Science, nature and the environment
Are you fascinated by the information we can learn by exploring our surroundings? Enjoy unparalleled opportunities to study archaeological science and environmental science surrounded by some of the UK’s best sites for nature and heritage conservation. With environmental issues under scrutiny and solutions in high demand, you won’t find a better classroom than the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.
Do you imagine a future where you combine your love of horses with your aspirations in business, to create a successful career? Are you passionate about our woodlands and inspired to preserve the safety of our forests for future generations to enjoy? Explore our range of courses and take your next steps towards a career in areas such as equine business management and forestry and treescapes management.
Take part in field trips in the Scottish Highlands and Iceland, on our in-depth geography course, while developing highly transferable skills that can be applied to almost any workplace. Dive into marine science, being taught by marine science experts, while you collect samples and data on research vessels, in aquaria and on the seashore, and develop excellent laboratory skills.

Undergraduate
- Archaeological Science
- Archaeology with Gaelic Studies
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Science (with a year in industry)
- Equine Business Management
- Forestry and Treescapes Management
- Geography BSc (Hons)
- Geography (with a year in industry)
- Geography BA (Hons) (Joint degrees available)
- Marine Science
- Sustainable Development (Joint degrees available)
Postgraduate
- Aquaculture, Environment and Society
- Archaeological Practice
- Business Administration – Environment, Renewable Energy and Resilience
- Equine Leadership and Management
- Extreme Weather
- Island Studies
- Net Zero Communities
- Outdoor and Adventure Therapeutic Practice
- Sustainability and Rural Regeneration
- Sustainable Energy Solutions
- Sustainable Mountain Development
- Masters by Research (MRes)
Discover sustainability professional development courses


Alberto, marine science graduate
I knew at SAMS I would have lots of opportunities to get into the lab and do plenty of research and, as SAMS only accepts a select number of students per year, it makes it so much easier to have a dialogue and a rapport with your lectures and the researchers.
Alberto, from the USA, studied our BSc (Hons) Marine Science at the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS), a UHI partner.
Pathways to study
If you don't initially meet the entry requirements for degree study there is always another route and you may want to consider an HNC, HND or access course:
- HNC Applied Science
- HNC Bioscience
- HNC Forestry
- HNC and HND Wildlife and Conservation Management
- HNC and HND Horticulture
- HNC Equine Studies
- HNC Nautical Sciences
Careers
Graduates progress into a variety of roles:
- Aquaculture and fisheries industries
- Biotechnology, food and drink chemical industries
- Conservation protection and environmental analysis
- Equine coach and rehabilitation
- Environmental, government agency and forestry organisations
- Marine biotechnology and conservation
- Natural resource industries
- Policy development
- Research and academia
- Tourism
Professional development opportunities
