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

Programme overview

A joint honours degree covering thematic and period history alongside concentrated study of particular authors and periods of literature, in a local and global context. Skills modules in both subjects build analytical and research abilities each year.

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 Theories of literature: an introduction, Travellers in the wilderness and What is history?; year 2 includes Historians and history and two literature options such as Heroic literature or Mediaeval literature: texts and contexts; years 3 and 4 offer history and literature options such as Nature writing and ecology and The modernist short story, with a dissertation in one subject.

Career pathways

Teaching and education, libraries and archives, museums and heritage, media and journalism, publishing, government, non-profit organisations, creative arts, marketing and PR, postgraduate research.

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. 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

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