University of the Highlands and the Islands
From their small campus on the stunning Orkney Islands, UHI offers a small, carefully curated suite of full-time Master’s degrees where you do fieldowrk on coasts and heritage sites. This portfolio includes Archaeological Practice, Archaeological Studies, and Viking Studies, all shaped by Orkney’s world-class heritage and vibrant research culture.
With small class sizes, a close-knit community, and supportive one-to-one mentoring, you’ll enjoy a highly personalised learning experience.
Fast Facts
Location
Scotland, United Kingdom
Number of students
40,000 across 48 campuses and specialist centres
International
2,500+ international students from 50+ countries
Faculties
- Science, Health and the Environment
- Arts, Humanities, Business and Education
Notable Alumni
- Julie Fowlis – Scottish folk singer and multi-instrumentalist
- Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam MBE – Former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England
- Anne Lundon – Broadcaster for BBC Alba and BBC Scotland
- Tom Kitchin – Michelin star chef
- Calum Maclean – TV presenter
Key strengths in teaching and research
- Archaeology, culture and history
- Business, tourism and management
- Creative industries
- Education and social sciences
- Healthcare and wellbeing
- Environmental science including geography, forestry and marine
- Sports including golf and outdoor adventure
- Sustainability and engineering
Research
Main research themes include:
- Centre for Rural Health Sciences
- Institute of Health Research and Innovation
- Society, Identity, Landscape and Knowledge
- Humanities and Arts
- Marine, Environmental Science and Engineering
Nearly 75% of UHI research was judged as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).
Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2024
Complete University Guide, 2023
Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, 2024
Location
UHI is a multi-campus university where subjects studied are tied to the local geography, industries and culture in each place, so you’ll live and study in the best location for your subject.
With its mix of tranquil and exhilarating activities in both rural and city communities, UHI offers a unique lifestyle. Enjoy excellent access to beaches, mountains, paddleboarding, climbing, mountain biking and camping spots.
Our Masters courses offered at the Orkney campus offers something truly unique: a welcoming island community, breathtaking natural surroundings, and the opportunity to study in one of the UK’s most distinctive and forward-thinking learning environments.
Other information
- UHI’s Scottish School of Forestry campus is set within a 100-hectare forest
- Founded in 1884 by Sir John Murray, the father of oceanography, UHI partners with the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), which is among the oldest marine science organisations globally
- UHI’s Outdoor Adventure Sports courses are based in Fort William, known as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ for its access to world-class outdoor activities
- Scotland is known as ‘the home of golf,’ and our Golf degree courses are run in a special partnership with the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA)
Scholarships
For further information about scholarships for international students at the University of the Highlands and the Islands, please contact the Inova Education team. We are experts in this field and will help you to identify the best option for you.
