HNC Contemporary Art Practice at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

A project-based, interdisciplinary HNC responding to creative briefs across drawing, painting, sculpture, film and photography, with historical and contextual studies supporting practical work. HNC and HND form the first two years of the BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Practices.

Duration: Full-time: 1 year; part-time: 2 years | Intake: September | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Mandatory units are Contemporary art practice graded unit 1, Professional practice and exhibition studies 1, Contemporary art theory and context 1, Three dimensional practice, Two dimensional practice and Developmental drawing, with options such as Life drawing, Life painting, Photography, Printmaking, Public art and Sculpture.

Career pathways

Prepares students for creative careers as practising artists or creative practitioners in community arts, education or galleries; progression to HND Contemporary Art Practice, BA (Hons) Art and Contemporary Practices or BA (Hons) Fine Art.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, or 1 A level at grade D or above, or NC Art and Design, or a Foundation Apprenticeship Creative and Digital Media. Applicants without standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply; individual competence in art, design or lens-based skills evidenced by a portfolio is considered and an interview is required. Category 2 PVG course. English language for international on-campus applicants (Student Route visa): IELTS for UKVI Academic overall 5.5 with no element below 5.0, or LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 overall 60 with no element below 55 (university-wide HNC/HND requirement).

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,285 a year (2026/27). Scotland-domiciled, full-time per year. Source

International applicants: GBP 9,460 a year (2026/27). International students, full-time per year. Source

Intake: September

Duration: Full-time: 1 year; part-time: 2 years

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