University of the Highlands & Islands

This course at our Scottish School of Forestry, based at the outskirts of the historic small city of Inverness, Scottish Highlands.

Founded over 50 years ago, the Scottish School of Forestry is as relevant as ever, as forestry becomes an important part of the toolkit to address the challenges of climate change.

Carlota moved to Scotland from Spain to study BSc (Hons) Forest Management, here is what she thought about the course: "I looked at a few places but I had heard good things about the more practically orientated course and the high rate of employability for UHI’s Scottish School of Forestry students. I really enjoyed the school's setting in Culloden Woods and the different experience that students from different backgrounds brought to the class and the family-like environment."

This course is part of the University of the Highlands and Islands' specialist School of Adventure Studies based in Fort William, also known as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ due to unparallelled access to world-class outdoor activities.

As part of their studies, adventure students are immersed in the outdoors, with a world-class outdoor playground in the Scottish Highlands. They will also complete an international expedition to put their learning into practice.

Matilda from Sweden graduated from the BA (Hons) Adventure Education, here is what she said about the course: “The natural surroundings are fantastic and the many practical sessions we did in first year were really valuable as a way of getting to sample the different outdoor sports. I enjoy living in a small town where I know many people and have constant access to such beautiful and spectacular surroundings, excellent mountain biking and hillwalking right on my doorstep.”

“This degree has allowed me to test my intellect and ponder philosophical questions about the natural world and humanity's relationship to it, that I would undoubtedly never have thought about otherwise. It has honed my ability to think critically.”

A world of adventure awaits you at the School of Adventure Studies. Are you ready to dive in? Our outdoor degree programmes are:

BA (Hons) Adventure Education
BA (Hons) Adventure Tourism Management
BSc (Hons) Adventure Performance and Coaching

This course is based at the picturesque UHI Centre for Golf in Dornoch, Scottish Highlands.

Scotland is known as 'the home of golf' due to its strong historic ties with the sport, and our Golf degree courses are run in a special partnership with the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA).

Giordano graduated from UHI in 2020, here is what he said about his course: "Studying BA (Hons) Golf Management at UHI has been an outstanding development opportunity for my career. During my studies, I worked my way through different positions in major golf clubs such as Royal Dornoch Golf Club and The Duke’s in Scotland; Royal Sydney in Australia; the Union League of Philadelphia in the United States; and Royal Golf La Bagnaia in Italy.”

“Shortly after I graduated, I had the opportunity to work for Scotland’s golf governing body, Scottish Golf. During my time at Scottish Golf, I was involved in the implementation and organisation of national tournaments.”

“All these experiences have led me to now being in the privileged position of working for the European Tour Group and contributing towards the organisation and staging of one of the most important sporting events in the world, the Ryder Cup.”

If Golf studies in the home of golf sounds perfect for you, we have two degree programmes available:

BA (Hons) Professional Golf BA (Hons) Golf Management

You will not find a better classroom in which to develop core scientific and analytical skills than the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. We have, undeniably, one of the world’s best ‘living laboratories,’ in the spectacular natural habitats of the Scottish Highlands.

You will have access to specialist analytical equipment across the university network, and the opportunity to undertake a residential field module each year at locations throughout the region, including an international field module in year 2. These modules are a key part of the course, allowing you to develop your field skills while working in some of the most outstanding habitats in Scotland and Iceland.

Student Cornelius describes his time on the course so far: “The Highlands provide the best place to study environmental science: you are so close to all the major environmental systems, such as freshwater and marine environments. Fieldtrips are by far my favourite part of the course as they allow me to use the knowledge learned in lectures. The trips are always a good laugh, they also make you realise the amount of knowledge the tutors have.”

This course is at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) based in Oban, a partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands. Founded in 1884 by Sir John Murray, the father of oceanography, SAMS is among the oldest marine science organisations in the world!

Studying with us means opportunities to exit with any of the following four pathways:

BSc (Hons) Marine Science
BSc (Hons) Marine Science with Arctic Studies
BSc (Hons) Marine Science with Marine Biology
BSc (Hons) Marine Science with Oceanography and Robotics

Janne moved from Germany and is studying BSc (Hons) Marine Science with Oceanography and Robotics. Here is what she said about her studies: “I love this course because our lecturers are renowned scientists in their field, and it's so inspiring to be taught by them. It's hands on with a small number of students per class, so you have a very personal connection to your lecturer."

"If you’re passionate about the ocean this is by far the best place to study. I think SAMS is brilliant and I would recommend it to anyone, especially if you love learning by doing.”

This course is at UHI Archaeology Institute, a world-class teaching and research organisation. You will be based in Kirkwall, the hub of the Orkney Islands.

The Highlands and Islands region has particularly rich and diverse archaeological heritage - from Neolithic stone-built settlements, tombs and stone circles, to Iron Age brochs, Pictish and Viking settlements and burials, historical archaeology such as the clearances to remains from the First and Second World Wars - situated in landscapes which are distinctive and often fragile.

However, although the Institute carries out internationally significant research within the Highlands and Islands, we also work much farther afield – with current research projects ongoing in Easter Island and The Cook Islands.

Duncan moved to Orkney to study at the UHI Archaeology Institute. Here is what he said about his experience: "The institute has a great support network. With a low student-to-staff ratio, feedback is in-depth, and lecturers are great at making themselves available to discuss aspects of the course."

"The relaxed atmosphere is good. The lecturers have a genuine interest, and it makes all the difference in a two-hour lecture if they are passionate about their subject and keen for you to learn about it."

For entry requirements at SQA Higher BBC we suggest a High School Graduation Diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.7 or above, plus one of the following:

ACT: Composite score of 20 minimum
APs: 2 Advanced Placements at minimum grade 3
SAT (post-March 2016): score of 1000 minimum (with at least 500 in each component)
SAT (pre-March 2016): score of 1500 minimum (with at least 500 in each component)
SAT Subject Tests: 2 at a minimum score of 500