BA (Hons) Archaeology and Sociology at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

A joint honours degree combining archaeology (fieldwork, surveying and post-excavation skills mapped to current occupational standards) with sociology (the development, structure and functioning of human society). It is studied online across the UHI network and can be taken full-time or part-time.

Duration: Full-time: 4 years; part-time: 8 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1: introduction to archaeology, Making social lives: the Highlands and Islands, Understanding the social world. Year 2: Being an archaeologist in Scotland, Belief, culture and community, sociological theory. Year 3: archaeological theory and interpretation, understanding archaeological science, Work and society plus sociology modules. Year 4: archaeology options and sociology options such as Network society and Our digital future.

Career pathways

Archaeological contract units, consultancy, archives and museums, social policy in national and local government, television and media, marketing, tourism and heritage management, teaching and research.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

3 Scottish Highers at BBC or above, or 2 A levels at BC or above; at least two from the list of relevant academic subjects; other qualifications or experience considered individually; SWAP access courses or the CPD Award Archaeology and Local Studies accepted. Advanced entry: HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits plus 3 at level 7, with at least grade C in the Graded Unit) or NextGen HNC Social Sciences (15 credits at SCQF level 7) for year 2; HND Social Sciences (30 SQA credits, grades AB in level 8 graded units) or NextGen HND (15 credits at SCQF level 8 with Distinction) for year 3, case by case. International applicants (non-majority English-speaking countries): IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no element below 5.5, or an approved equivalent test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students (term-time address in Scotland), full-time. Source

International applicants: GBP 7,505 a year (2026/27). Full-time online from home country (also applies to those in the UK assessed as international) Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full-time: 4 years; part-time: 8 years

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