Environmental Science Higher

What is special about this course?

Environmental Scientists are involved in tackling issues such as global climate change, pollution, use of land and water resources, and changes in wildlife habitats.

As part of this online course, you will: 

  • Look at interactions between humans and the environment, incorporating a mix of geography, geology, history, modern studies, and biology 
  • Develop scientific awareness of environmental issues 
  • Evaluate environmental and scientific issues, to consider risk, and to make informed decisions

This course is experiential and can lead to the development of an informed and ethical view of topical issues. 

You will also be prepared for further education, training or employment, in areas associated with life sciences 

Special features: 

  • You will develop skills in communication, collaborative working, leadership. 
  • You can study part time alongside your employment or another full-time course. 
  • This course covers all the content of the SQA Higher course to prepare you for the exam which takes place in May.

Entry requirements

  • One National 5 

Applications are encouraged from mature students who do not possess formal qualifications but have skills to meet the academic demand of the course.

Course content includes:

Living environment
•    investigating ecosystems and biodiversity
•    interdependence
•    human influences on biodiversity

Earth's resources
The topics covered are:
•    the geosphere
•    the hydrosphere
•    the biosphere 
•    the atmosphere

Sustainability
•    global challenges
•    food
•    water
•    energy
•    waste management
•    anthropogenic climate change

Equipment

You will be required to purchase a scientific calculator (approx. £10). If you are eligible for a bursary these costs will be covered.

How will I study my course?

  • Part Time
  • Online

You will study online through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) with support from your lecturer; however, you will be required to attend a prelim and a practical assignment. The SQA exam can be sat on campus or at another agreed centre closer to your home.

How long will my course last?

1 Year

Course cost: £352

Where can I study my course?

    • UHI Moray

Start date

September

Fees

If you are studying part time and are on low income or in receipt of certain benefits your course fees may be covered by a fee waiver.

If you are not Ordinarily Resident in Scotland, you may need to pay course fees.

Please refer to our Fees and Funding section for more information.

Funding

Our Student Finance Advisers can advise you on all aspects of student funding. The support available depends upon your personal circumstances.
Please refer to our Fees and Funding section for more information.

What can I do on completion of my course?

On successful completion of this course, you may progress onto: 

  • Environmental science and sustainability (SCQF Level 6) 
  • HNC Bioscience 

Alternatively, can progress onto further study where Higher Enviornmental Science is an entry requirement.

Is there more information available online?

QR Code - scan to visit course page

You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.

Apply for Environmental Science Higher

I want to start in 2025/26

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Moray. UHI Moray operates 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 age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.