Scottish History and Politics BA (Hons)
UCAS code V22P
Information line 01463 279190
What is special about this course?
By combining the two distinct but complementary subjects of Scottish History and Politics, this joint-honours degree will give you a range of future employment, advanced study or research opportunities. You will study the two disciplines, based in the Highlands and Islands, yet with an international approach that will prepare you for life beyond university.
As you progress through the course, you will choose from a combination of modules, equally balanced between Scottish history and politics. You will study the history and politics of Scotland, Britain, Europe, North America and the wider world.
Over two-thirds of the research conducted by the Centre for History was rated at 4 and 3*, indicating ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, in the latest assessment of UK university research quality.
The impact of our research on the broader economy and society was ranked joint 8th, higher than Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh. We are also the highest ranked new History department in the UK.
Special features
- Scottish history modules are taught by experts from the university's Centre for History
- This joint-honours degree gives you a broad understanding and skills base in global issues in history and politics
- You can study full-time or part-time to suit your personal circumstances
- You can study individual modules for personal or professional development
- The Centre of History holds regular research seminars to which students are welcome
- There are opportunities to volunteer at local museums and archives as well as occasional formal opportunities.
- Occasional (voluntary) field-trips in the university's region enhance the experience of your degree
Accommodation
We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.
Entry requirements
Entry to year one:
- 3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or
- 2 A levels at grade BC or above
- At least two should be from the list of relevant academic subjects
- Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience will be considered on an individual basis
Advanced entry to year two:
- HNC Social Science (12 SCQF credits) with 3 additional SCQF credits at level 7, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit, will be considered for direct entry to year two
PVG scheme membership may be required in order to take part in optional modules in year three.
Access routes
SWAP Access courses
If you are eligible to undertake Scottish Wider Access Programmes (SWAP), please visit our SWAP access list for further information on grade profiles and available subjects.
Access to Christian Theology at our university and other relevant humanities access courses will also be considered on an individual basis.
Year 1 - CertHE
You will study the following Scottish history modules:
- What is history? PLUS
- Scottish history, 1066-1603 OR
- Scottish history, 1603 - 20th century
You will study the following politics modules:
- Introduction to politics OR
- Ideas and ideologies in politics PLUS
- The evolving politics of the British Isles OR
- Conflict and the balance of power
You will choose two further option modules from a range of history, politics and other humanities subjects.
Year 2 - DipHE
You will study the following Scottish history modules:
- Historians and history PLUS
- Land and people: the Scottish Highlands 1700-2000 OR
- Scotland, the North Sea and the Baltic
You will study the following politics modules:
- Scottish politics before and after the independence referendum OR
- History of political ideas PLUS
- Comparing political systems OR
- Inside US politics
You will choose two further option modules from a range of history, politics and other humanities subjects.
Year 3 - BA
You will study one of the two core modules (either Advanced social research methods or Public history) and a further five options, ensuring a balance of three Scottish history and three politics modules. You may take one history module in place of one Scottish history module.
Scottish history modules may include:
- The Jacobites: patriots, rebels or opportunists?
- Scots in North America
- Emigration from the Highlands and Islands since 1750
- The sovereignty of the sea?
- Crown-magnate relations in later medieval northern Scotland
- Scots in Poland, Poles in Scotland
Politics modules may include:
- Challenging liberal democracy OR
- Wars of the promised land PLUS
- Devolution, federalism and territorial politics OR
- European politics
Year 4 - BA (Hons)
You will complete a dissertation in Scottish history or politics. You will also study one option module from your chosen dissertation subject plus three option modules from the other subject. You may choose one history option in place of a Scottish history option.
Scottish history modules may include:
- The Highland wars: origins, aftermath and interpretations
- Culture and Christianity in the Highlands and Islands
- The seventeenth century in the Highlands
- The empire strikes back: how the British Empire shaped Scotland
- Royal power, propaganda and perfromance: selling the Stewart Monarchy
- Merchants, mariners and maritime marauders: Scottish trade in the early modern period
- Noble, Rebel, King: Robert Bruce and medieval Scotland
Politics modules may include:
- Geopolitics: territory, security and strategy
- Transforming regimes in eastern Europe
- Political theory
- Terrorism and unconventional warfare
How will I study my course?
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
As your course was designed using our blended learning approach and has run successfully for many years in this way, we can confirm that there will be limited change to how the course will be delivered next year. From September 2020, you will study online through a combination of video conference seminars, tutor-supported study and self-directed study using the university's virtual learning environment. You will also have an online induction at the start of the course. On-campus activities and opportunities for campus attendance will be introduced in line with the developing Scottish Government public health measures and guidance, including social distancing. Our priority is to provide a safe learning environment for all staff and students.- Full-time
- Part-time (structured)
- Part-time (unstructured)
You will learn through a combination of video conference seminars and online study via the university’s virtual learning environment (VLE) with support from your tutors. There is a weekly two-hour timetabled video conference lecture for each module which students should attend at their home campus.
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 Years @ 40 hours per week
- Part-time (structured): 8 Years @ 20 hours per week
The number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes a weekly two-hour video conference seminar for each module, online tutor-supported study and self-directed study.
Where can I study my course?
- Argyll College UHI
- Highland Theological College UHI
- Inverness College UHI
- Lews Castle College UHI
- Moray College UHI
- North Highland College UHI - Dornoch and Thurso campuses
- Orkney College UHI
- Perth College UHI
- Shetland College UHI
- West Highland College UHI
Start date
- September
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland or the European Union/EEA (outside of the UK) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| Degrees | 2019-20 | 2020-21 |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year | £645 | £645 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module) | £215 | £215 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland studying this course full time, the following fees apply:
| Full-time | Level | 2019-20 | 2020-21 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | CertHE | £9,000 | £9,000 |
| Year 2 | DipHE | £9,000 | £9,000 |
| Year 3 | Degree | £9,000 | £9,000 |
| Year 4 | Honours | free | free |
4th year free only for students studying full-time, on continuous study, who have paid for the previous three years at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Part-time (per 20 credit module) - £1,500.
Fees are payable in advance each academic year unless otherwise agreed.
There are a number of funding options available to UK and EU students to help you pay for your studies and your cost of living while studying.
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union and with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
| 2019-20 | 2020-21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (120 credit modules) per year | £11,650 | £12,000 |
| Part-time (structured) (3 x 20 credit modules) per year** | £5,820 | £6,000 |
| Part-time (unstructured per module) (per 20 credit module)** | £1,940 | £2,000 |
Part-time study is not open to international student requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
Further information on international course fees.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time RUK and International undergraduate students for continuous and contiguous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
External scholarships and financial support may be available. Contact the relevant university partner college for more information.
Additional Costs
You will be required to cover any expenses for participation in fieldtrips.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed your BA (Hons) Scottish History and Politics course, there are a variety of careers you might like to consider. Here is just a taster of the kind of opportunities available to you:
- Teaching and research
- Media and politics
- Journalism
- Local and national government
- Museums and libraries
Can I progress into further study?
You can progress from the BA (Hons) Scottish History and Politics to the following postgraduate course:
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
What our students, graduates and staff say
I loved the fact that you could study at a campus, and from home, and at the same time be networked with the university's thirteen campuses across the beautiful Highlands and Islands.
This degree combined three of my main interests: Scotland, history and politics, and has taught me invaluable academic skills. I hope to continue on to a masters when I finish in 2020.
Silja Roethinger is studying on the BA (Hons) Scottish History and Politics at our Moray College UHI campus
During my course, I volunteered to work at Perth Museum and Art Gallery where I gained experience in a number of different roles. My advice to future students would be to use the course to learn skills for the future and pick something you love to do.
Morrison McKay graduated with a BA (Hons) Scottish History from our Perth College UHI campus.
Apply for Scottish History and Politics BA (Hons)
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate 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 gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.