Do you want to understand and make a real difference towards the sustainability of mountain regions? If you are working in, or are interested in mountain areas, this course is ideal. Places are still available for the next academic year, starting in September.
The MSc in Sustainable Mountain Development is a unique online, part-time interdisciplinary course. While many students complete the entire MSc, including six modules and a 15,000-word dissertation, it is also possible to exist with a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), after taking the three core modules, or a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), after taking three further optional modules. Individual modules can also be taken for Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
The three core modules provide the framework to allow students to understand both the key issues relating to sustainable development in mountain areas, and the tools used to design and implement policies in this context. Some of the optional modules are for skills development; others will help to develop a deeper understanding of the key issues.
Students appreciate the flexible structure of the course. They can take either one or two modules a semester (September-December, late January-May). If a student needs to take some time out, it is possible to suspend studies for one or more semesters.
The MSc has been delivered since 2004. While the modules in the course provide the fundamental bases of learning, almost all students are ‘mature students’ who bring their own experience to their studies, so that peer-learning is a very important part of the course. These interactions take place through weekly discussions on the online platform BrightspaceTM which is used to deliver the course. So far, students have come from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. You can read their comments on the course here.
The programme is managed from the Centre for Mountain Studies at Perth College, University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), and has international recognition as an activity of the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Mountain Development. Students have access to the extensive online library of the UHI, one of the UK’s leading universities in online education.
Entry requirements:
- Honours degree or ordinary degree
- Postgraduate diploma or professional qualification
- Other qualifications will be considered if accompanied by a minimum of three years’ relevant professional experience
- If previous degrees did not use the English language, proof of competence in English: see here.
For more information, go to the course website.
