Politics with Gaelic Studies BA (Hons)
Course code: L2PG
Study mode: You study most days of the week and complete all course units /modules in the standard time., You take fewer course units/modules per week compared to full time., You take one or more course unit/module(s) at a time.
Course type: BA (Hons)
International: Not eligible for international students
Study at: Argyll; HTC; Inverness; Moray; North, West and Hebrides; Orkney; Perth; Shetland
Start in: January; September
Learning mode: You join virtual classes from your local campus or learning centre., You access classes and/or materials digitally.
Duration: Full time: 4 years; Part time: 8 years; Part time modular: 12 weeks
How: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable., You complete course tasks independently. These may be set by your lecturer or chosen by you.
What is special about this course?
Study with us and explore the dynamic relationship between politics and Gaelic culture through this unique joint degree. This course lets you combine two subjects that match your interests and career ambitions, while engaging with a wide range of ideas and approaches central to the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Examine the key areas of political study, including political theory, international relations and comparative politics, alongside the rich history and contemporary life of the Gaelic world. Build a strong foundation in both subjects during your first two years, then specialise in topics that reflect staff expertise in your final years.
Develop your research and analytical skills year by year, and deepen your understanding of political systems, cultural identity and global issues. Enhance your learning with options to study related subjects such as literature, philosophy, history, archaeology and geography.
Choose from flexible study options and explore how politics and culture shape the world around you at local, national and international levels.
Special features
- Study politics in regional, national, and international contexts, connecting theory with real-world issues
- Learn about the Gaelic world and language, with the option to start Gaelic as a beginner
- Take part in an optional third-year placement in a political setting, gaining practical experience
- Study full-time or part-time to fit your lifestyle and commitments
- Choose individual modules for personal interest or professional development, with flexible learning pathways
Entry requirements
- 3 Scottish Highers at grades BBC or above OR
- 2 A levels at grades 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 may be available with HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7, which is equivalent to 120 degree credit points, and at least grade C in the Graded Unit
- Advanced entry to year three may be available with HND Social Sciences (30 SQA credits), with at least grades AB in the L8 Graded Units. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on additional qualifications/experience beyond the HND, as relevant to the programme of study. If not found to be appropriate, entry will be offered at year two
You will study the following core modules:
- Conflict and the balance of power
- Evolving politics of the British Isles
- Gaelic for learners 1a
- Gaelic for learners 1b
- Ideas and ideologies in politics
You will also have the freedom to choose one optional module from the full range offered across the Humanities curriculum.
You will study the following core modules:
- Comparative politics
- Folklore
- History of political ideas
- Introduction to Gaelic poetry
- Qualitative research methods
You will also have the freedom to choose one optional module from the full range offered across the Humanities curriculum.
You will study the following core modules:
- Advanced social research and analysis
- Language policy and planning
- Traditional Gaelic culture
You will also study two of the following optional modules:
- Challenging liberal democracy
- Inside US politics
- Wars of the promised land
You will study the following core modules:
- Dissertation (politics)
- Language policy in the workplace
- Traditional Gaelic culture in the 21st century
Plus either of the following:
- Special subject (Politics)
- Two Politics options (to be confirmed)
For more information on what you’ll study on your degree, as well as our range of other degree options, please explore our Humanities subject area page.
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Part-time modular (standalone modules)
- This course is mainly delivered online with scheduled sessions and tutorials
- Sessions are recorded and can be accessed online at any point from anywhere in the world after the scheduled class
- Online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You may also be able to access sessions online from your local campus - please contact them directly for more information
- There is an optional induction which you may attend in August or January. You will have the option to take part online, or in-person at UHI Perth
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 4 years @ 40 hours per week
- Part-time: 8 years @ 20 hours per week
- Part-time modular: 12 weeks @ 10 hours per week (per module)
The number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent on online material as well as individual study and research.
- Argyll
- HTC
- Inverness
- Moray
- North, West and Hebrides
- Orkney
- Perth
- Shetland
This course can be studied fully online from anywhere in the world. International applicants should apply to, and will be enrolled and supported by staff at, UHI Perth.
Start date
- September
- January
Fees
For information on costs of this course please contact the campus where you wish to study.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in:
- Local government official
- Political advisor
- Political party administrator
- Civil Service Fastrack scheme
- Trade Union management
- Policy analyst
- Parliamentary assistant
- Advertising, marketing and public relations agencies
- Secondary schools, further education colleges and higher education institutions
- Charities
- Media
- Heritage sector
Can I progress into further study?
We have a wide range of Humanities and Social Science taught postgraduate degrees which offer opportunity for onward progression and study for graduates of this award. For information about further study options, please see our list of Postgraduate progression routes from Humanities degrees.
We also offer a range of postgraduate research degrees: MRes, MPhil and PhD.
Apply for Politics with Gaelic Studies 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.