BA (Hons) Social Sciences at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

This fully online BA (Hons) studies society, its people and institutions, with a focus on sociology, politics and psychology and a strong emphasis on research methods. Students can also take options in criminology, history, literature, philosophy and theology, and specialise as they progress. It can be studied full-time or part-time, and individual modules can be taken for personal or professional development.

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

What you will study

Year 1 core modules: An introduction to social interaction, Ideas and ideologies in politics, Psychology of individual differences and development, and Understanding the social world. Year 2 includes Comparative politics, Culture and cognition, Qualitative research methods and Sociological theory. Year 3 includes Advanced social research methods and modules in two disciplines, and year 4 includes a dissertation with further politics, sociology and psychology modules.

Career pathways

Graduates often go on to further study in social sciences or careers in teaching, social work, the civil service, local government, research, political party administration, arts management, the uniformed services and business.

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 2 with HNC Social Sciences (12 SQA credits plus 3 additional level 7 credits, at least grade C in the Graded Unit, or NextGen HNC at SCQF level 7), and to year 3 with HND Social Sciences (grades AB in the level 8 graded units, or NextGen HND with Distinction). SWAP Access courses are accepted. English language for international online applicants: IELTS Academic overall 6.0 with no element below 5.5, or CEFR B2 in all four components. Not eligible for a Student Route visa.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Full-time, 120-credit year. Scotland-domiciled students with a Scottish term-time address (includes EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status and EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status) Source

International applicants: GBP 7,505 a year (2026/27). Full-time online, 120-credit year. Students not normally resident in the UK studying online from home, or living in the UK but assessed as international (includes EU/EEA/Swiss nationals without settled status). Source

Intake: January; September

Duration: 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time (structured)

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities