HND Social Sciences at University of the Highlands and Islands

Programme overview

The HND Social Sciences, delivered at Inverness, explores people and society and how Scotland and the UK developed, with subjects including history, criminal justice, sociology, politics and psychology. Students learn to handle complex information, interpret statistics and build research, analytical and communication skills. It is mainly delivered in person on campus with online scheduled sessions and tutorials.

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

What you will study

Year 1 is the HNC Social Sciences. Year 2 core modules are An investigation in the social sciences, Criminology, Graded unit 2, Graded unit 3, History C, Politics C and D, and Sociology C and D.

Career pathways

Graduates can consider careers in children and family support services, the criminal justice system, prison service and policing, politics, and heritage. They can progress to year 3 of UHI Humanities degrees.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Entry to year 1 (HNC Social Sciences): 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above, preferably including English, History or Modern Studies, OR 1 A level at grade D or above, preferably English or History; Sociology or Psychology can also be included. Direct entry to year 2 with the full 15-credit HNC Social Sciences and at least a C in the Graded Unit. An interview may be required and applicants may be asked to demonstrate discursive writing skills; regular access to the internet and a computer is needed. Category 2 PVG course. English language for international applicants on a 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.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,285 a year (2026/27). Full-time per 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 9,460 a year (2026/27). Full-time per year, students not normally resident in the UK (including EU/EEA/Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status) with a term-time address in Scotland. Part-time study is not open to those needing a Student Route visa. Source

Intake: September

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

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities