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

Programme overview

BA (Hons) Politics covers the three main areas of political study: political theory, international relations and comparative politics. It builds research skills and links with employers such as local government, political parties, lobbying companies, parliaments and trade unions, with guest speakers and masterclasses built in.

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

What you will study

Year 1 core modules are Conflict and the balance of power, Ideas and ideologies in politics and The evolving politics of the British Isles. Year 2 core modules are Comparative politics, History of political ideas and Qualitative research methods. Year 3 options include Environmental and green politics and European politics; year 4 is a dissertation with options such as Foreign policy analysis, Political theory and Terrorism.

Career pathways

Local government official, political adviser and other government roles across several sectors.

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: January and September

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

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