Frequently Asked Questions

What are the entry requirements for Undergraduate degrees?

Standard entry requirements are BBC at Higher or BC at A level, and at least two of these Highers should be from a list of relevant academic subjects. However, applicants with other qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis (see below).

You must also have regular and reliable access to the internet and a computer (or other suitable device for studying) for any degree at UHI in order to take advantage of our full range of online learning services, which include support from your tutors and fellow UHI students as well as access to UHI’s Virtual Learning Environment and vast online learning library. See section on IT requirements below for further details. 

I don’t meet the entry qualifications, what can I do?

If you have already completed HNC Social Science (or equivalent), this would enable you to access the course at Year 1 or, potentially at Year 2 if you have completed additional SCQF credits. If you do not have the standard entry qualifications, you may be considered for the degree on the basis of a portfolio of alternative work-based or other evidence of the required knowledge and experience via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Alternatively, you may be advised to take an access course such as the SWAP Programme. See the relevant course page on the UHI website for details.

Do you accept transfer students? I've already done one year of my degree course, and I want to change institutions.

Yes, depending on your programme of study, it is possible to transfer from another institution by transferring the credits you have already gained via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). When completing your application form, specify which level you wish to apply to, which institution you attended or are currently attending, the title of the degree programme and provide a transcript of the modules or courses that you have achieved, including grades.

When can I start studying?

Full-time and part-time Undergraduate students start in September of each year. It is not possible to start in January on either a part-time or a full-time basis for any History or joint honours History degrees.

What is the difference between full and part-time study?

Full-time and part-time refers to the time take to complete the course, not the time taken for each individual module which is the same for all students. Full-time students take three modules in each of the two semesters each academic year, while part-time students can take less. Part-time students can either be structured – undertaking three modules per year – or unstructured – undertaking as few or as many as they wish in each semester.

How many hours will I be expected to study each week?

Full-time students should expect to spend approximately 36 hours per week studying. Full-time study is a full-time commitment. Think of it being like a full-time job! However, this does not mean that you have 36 hours of classes each week. Instead, the time you spend at university is split into three different categories (NB. The details below are for FT students):

• Direct learning: approx. 6 hours (three 2-hour classes per module, per week)
• Tutor-supported learning: approx. 9 hours (this involves preparation for each of your classes, using the materials provided online for each module)
• Self-directed learning: approx. 21 hours per week (this entails reading around the themes discussed in your classes – both before and after class – as well as research, planning and writing of your various assessments for each module, spread over the semester)

Part-time students may study 1 or 2 modules per semester and should expect to spend up to 20 hours per week on average studying, depending on the number of modules selected. Some weeks will be busier than others but remember that you will need to plan your time around your assessments and the deadlines for such.

How will I access the course?

The Humanities degree programmes are taught mostly by video conference (VC), although some degrees (such as Gaelic Scotland) will have more of an online method. Student attendance at each weekly session is very strongly encouraged as it is through that proactive engagement with discussions of key themes that you better learn and understand the elements being discussed. For those unable to attend a class (i.e. for health reasons, or, for part time students only, work reasons), sessions are recorded so you do not miss out and can catch up in your own time.

You can access your classes from home on your own equipment. You can also attend your nearest UHI college to attend classes on site, although this will be in an individual setting (i.e. a computer pod or similar) which must be booked in advance. Our classroom and our classes are mostly constructed online, and you will get to know your tutors and your fellow students in that space. VC classes are intended to be interactive, and so tutors will largely engage in a dialogue with you around key themes each week, setting you tasks to do before and during class, as well as engaging in class and group discussions as part of the live sessions.

All materials for your course are provided through the UHI Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), Brightspace. Here you will find weekly materials for each module/class, key readings to undertake before attending class, assessment details, support resources, and lots of other elements to aid you with your studies. Your live classes will also be accessed through the VLE.

What is the timetable for classes?

The timetable for classes varies from year to year but all classes are scheduled Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Students will be provided with a timetable for their classes during the induction to the degree.

What are the IT requirements for studying at UHI?

