BA (Hons) Culture, Heritage with Gaelic Studies at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Culture and Heritage with Gaelic Studies is for those with a broad interest in the Highlands and Islands and Scotland, with an introduction to the Gaelic language. Students can write their end-of-year projects in English or Gaelic in years 3 and 4. The programme covers art, film and literature through to museums, Vikings and plants.

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 modules are Gaelic for learners 1a and 1b plus Culture and Heritage modules such as Scotland: the brand. Year 2 core modules are Folklore and Introduction to Gaelic poetry. Year 3 core modules are Interdisciplinary project, Language policy and planning and Traditional Gaelic culture. Year 4 core modules are Dissertation (Culture and Heritage), Language policy in the workplace and Traditional Gaelic culture in the 21st century.

Career pathways

Primary and secondary teaching in Gaelic or English, history and modern studies, interpretation with heritage and wildlife organisations, heritage and tourism, museums, archives and libraries, government agencies and local authorities, research and academia, community development, policy development, marketing and PR, 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 route: SWAP Access courses. 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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