BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage and Archaeology at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage and Archaeology is a joint degree combining the cultural heritage of the Highlands and Islands with practical archaeological fieldwork, surveying and post-excavation skills. Students develop research skills that support careers and postgraduate progression. It is studied online, with practical fieldwork and project work.

Duration: 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time; part-time modular study of individual modules also available | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core module is Introduction to archaeology: approaches and methods, with archaeology options and culture and heritage modules such as Scotland: the brand. Year 2 includes Being an archaeologist in Scotland with options such as Digital heritage, Excavation skills and Wetland archaeology. Year 3 core modules are Archaeological theory and interpretation and Understanding archaeological science, plus an archaeology project or Interdisciplinary project. Year 4 is a dissertation in culture and heritage or archaeology plus options from both subjects.

Career pathways

Primary and secondary teaching, archaeological field units, tourism, interpretation with heritage and wildlife organisations, research and academia, museums and archives, developer-funded archaeology, policy development, community development, and journalism and the media.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Typical offer: 3 Scottish Highers at BBC or above, or 2 A levels at BC or above, with at least two from the relevant academic subjects (English, History, Geography, Modern Studies, Politics, Sociology, Economics, Psychology, Philosophy, Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies, Religious Education, Media Studies, language subjects, Maths, Classical Studies, sciences). Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience are considered individually. Advanced entry to year 2: HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits) with 3 additional SQA credits at level 7 and at least grade C in the Graded Unit, or NextGen HNC Social Sciences (15 SQA credits at SCQF level 7, Achieved). Advanced entry to year 3: HND Social Sciences (30 SQA credits) with at least grades AB in the level 8 graded units, or NextGen HND Social Sciences (15 SQA credits at SCQF level 8, Achieved with Distinction), considered case by case; if not appropriate, entry is offered at year 2. Access routes: SWAP Access courses, or satisfactory completion of the CPD Award Archaeology and Local Studies (SCQF level 7). English language (international applicants studying online from overseas): IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no element below 5.5, or an alternative qualification at CEFR B2 in listening, reading, speaking and writing, or another approved test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students, full-time per year (120 credits) Source

International applicants: GBP 7,505 a year (2026/27). International students studying online from their home country, full-time online per year (120 credits) Source

Intake: September

Duration: 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time; part-time modular study of individual modules also available

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