Whilst there are IT provision and IT support at each of the campuses, when studying at home, you need to ensure that you have access to a suitable device and home broadband network to enable you to gain the full experience of being a student in a consistent manner.  This means you will need access to:  

• A computer or device for accessing the internet, the VLE (Brightspace) and VC classes.  
• A webcam and headset for joining the VC sessions and engaging in discussion. 
• Good quality internet connection.  
• The UHI website provides extensive information about IT requirements for studying at home. 

The Essential Student Skills guide has an extensive section getting started with the various technologies used at UHI. 

How do I communicate with staff?

Office365TM is the University's email service and all UHI students will have an Office365 email account which takes the format studentID@uhi.ac.uk.

Email communication from your course tutors, your college or learning centre and from within UHI will be sent to your Office365 account. For GDPR reasons, once you have enrolled on your degree course, staff and module tutors will only correspond with you using your UHI email address, so it is vital that you check this regularly.  

How will I get access to books and reading material?

All students will be shown how to access library materials during the induction to the degree. Students can borrow books from their college library and request that books be transferred from the other UHI college libraries. Students will also have access to an extensive range of online journal articles, e-books and some digitised chapters from books. If you live near a UHI campus, you can (and should) use their facilities for private study, library access, etc.

Will I be expected to buy many books?

Although students are expected to purchase or have regular access to key texts, many of these are now available as e-books through the Library. It is therefore best to check the module information on Brightspace, or to consult with your tutor before purchasing core texts. 

What will I need to do to pass each module?

You will usually have 2-3 assessments to complete for each module. These may take the form of reports, essays, group work, blog posts, presentations, posters, source exercises, literature reviews, etc. Most Humanities programmes no longer have exams, with just one or two exceptions. All students need to achieve a mark of 40% overall on the module to pass it, and must achieve a minimum grade on each individual piece of coursework, to similarly be allowed to pass (NB. This minimum threshold is different on different courses, so please check with your programme/module leaders, but in essence, students need to undertake all relevant assessments on each module).

Students should submit all assessments to the deadlines set for each module. There are, additionally, two resit periods (March for Semester 1 modules and August for Semester 2 modules) in which completion of work that did not pass the first time should be submitted.

We do appreciate that various things can get in the way, such as illness, bereavement, etc. which can affect your ability to submit work on time. In those circumstances, the university has a system whereby students can apply for Mitigating Circumstances. If accepted, students can either submit the work up to 10 days beyond the deadline, or indeed in the next period of submission. 

All full-time students need to have completed at least four of their six modules by the end of the academic year to be allowed to progress to the next year of their studies. Any outstanding modules will need to be completed in the following year, alongside that year’s curriculum.

How flexible is the course?

This course is delivered over two semesters of 12-14 weeks - September to December, and end of January to beginning of May. Each module is constructed around a weekly theme/set of themes. All students should work to that structure as they progress.

All students have the opportunity at first and second year to undertake two modules from other courses. As a result, no matter which degree you commence your studies on, you can change this throughout your studies, and swap a single honours degree for a joint honours degree, or change subjects completely. There are some limitations on this, and you will need to discuss any such change with your Personal Academic Tutor/Programme Leader to make sure that it is possible in your circumstances, but we do aim to ensure a great deal of flexibility to allow students the chance to make changes to their studies and continue to enjoy their time at UHI.

How much does it cost/am I eligible for funding?

Check the Tuition fees information section on the UHI website for up to date information about degree costs and the funding information page to find out if you are eligible for tuition fee payment and/or other funding towards your studies.

Can I leave before completing the full degree?

The Humanities degrees all enable students to exit at various stages along the pathway towards degree level. So, students can exit:

• at the end of their first year, with the Certificate in Higher Education, if they have completed 6 modules (including any core modules for the degree) at that level
• at the end of their second year, with the Diploma in Higher Education, if they have completed a total of 12 modules (including any core modules);
• and at the end of their third year, with the BA, if they have completed a total of 18 modules (including any core modules).

What does "auditing" a module mean?

Auditing a module means that you participate in the VC lectures and seminars, participate on the discussion board, and do the readings for the module but you don't do any assessments. Auditing a module is ideal for people who are interested in undertaking a module for personal interest, with no desire to gain a qualification. The cost of auditing a module is currently the same as taking a module for credit. 

