BA (Hons) Sociology and Theology at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

This online joint honours degree combines the study of the development, structure and functioning of human society with the main disciplines of Christian theology. The first two years follow a broad approach to both subjects and years 3 and 4 examine specific topics reflecting staff research specialisms. Students can attend the annual staff and student Social Sciences conference and present in their fourth year.

Duration: 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time; part-time modular up to 10 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Year 1 core modules: Making social lives: the Highlands and Islands and Understanding the social world, with theology options such as Introduction to systematic theology, Jesus and the gospels and Protestant Reformation. Year 2 includes Belief, culture and community and Sociological theory with options such as Early church history and Pauline theology. Year 3 includes Work and society and Hebrews or Scottish church history, and year 4 is a dissertation in theology or sociology.

Career pathways

Graduates can work in teaching and teacher training, social work, churches, missionary societies and agencies, community work, social policy and management, and policing. Progression routes include PgCert Research Methods, MSc Tourism and research degrees.

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 Social Sciences (15 SQA credits at SCQF level 7, Achieved); advanced entry to year 3 with HND Social Sciences (30 SQA credits, grades AB in the level 8 graded units) or NextGen HND (Achieved with Distinction), considered case by case, otherwise year 2 entry is offered. SWAP Access courses and any recognised Access to HE course (such as Access to Christian Theology or Access to Humanities) are accepted; other relevant access courses are considered individually. 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. Category 2 PVG course for specific optional modules.

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: September

Duration: 4 years full-time; 8 years part-time; part-time modular up to 10 years

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