BA (Hons) Archaeology with Gaelic Studies 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 Gaelic (Gaelic language learning plus the culture, history and literature of the Gaelic Highlands and Islands). It is studied online across the UHI network and can be taken full-time or part-time.

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

What you will study

Year 1: Gaelic for learners 1a and 1b, introduction to archaeology. Year 2: Being an archaeologist in Scotland, Folklore, Introduction to Gaelic poetry. Year 3: archaeological project, theory and interpretation, language policy and planning, traditional Gaelic culture, understanding archaeological science. Year 4: archaeology dissertation, language policy in the workplace, traditional Gaelic culture in the 21st century plus two archaeology options.

Career pathways

Archaeological contract units, consultancy, archives and museums, government agencies and local authorities, media and politics, creative arts, marketing and PR, 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 (structured): 8 years; part-time (unstructured): variable

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