Land and Sea

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Whether you're looking to join Scotland's growing marine industry or seeking to conserve our beautiful countryside, our courses combine all the practical skills certifications you'll need along with a wealth of work-based experience.

Sarah MacInnes

Sarah MacInnes graduated from our Rural Skills NC and is using her skills to manage a community food project.

"There's lots to learn and the lecturers have so much knowledge and experience. We cover so much - it’s a taster of many different skills. I am loving the course and it’s such an interesting and varied group of people that I study with. I would really recommend it."

Countryside Skills with Ranger Training NQ content Two people building a stone wall

Countryside Skills with Ranger Training NQ

Starts January Take a step into a new career with this rewarding, fast-paced course. A unique opportunity to learn skills that will develop your employment prospects while knowing you're contributing to the conservation of Scotland's countryside.

You may qualify for Bursary funding.

Outdoor Adventure NQ content Student group taking a break from hill walking

Outdoor Adventure NQ

Improve your personal competence in a range of outdoor adventure activities and accelerate your learning in challenging environments. Our highly skilled tutors will guide you on your way in developing sound skills and experience in mountain, river and sea environments.

  • Where? Broadford, Isle of Skye
  • Full-time or Part-time? Full-time (approx. 18 hours per week)
  • See course details
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Outdoor Leadership NQ

Explore many different activities – from paddle sports and mountain biking to rock climbing – during your course, learning everything you need to know to be a professional activity instructor. Master your skills in mountain, river and sea environments.

  • Where? Fort William
  • Full-time or Part-time? Full-time (approx. 18 hours per week)
  • See course details
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Wildlife and Conservation Management HNC

Land use impacts and human activity have put pressure on the world’s environments. Become multi skilled, have a broad understanding of nature and climate issues and prepare to pivot towards to the large range of employment opportunities in the fast-growing and dynamic green economy.

  • Where? West Highand, North Highland, Outer Hebrides 
  • Full-time or part-time? Both
  • See course details 
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Growing Roots: Creating Sustainable Adventure Experiences with Trees

Growing Roots is a course to inspire people to collaborate with nature and develop their personal potential while running a rural enterprise. Participants will learn about eco-economy and transformative slow tourism in a way that benefits them and their community.

  • Where? Anywhere with internet connection
  • Full-time or part-time? Part-time
  • See course details
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Sustainability and the Environment

An introduction to sustainable development and why it is important for the safe future of our world and its inhabitants. Learn about how this applies to you personally and your area of study.

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Maritime and Aquaculture

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View Maritime and Aquaculture course progression routes

Maritime and Aquaculture Skills NQ content A ferry

Maritime and Aquaculture Skills NQ

Taught by a master mariner, this course equips you with all your basic boat skill certificates and an understanding of aquaculture. A great starting point for a career in a major growth sector of Scotland's economy.

You may be eligible for Bursary funding.

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Shipping and Maritime Operations NC Level 6
Take your first step towards training for the Merchant Navy's deck and engineer officer training programmes or alternatively begin your path to a career in shore based maritime operations.
  • Where? Mallaig
  • Full-time or part-time? Full-time (18 hours per week)
  • See course details
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Our Degree courses:

Archaeology and Environmental Studies BSc (Hons)

Archaeological Science BSc (Hons)

Geography BA (Hons)

Marine and Coastal Tourism BA (Hons)

Sustainable Development BA (Hons)

Rural Community Development CPD Award SCQF Level 9

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Work-based learning

If you're already working year round in a land-based business or a fish farm you might consider one of our work-based learning courses. Learn on a part-time flexible basis while you're still earning.

To find out more please email workbasedlearning.whc@uhi.ac.uk

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Aquaculture NPA

Have you just entered into employment at a fish farm and have little or no prior knowledge of the aquaculture industry? This course will give you a good basic knowledge of the industry and prepare you for further study on the Modern Apprenticeship in Aquaculture.

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Aquaculture SVQ2

Working in aquaculture already and want to progress your career with a qualification while still earning a living? Aquaculture SVQ2 enables you to gain a recognised qualification for work that you are already carrying out on a day to day basis.

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Aquaculture SVQ3

You already work in an aquaculture setting and want to gain a recognised qualification or open up promotion possibilities. Aquaculture SVQ3 increases your skills and employability and doesn't require you or your employer to organise any day release because our assessors visit you.