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

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Politics and Archaeology combines the study of political structures and ideologies with archaeological skills such as fieldwork, surveying and post-excavation, mapped to current occupational standards for archaeology. It is a four-year joint honours degree.

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

What you will study

Year 1 core modules are Ideas and ideologies in politics and Introduction to archaeology: approaches and methods, with politics and archaeology options. Year 2 core module is Being an archaeologist in Scotland, with options such as Digital heritage, Excavation skills and Wetland archaeology alongside politics options such as Comparative politics.

Career pathways

Teaching, research, media and politics, archaeological contract units, consultancy, archives and museums, and government.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Three Scottish Highers at grade BBC or above, or two A levels at grade BC or above, with at least two in the list of relevant academic subjects; applicants with other relevant qualifications or experience are considered individually. Advanced entry to year 2 with an HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits plus 3 additional credits at level 7, at least grade C in the Graded Unit) or NextGen HNC Social Sciences (15 credits at SCQF level 7); advanced entry to year 3 with an HND Social Sciences (30 SQA credits, minimum AB in the level 8 graded units) or NextGen HND at SCQF level 8 achieved with Distinction, considered case by case. SWAP access courses are an accepted route.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Students normally domiciled in Scotland with a term-time address in Scotland (includes EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status) Source

International applicants: GBP 7,505 a year (2026/27). Full-time online study from the home country, or UK-resident students assessed as international for fee status Source

Intake: September

Duration: 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time

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