Sustainable Land Use

Module information

The way we use land (and who gets to decide that) has profound implications for where we can live, what employment is available, how we eat, how we spend our leisure time and what animals and plants we come into contact with. Land is a finite resource which is gradually reducing in quality and quantity, both in Scotland and around the world. In this context, it is becoming ever more important to consider how we may be able to integrate certain land uses, what the implications of this may be, and to what extent this can be considered a sustainable approach to utilising this finite resource.

In rural Scotland today, we are wrestling with many of these issues in the form of: the rural housing crisis; agricultural reform and the ongoing role of crofting; the burgeoning natural capital market; the future of hunting and shooting estates; the renewed interest in ‘rewilding’ and biodiversity protection; and reforms in the ownership and governance of land. This CPD module provides a background to many of these debates with regard to policy, practice and theory.

This course is recommended to anyone interested in finding out more about how we can own, use and manage land in ways which provide for sustainable economic, social and environmental objectives while integrating the voices of local people.

Special features:

• Fully online and asynchronous, allowing flexible study from anywhere in the world
• Course materials regularly updated to include contemporary issues and ongoing debates, both in Scotland and internationally
• Course delivered by active researchers in the area of land and communities
• Specific focus on necessary land use considerations in an era of scarcity and climate change

Module learning outcomes

• Gain an awareness and critical understanding of the policy context and key drivers for sustainable land use and apply them to the context of community development
• Demonstrate a broad understanding of the key concepts which relate to sustainable land use in rural Scotland.
• Critically discuss and present key ideas about sustainable land use, including analysis of case studies.
• Formulate and defend informed conclusions of the overall relevance of key land-based opportunities for sustainable rural development.

Module Outline

1. Introducing the module – history, background and the importance of sustainable land use
2. Major drivers for sustainable rural land use and renewable energy in rural Scotland
3. Key concepts for sustainable rural land use
4. Sustainable agriculture and localised food production in rural Scotland
5. Forestry and rural communities
6. Estates and sporting
7. Recreation, tourism and wild land
8. Nature conservation and biodiversity
9. Renewable energy
10. Costs and benefits of renewable energy for rural communities
11. Decision making for sustainable land use
12. The future for integrated land use

2024-25 fee

The 2024/25 fee is:

£584 (Scottish students)
£780 (Rest of UK)

Entry Requirements

• Honours degree, or ordinary degree in a relevant subject
• Postgraduate diploma or professional qualification in a relevant subject
• Other qualifications will be considered if accompanied by a minimum of three years' relevant professional experience

Apply

Apply online to start on 2 September 2024:

CPD Award Sustainable Land Use (SCQF Level 11) (uhi.ac.uk)

Please contact bobby.macaulay.perth@uhi.ac.uk if you'd like more information