
MSc in Sustainable Mountain Development
Online
DURATION
1 up to 6 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2025
TUITION FEES
EUR 9,990 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
Distance Learning
* Scottish: £5,256 | Rest of UK: £7,020 | International: £9,990
Key Summary
Introduction
What is special about this course?
If you want to make a real difference in the sustainability of mountain regions, this MSc Sustainable Mountain Development is for you.
You will access the latest thinking on complex mountain issues by studying modules focusing 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 can be studied full-time or part-time; you will study all modules online with support from experts at the Centre for Mountain Studies, based at UHI Perth, 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 resources in a changing climate (starts September) and deer management, (starts the end of January).
The MSc Sustainable Mountain Development can be studied online from anywhere worldwide.
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 master's degree
- Study online, full-time or part-time to suit your lifestyle, from within the UK or internationally
Curriculum
PgCert
Core modules:
- Global mountain geographies (S1)
- Understanding sustainability discourses (S2)
- Understanding the policy environment (S1)
PgDip
Optional modules, from which you must choose three, include:
- Agroecology: regenerative food systems (S2)
- Biodiversity management (S2)
- Communities, nature and sustainability (S1)
- Extreme weather (S2)
- Qualitative inquiry (S2)*
- Quantitative research and data analysis (S1)*
- Sustainable deer management (S2)
- Sustainable land use (S1)
- The economics of community wealth building (S2)
- Water resources in a changing climate (S1)
- Working with communities (S2)
- Any elective from any of the university's masters programmes
*It's strongly recommended that you take one of these modules if you plan to continue to MSc level
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. This is a 60-credit module.
Program delivery
Start date
- September
- January
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
- Part-time (unstructured)
- Students in this program 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, UHI Perth. 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?
- Full-time: 1 year @ 10-12 hours per week per module
- 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, participate in module discussion boards, and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Program Tuition Fee
Admissions
Why study at University of the Highlands and Islands
Achieve a UK degree without moving abroad
Courses in health, sustainability, engineering, history, outdoors and more with the University of the Highlands and Islands:
- Flexible study options to fit with your life
- #3 in the UK and #1 in Scotland for postgraduate student satisfaction
- Top 10 most affordable UK universities
- Decades of online teaching experience
Browse all of the online undergraduate and postgraduate programmes that we offer for international students.
Student Testimonials
Career Opportunities
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 several different spheres in mountain management, such as:
- Management positions in the public sector or non-governmental organizations
- 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.
Program Admission Requirements
Show your commitment and readiness for Grad school by taking the GRE - the most broadly accepted exam for graduate programs internationally.