I’ve accepted my place. How do I get started? Is there anything I can prepare before I start the course?

Prospective students often want to prepare for starting the course. Although this is not necessary as all information will be given within the individual modules, you might want to take a look at your module resource lists to get an idea of the subjects covered. As this is an online course, almost all resources will be available electronically, though some modules may have one or two recommended student purchases. To look up your module resource lists, go to the following site and enter the module name (you can find a list of modules you may study for your course on the website).

You could also have a look at the UHI induction site, especially if you have been away from study for some time - it gives you advice on essay-writing, referencing and other study skills.

Online enrolment opens from July for those with unconditional offers and, once you are notified that online enrolment is open, you can complete it through UHI Student Journey. Enrolling online takes approximately five minutes. You will have received information on how to online enrol with confirmation of your acceptance of your place. Further information and support on online enrolment is available here through the UHI website. Student Journey is a one stop shop where you can check module/unit results, contact your advisor, change your address or print out transcripts. 

After completing online enrolment, you need to select your modules for the semester, which you can also do through Student Journey. If you enrol in January, you will need to ask your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) or Programme Leader to get you enrolled on your modules. Similarly, part-time studentsm or those on less common programmes cannot select their modules online. If you are unable to select your modules online, please liaise with your Programme Leader. History students can also contact historyhelp@uhi.ac.uk for assistance.

Once you have chosen your modules, they will appear on the first day of term in UHI Brightspace. You login to this using the same details as for your email and student journey.

Once you have enrolled on the course, all students taking a History module will be enrolled on Hi-SIC (History Student Info Centre) where you will find more information on the course structure, Student Handbook, Referencing and Assessment Guide, modules, staff, where to go if you need help, library etc. History students on joint-honours programmes will also be enrolled on the programme space for their second subject.  

What support is available to me?

If you would like more information about which subjects to choose, or any academic concerns or issues, please contact the relevant Programme Leader, who is your main programme-related contact for your studies, and whose contact details are provided below. History students can also contact historyhelp@uhi.ac.uk for advice.

Once you commence your studies, you will be assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT), based at the college at which you are enrolled, who can deal with pastoral concerns, issues and other things that you might like to discuss face-to-face. Your PAT will be in contact with you at least once each semester to review your academic progress; this is in addition to an introductory meeting at the start of each academic year. You are welcome to contact your PAT at any time if you wish to discuss any aspect of your studies.

In addition to being supported by your PAT throughout your studies, each local campus provides students with additional support should this be required. Where relevant, students may have their needs assessed by specialist staff, and a Personal Learning Support Plan (PLSP) drawn up. The UHI website also hosts a wealth of information on a wide range of services available to all our students, from inclusive and learning support, to assistance with wellbeing and mental health issues, and funding and financial support.

What events and social activities can I take part in?

HISA (the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association) represents all higher and further education students across the University of the Highlands and Islands and its thirteen partners. Run by students, for students, HISA exists to make sure your student experience is the best it can be, representing you regionally and locally. There are a range of local and regional clubs and societies you can join and, as well as hosting a number of events and projects throughout the year, HISA provides students with advice on a range of matters and can help you organise your own events. Find out more about how to get involved on HISA's website. 

Key Contacts

Contact details listed below are mainly for Programme Leaders.

NB. Joint honours students should contact the Programme Leader for the first named subject in their degree programme in the first instance.

How many staff are employed by The UHI Centre for History?

See the Staff section for more information about staff and their research and teaching interests.

Can I take part in public lectures or other events happening around the University?

Students will be informed of history-related news and events through the History Student Information Centre (HI-SIC) module on the VLE/Brightspace. The Centre for History runs the History Talks Live series of online talks throughout the year, when expert speakers offer their insights on a wide range of topics of interest to the historically-minded. In addition, details of a wide range of public events are also posted in the the Events section of the UHI website.

Where can I get further information about studying a History degree at UHI?

Please contact history@uhi.ac.uk for further information on any of our courses or on studying with the UHI Centre for History.