The information on this course page is for the 2025/26 academic year, starting in September 2025. If available, you may also apply for a January 2025 start by following the link on the course page.

Geography, Culture and Heritage BA (Hons)

Course code L7CH

What is special about this course?

Geography is the study of the Earth and the link between physical and human landscapes. It explores the relationships between people, place and the environment and how these vary across and between places. Our BA (Hons) Geography, Culture and Heritage considers these links from a humanities and social science perspective, focusing on issues such as land use, planning and development, globalisation, climate change, energy, and tourism, in order to examine human relationships with the environment as well as the subjects of key cultural, literary, linguistic, historical, musical and philosophical issues at a national and regional level.  

A degree in Geography, Culture and Heritage provides you with the knowledge and skills to understand many aspects of our rapidly changing world, equipping you to tackle real-world problems in a range of organisations and sectors, with the wide curriculum developing both specialist and transferable skills. You will also be able to immerse yourself in the wealth of fascinating culture and heritage that the Highlands and Islands of Scotland has to offer, and gain an understanding of its place in a global context.

Geography graduates are among the most employable, with skills developed in presenting ideas in reports and oral presentations, in data collection and analysis, and in the use of specialist mapping and statistical software.  

A significant number of Geography graduates move on to careers in finance, marketing and law, or to further postgraduate study, teaching and research. The knowledge and skills taught in this BA (Hons) Geography, Culture and Heritage degree are of relevance to many areas of employment, including: renewable energy; energy efficiency; waste management; tourism; rural and community development; agriculture; local government; planning; logistics; environmental agencies; primary and secondary teaching; interpretation; journalism and the media; heritage sector; museums; and government agencies. 

Please see our FAQ sheet for further information on this course.

Special features

  • Join a course which can be studied from home anywhere in the world, full or part-time to suit your circumstances
  • Delivered by tutors with years of experience of teaching at a distance, offering a high level of support
  • Online learning materials available 24/7 via laptops, tablets or mobiles, including reading, videos and podcasts
  • Optional study field trip to Iceland as well as opportunities for a student society residential trip in the Scottish Highlands
  • Geography graduates have high levels of employability in a range of sectors

Entry requirements

  • 3 Scottish Highers at grades BBC or above or
  • 2 A levels at grades BC or above
  • At least 2 should be from the list of required subjects
  • Additional qualifications and experiences will be considered on an individual basis

Advanced entry

  • HNC Social Science (12 SCQF credits) with 3 additional SCQF credits at level 7, which is equivalent to 120 degree credit points, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit, will be considered for direct entry to year two

Apply for Geography, Culture and Heritage BA (Hons)

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2025

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.