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

Programme overview

The BA (Hons) Literature is an online degree exploring literature in a global context, covering authors in English and translation from the classical to the contemporary. It builds a foundation in genres and periods in years one and two, with research-based modules in years three and four.

Duration: Full time: 4 years; Part time: 8 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules include Theories of literature, Reading fiction, Reading drama and Reading poetry. Year 2 covers heroic, medieval and tragic literature. Year 3 modules include Romantic genius, the modernist short story and Nature writing and ecology, and year 4 centres on a literature dissertation.

Career pathways

Teaching and education, academia, publishing, museums and archives, charities, the media, the heritage sector, creative arts, marketing and PR, government, writing and research. Progression to MRes Eco-literature, MRes Science fiction and fantasy, MRes Renaissance drama, or MRes, MPhil and PhD study.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

3 Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or 2 A levels at grade 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 plus 3 additional SQA credits at level 7, with 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 minimum 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, otherwise entry is at year two. SWAP access courses are accepted. International applicants studying online from overseas: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no element below 5.5, CEFR B2 in all four components, or another approved English test.

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

International applicants: GBP 7,505 a year (2026/27). International fee status, full-time online (120 credits) per year. Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full time: 4 years; Part time: 8 years

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