2)
- Communities and nature (semester 1)
- Research methods and techniques - if you are planning to continue to dissertation level, it is strongly recommended that you take this module (semester 1)
- Sustainable Deer Management - Sustainable Deer Management information (semester 2)
- Sustainable land use and renewable energy (semester 1), module descriptor
- Sustainable tourism (semester 2)
- Water management - Water Management further information (semester 2)
Dissertation
Students continuing to the MSc carry out a research dissertation into an issue of their choice, selected in consultation with a supervisor. The results are presented in a 15,000 word dissertation. This is a 60 credit module and the fee in 2018/19 is £1,680 (Scottish online); £1,950 (Rest of UK, incl EU online); £2,700 (International online).