Geography with Gaelic Studies BA (Hons)

What is special about this course?

This flexible course gives you the opportunity to combine Geography with Gaelic Studies, allowing you to explore how people, places and environments interact, alongside the history and contemporary relevance of the Gaelic language and culture.

In your first two years, you will gain a broad foundation in both subjects. In your third and fourth years, you will specialise in areas that match your interests and reflect staff research expertise. The course places strong emphasis on both empirical and theoretical approaches, helping you develop critical thinking, research and analytical skills in each year.

You can also choose to study other Humanities subjects such as philosophy, history, literature, archaeology and politics. Designed with flexibility in mind, the course supports full-time or part-time study from anywhere in the world. It is well-suited to those interested in interdisciplinary learning, cultural heritage, and environmental understanding, and provides high levels of employability in a range of sectors.

Special features

• Study full-time or part-time from home, with 24/7 access to online materials including readings, videos and podcasts
• Combine Geography with Gaelic Studies, including the chance to learn beginners Gaelic and explore the Gaelic world in depth
• Receive dedicated support from experienced distance learning tutors throughout your studies
• Choose optional modules across a wide range of Humanities and Social Science subjects to suit your personal interests
• Options to take part in unique learning experiences such as a study field trip to Iceland and a student society residential trip in the Scottish Highlands
• Assessment of core modules is principally done via course work, with very few exams

Entry requirements

• 3 Scottish Highers at grades BBC or above OR
• 2 A levels at grades BC or above
• At least two should be from the list of relevant academic subjects
• Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
• Advanced entry to year two may be available with HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7, which is equivalent to 120 degree credit points, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit
• Advanced entry to year three may be available with HND Social Sciences (30 SQA credits), with at least grades AB in the L8 Graded Units. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on additional qualifications/experience beyond the HND, as relevant to the programme of study. If not found to be appropriate, entry will be offered at year two

Year 1 - CertHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Climate, land and people    
• Gaelic for learners 1A    
• Gaelic for learners 1B
• Introduction to human geography    
• Understanding sustainable development     

You will also have the freedom to choose one optional module from the full range offered across the Humanities curriculum.

Year 2 - DipHE

You will study the following core modules:

• Approaches to economic development    
• Atmosphere, weather and climate    
• Folklore
• Introduction to Gaelic poetry    
• Introduction to geographical information systems      

You will also have the freedom to choose one optional module from the full range offered across the Humanities curriculum.

Year 3 - BA

You will study the following core modules:

• Ecological restoration for social progress
• Language policy and planning  
• Traditional Gaelic culture    

You will also study two of the following optional modules:

• Climate science
• Globalisation and sustainable development
• Sustainable tourism and the environment

Year 4 - BA (Hons)

You will study the following core modules:

• Dissertation (Geography)
• Language policy in the workplace    
• Traditional Gaelic culture in the 21st century

Plus either of the following:

• Special subject (Geography)
• or two option modules from a choice of: 
  • Agroecology: regenerative food systems
  • Consumerism and the circular economy
  • Geo-political development issues
  • Social enterprise and the social economy

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.

Rest of UK students

For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland studying this course full time, the following fees apply:

4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,542.

Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.

There are a number of funding options available to UK students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.

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. Students will get an automatic scholarship of £3,000 per annum and the 4^th year of study will be free for those studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.

International students

For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

Part-time study is not open to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.

Further information on international course fees.

A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international undergraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.

Funding

UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.

Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.