MSc Sustainable Mountain Development
This is a fully online, part-time, interdisciplinary programme with exit awards at Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert), Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip), and MSc levels.
If you want to make a real difference towards the sustainability of mountain regions, this postgraduate course in Sustainable Mountain Development is for you. You will access the latest thinking on complex mountain issues by studying modules with a focus on advanced theory and practice relating to environmental, social, economic and professional development.
By the end of your studies, you will be equipped with the practical skills and knowledge to help you understand and manage the real challenges faced by people living and working in mountainous areas today.
Dr Rosalind Bryce is the Programme Leader and Director, Centre for Mountain Studies
Read a blog by Rosalind - Developing a virtual student community - MSc Sustainable Mountain Development - published by MOVING (MOuntain Valorisation through INterconnectedness and Green growth), a Horizon 2020 project
2024/25 and 2025/26 Academic Year
2024/25 and 2025/26 Academic Year
Apply online to start in January 2025 or September 2025.
Course Details
Course Details
To complete the PgCert: 3 x 20 credit core modules
To complete the PgDip: 3 x 20 credit core & 3 x 20 credit optional modules
To complete the MSc: 3 x 20 credit core & 3 x 20 credit optional modules , 1 x 60 credit dissertation
Core Modules
Core Modules
Global Mountain Geographies (semester 1)
Understanding the Policy Environment (semester 1)
Understanding Sustainability Discourses (semester 2)
Download module summary:
MSc Sustainable Mountain Development 2024/25 modules
Optional modules
Optional modules
A range of optional modules are available, some of these are for skills development; others will help to develop a deeper understanding of the key issues. Some modules are available as standalone modules for Continuing Professional Development. Experts from across the UHI help equip you with a qualification tailored for working in mountain areas
Students choose 3 optional modules. If you are planning to continue to dissertation level, we strongly recommend you take QRDA or QI as one of your three optional modules
Communities, Nature and Sustainability (semester 1)
Quantitative Research and Data Analysis (QRDA) (semester 1)
Sustainable Land Use (semester 1)
Water Resources in a Changing Climate (semester 1)
Agroecology - Regenerative Food Systems (semester 2)
Biodiversity management (semester 2)
Extreme Weather (semester 2)
Qualitative Inquiry (QI) (semester 2)
The Economics of Community Wealth Building (semester 2)
Sustainable deer management (semester 2)
Working with Communities (semester 2)
Download module summary:
Dissertation
Dissertation
The dissertation is a 60 credit module and normally takes 2 semesters to complete
To give you an idea of dissertation topics, you can view a List of dissertation titles submitted by students.
Student handbook
Fees and funding
Fees and funding
Students who meet the Scottish residence eligibility can apply through the Scottish Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for a tuition fee loan for the MSc course (part-time students must complete the course in within three years).
Graduate testimonials
Graduate testimonials
"I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in mountains and sustainability. It opens your eyes and provides a solid basis for discussion of some of the issues that are at the core of popular concern in our world today"
"I’d definitely recommend the course to anyone who is interested in mountains and sustainable practices"
"I would encourage anyone thinking about this course to embrace the opportunity for further learning and enjoy the journey"
"I would recommend this university to anyone. It is an affordable, effective learning facility that has granted me so much in my years of study. The lecturers and programme leaders continue to amaze me with their efforts and publications. I have been so impressed with my experience here"
"I would strongly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in the future of people and wildlife in mountains, islands and other fragile areas"
"A valuable, enjoyable and enriching experience; it was invaluable for developing a deeper understanding of the social, environmental and economic issues mountain places and communities contend with"
Sally found that the online, flexible scheduling of the programme easily allowed her to work while pursuing her graduate studies. The program also allowed her to focus her dissertation studies on Himalayan communities, and she was able to conduct field research in Nepal, which was an incredible experience, both in terms of gaining skills in research, as well as being a profound personal adventure
Article on the MSc published in Mountain Research & Development
Article on the MSc published in Mountain Research & Development
Integrated Land Use Conference
Integrated Land Use Conference
In March of every year, UHI organises an Integrated Land Use Conference in the Cairngorms National Park for undergraduate and postgraduate students. Students on the MSc in Sustainable Mountain Development are welcome to participate.
Further information
Further information
Please contact us for further information or if you have any questions:
Rosalind Bryce, Programme Leader: rosalind.bryce.perth@uhi.ac.uk
Centre for Mountain Studies team: info.cms.perth@uhi.ac.uk