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

Programme overview

A joint honours degree combining the study of medieval to modern history (Scotland, Britain, Europe and the Atlantic World) with archaeological skills such as fieldwork, surveying and post-excavation, mapped to current occupational standards for archaeology. Students can specialise in Scottish History at upper level and graduate with a BA (Hons) Scottish History and Archaeology.

Department: Centre for History and Archaeology Institute | Duration: Full time: 4 years; Part time: 8 years; Part time modular: 12-14 weeks | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules are Introduction to archaeology: approaches and methods and What is history?; year 2 adds Being an archaeologist in Scotland and Historians and history; year 3 includes Archaeological theory and interpretation and Understanding archaeological science plus Archaeological project or Public history; year 4 is a dissertation in history or archaeology with options such as Vikings and Norse archaeology in the North Atlantic.

Career pathways

Pathways into archaeology and history careers; practical archaeological skills support employability. Progression to postgraduate research (MRes, MPhil, PhD).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

3 Scottish Highers at grades BBC or above, or 2 A levels at grades BC or above, with at least two from the list of relevant academic subjects. Applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience are considered individually. Advanced entry to year two: 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 three: 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 two. SWAP Access courses and other relevant humanities access courses are considered. Alternatively, satisfactory completion of the CPD Award Archaeology and Local Studies (SCQF Level 7). International applicants (online from overseas or on campus): IELTS Academic overall 6.0 with no element below 5.5, or an approved equivalent test.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled students with a Scottish term-time address (includes EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status); full-time online, 120 credits per year Source

International applicants: GBP 7,505 a year (2026/27). Full-time online per year (120 credits) for students studying online from their home country; not eligible for Student Route Visa sponsorship Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full time: 4 years; Part time: 8 years; Part time modular: 12-14 weeks

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities